A new briefing from the Centre for Policy Studies reveals that UK public spending is set to reach almost £1.5 trillion by 2028/29, representing a 23% real-terms increase from 2019/20 levels. The analysis by CPS Head of Fiscal and Economic Policy Daniel Herring shows that spending per adult will climb to £24,190 – a £2,830 increase driven primarily by debt interest (39%), healthcare (26%), and welfare (15%).
The briefing warns that government growth at 23% will far exceed projected economic growth of 11% over the same period, while NHS productivity remains 20% below pre-pandemic levels despite increased spending. Herring argues that Britain risks becoming ‘a combination of health service, benefit office and debt collection agency’ unless fundamental reforms are implemented to reconsider the state’s role.
The report was featured in The Telegraph, The Sunday Express, The Sun, and the Mail on Sunday. Robert Colville wrote about the report for The Sunday Times, with External Affairs Emma Revell also writing for City A.M.
Date Added: Tuesday 17th June 2025
