Public services ‘to be worse than before Covid by 2030’ despite Labour’s huge spending splurge

A report by the Institute for Government says most of Britain’s public services are likely to remain below their pre-pandemic performance by the next general election, despite Labour’s increased spending. It warns that Andy Burnham has limited time, money and capacity to make substantial improvements before the expected 2029 poll.

The report says performance may improve in most services compared with 2024, but low starting levels and backlogs mean that gains are unlikely to restore pre-Covid standards. It highlights worsening prison performance, uncertainty over school reforms linked to rising special educational needs plans, and delays to the planned abolition of NHS England. It also says tight funding and inherited reforms could constrain progress.