Shrinking pains: The size and functions of the state over the parliament and beyond

A decade of deep public spending cuts in areas such as non-schools education and working age welfare, combined with increased funding for health and pensioner benefits, will mean the size and functions of the state will be very different in 2020, compared to before the crash.

What should citizens expect from a smaller state? What can public services increasingly focused on older people do to boost productivity and improve life chances for families and younger generations?

At an event in Westminster, Resolution Foundation presented new analysis of the changing size and functions of the state. Former Chancellor Ken Clarke set out his vision for the priorities of the state following a period of fiscal consolidation, before taking part in an expert panel discussion and Q&A.