If there was one thing the spending review has proved, it is that the Conservative-led coalition is a compassionate government. In fact, I would go further and argue that it is a government that has given true meaning to ‘cradle to grave’ conservatism. From the beginning of the life-cycle to the end, the coalition is investing in ways that are profoundly Conservative, while also passing known socialist yardsticks, such as the redistribution of wealth from the rich to the poor, by ensuring that the wealthiest bear the greatest burden of taxation and that resources are targeted at to those most in need.
Take nursery education, the spending round confirmed that the government will continue to fund free childcare places for 3 and 4 year olds and that it will extend this to the most disadvantaged 2 year olds later this year. What a contrast to Labour’s legacy of unaffordable childcare, where working mothers would only break-even on childcare costs after working for 4 months.
This is followed through with the pupil premium, which is being protected in real terms.
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