Menu
11/08/2009
'Progressive' Tory Public Spending Plans
A "progressive" Tory government would cut spending without affecting front line services, the Shadow Chancellor George Osborne has said.
Mr Osborne denied the Conservatives planned to hike VAT up to 20%, and cited Sweden as a model for effective educational spending.
Branding his party as the new "progressive force" in British politics, the Shadow Chancellor said "overspending" by the current government should not see the public "over-taxed".
Mr Osborne said savings could be made on public services, such as schools, by allowing independent providers into the state sector.
This is common practise in Sweden, where contracts for computers, text books and land are largely negotiated.
The system has also forced the state bureaucracy to reduce its costs, he claimed.
Mr Osborne said: "Because of the debt crisis the country faces we have a choice. You can either reform the way these services are delivered - so the money goes further and you get more for less - or you can face frontline service cuts.
"Because Labour has no plans to reform public services... if the Labour government was re-elected there would be frontline service cuts," he said.
"It is the Conservatives, as the progressive force in British politics, now who are thinking seriously about how you change the way you deliver public services so you can improve the quality of service delivery even in a period of budget restraint."
(PR/KMcA)
Mr Osborne denied the Conservatives planned to hike VAT up to 20%, and cited Sweden as a model for effective educational spending.
Branding his party as the new "progressive force" in British politics, the Shadow Chancellor said "overspending" by the current government should not see the public "over-taxed".
Mr Osborne said savings could be made on public services, such as schools, by allowing independent providers into the state sector.
This is common practise in Sweden, where contracts for computers, text books and land are largely negotiated.
The system has also forced the state bureaucracy to reduce its costs, he claimed.
Mr Osborne said: "Because of the debt crisis the country faces we have a choice. You can either reform the way these services are delivered - so the money goes further and you get more for less - or you can face frontline service cuts.
"Because Labour has no plans to reform public services... if the Labour government was re-elected there would be frontline service cuts," he said.
"It is the Conservatives, as the progressive force in British politics, now who are thinking seriously about how you change the way you deliver public services so you can improve the quality of service delivery even in a period of budget restraint."
(PR/KMcA)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
06 October 2009
Tories Would Freeze Public Wages
A Tory government would freeze public sector pay, the Shadow Chancellor told his party's Manchester conference today. Outlining the Conservatives' spending plans, George Osborne said he would halt pay increases for judges, doctors, teachers and emergencies services staff in 2011.
Tories Would Freeze Public Wages
A Tory government would freeze public sector pay, the Shadow Chancellor told his party's Manchester conference today. Outlining the Conservatives' spending plans, George Osborne said he would halt pay increases for judges, doctors, teachers and emergencies services staff in 2011.
18 September 2014
Welsh Councils Urged To Consider Voluntary Mergers
Councils across Wales have been urged to consider a voluntary merger, rather than being forced to. It follows a recommendation from the Williams Commission that the number of local councils be reduced from 22 to 10. It has been suggested that councils leading their own mergers would allow them to "shape their own reforms".
Welsh Councils Urged To Consider Voluntary Mergers
Councils across Wales have been urged to consider a voluntary merger, rather than being forced to. It follows a recommendation from the Williams Commission that the number of local councils be reduced from 22 to 10. It has been suggested that councils leading their own mergers would allow them to "shape their own reforms".
29 November 2010
Government Seeks Experts' View On Public Service Reform
The Government has invited experts, public service managers and providers of public services to submit their ideas for public service reform. Their views will help shape the Government's Public Service Reform White Paper, announced in the Spending Review, which will be published next year.
Government Seeks Experts' View On Public Service Reform
The Government has invited experts, public service managers and providers of public services to submit their ideas for public service reform. Their views will help shape the Government's Public Service Reform White Paper, announced in the Spending Review, which will be published next year.
06 December 2005
Government departments ‘squandering billions’, MPs claim
Government departments are wasting billions of pounds, a report by MPs has claimed. The report, by the Public Accounts Committee, said that departments had failed to learn lessons from the past. Chairman Edward Leigh said that basic errors were repeated “time and time again” in spite of “fine words and earnest assurances” to the committee.
Government departments ‘squandering billions’, MPs claim
Government departments are wasting billions of pounds, a report by MPs has claimed. The report, by the Public Accounts Committee, said that departments had failed to learn lessons from the past. Chairman Edward Leigh said that basic errors were repeated “time and time again” in spite of “fine words and earnest assurances” to the committee.
18 June 2003
Unison chief threatens strike action over public service reform
The new general secretary of health union Unison has threatened strike action if the government fails to properly fund its public service reforms.
Unison chief threatens strike action over public service reform
The new general secretary of health union Unison has threatened strike action if the government fails to properly fund its public service reforms.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
