Former head of the civil service, Sir Bob Kerslake, has warned of further pressure on council budgets after the election, suggesting ministers are likely to protect defence spending leaving local transport and highways vulnerable.
Permanent secretary at the Department for Communities and Local Government until six weeks ago, Lord Kerslake said councils had made cuts ‘by stripping out staff and dimming the lights’ and even the ‘lean mean Conservative councils would say they cannot see from the trajectories how they will make it work in two years’ time.’
The Financial Times reports he said it was ‘increasingly clear’ that defence ‘for intents and purposes is going to be protected’ as a result of pressure from armed forces chiefs and backbenchers.
Recent reports have also suggested the US has also urged Britain to maintain its defence spending.
‘So if we think about the pressure on the unprotected budgets, its even more acute if you think defence is unlikely to feature in huge measure,’ Lord Kerslake said.
He also warned the health budget would need ‘an injection of money upfront’.
All parties have committed significant funds to the NHS, with Labour promising at least an further £2.5bn a year for an NHS Time to Care Fund to pay for 8,000 more GPs, 20,000 more nurses and 3,000 more midwives.
Meanwhile the Liberal Democrats have pledged to a further £8bn above inflation for the NHS by 2020 – the amount Simon Steven, chief executive of the English NHS said is needed to keep services at current levels. The Conservatives have since matched this promise.
