Calls for Better Use of Public Resources and Balanced Tax Reforms Amid Budget Discussions
Concerns have been raised about wasted public money resulting from siloed public services and the call for more effective use of resources through place-based budgets focused on individuals and communities. Evidence from Total Place pilots conducted in 2009-10 showed that local leaders collaborating across service and budget boundaries can achieve improved outcomes without increasing spending.
Signatories advocating these views include prominent figures such as Michael Bichard, former permanent secretary at the Department for Education; John Denham, Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government between 2009 and 2010; Liam Byrne, Chief Secretary to the Treasury during the same period; and Helen Bailey, Director of Public Service at HM Treasury from 2008 to 2011.
Research by Demos suggests that tax increases, including on income tax, may be necessary to repair public finances and could gain wider support if combined with wealth taxes. Such reforms, exemplified by the partnership tax, have garnered cross-party backing. The letter urging reform emphasizes the need for a positive government vision and recommends that the upcoming budget should build a narrative for a new social compact based on fairness and effective service delivery.
An editorial from The Guardian on 11 November urged the Chancellor to adopt a different political approach and avoid "digging holes" financially, highlighting the budget as a critical opportunity to transform Britain's national narrative.
A notable passage within the discussion mentions a claim that Rachel Reeves, Labour's shadow Chancellor, is not planning to raise income tax rates, accompanied by a humorous remark suggesting she might instead be doing the hokey cokey on Strictly.
