The UK’s record on public investment is poor by international standards – spending less than the OECD average for much of the past two decades. To her credit, the Chancellor has boosted capital spending plans by over £100 billion over this Parliament and put in place fiscal rules that reduce the likelihood of cutting investment when fiscal belt-tightening is needed. But that £100 billion won’t go as far as some might think, with much absorbed by reversing cuts planned by the previous Government. And with Britain’s social, economic and defence infrastructure all under strain, tough choices await on 11 June. How has the balance between social and economic investment changed since 2010? How can the Government address the UK’s legacy of frayed infrastructure, and support ambitions for growth and higher living standards? Which areas of spending – and the country – should be prioritised? And how can investment be used the effectively achieve the Government’s missions? The Resolution Foundation is hosting an in-person and interactive webinar to debate and answer these questions. Following a presentation of the key highlights from new RF research on how to prioritise public investment in the Spending Review, we will hear from leading experts about the strategic choices facing the Government as it balances rebuilding Britain’s social infrastructure while investing in future growth.
