Spending Wisely: Principles for a good spending review

This is the first report of the Fabian Commission on Future Spending Choices which was established to consider the public spending options for a government coming to power in 2015. The report is published to coincide with the 2013 Spending Round. It looks beyond current short-term debates to ask whether we are having the right sort of conversation about public spending; and what new principles, processes and structures can improve spending decisions. The report calls for debate on wide-ranging institutional reform to achieve wiser spending choices.

The Commission is considering: the purpose of public spending and the values and criteria which should be adopted for determining spending allocations; pressures and priorities for public spending, including issues of long-term sustainability; likely scenarios for overall expenditure between 2015 and 2020; economic reforms which might reduce demand for public spending; how public spending can best support growth, jobs and earnings; and how the public sector can manage with less money.