Labour and the Conservatives are engaged in a “conspiracy of silence” on billions of pounds of cuts in unprotected public services, such as further education, leading economists have warned. Both parties, with the Liberal Democrats and the Green Party, published their manifestos last week providing some insight into their plans if they win the keys to Downing Street. Rishi Sunak and Keir Starmer continue to face tough questions about their tax and spending plans in the face of a changing economy, rising national debt and low growth. Economists have warned further education is among several public services likely to suffer cuts because of expensive commitments made on protected services such as the NHS and defence and green investment. Click here for more.
