Brown's pre-election 'spending spree' gamble - papers 13th July

According to the Daily Telegraph, economists believe Brown's planned spending-spree could easily go sour if either growth slows or Whitehall cost-cutting is as ineffective as in the past. They also questioned the estimated figures set out in Brown's Comprehensive Spending Review (CSR). The chancellor unveiled he will slash 84,150 civil service jobs, as part of an effort to reduce government waste by £21.5bn by 2008. But while businesses applauded this move, analysts issued a note of warning, saying it may not provide the savings needed to help Brown meet his golden rule - that he s...