The BBC is still analysing the figures, but it’s clear many of the calculations include assumptions from special advisers – who are appointed by ministers and are more political than other civil servants.
The documents includes, for example, assumptions that internal staff are less efficient that external staff – and that services would cost more when run by the public sector.
Some of the calculations include caveats that cheaper options are available, costings are “uncertain” and that they often don’t include potential benefits.
Labour has also argued some of the calculations misrepresent its policies – and include unfair spending commitments it would not need.
Shadow Chancellor Rachel Reeves has said it’s “a bit rich” for Jeremy Hunt to suggest that taxes would go up under a Labour government.
Speaking to BBC Radio Essex ahead of the Chancellor’s speech today in London, Ms Reeves said: “Taxes under the Tories now are at a 70-year high.
“And under their plans, they’re due to go up in each of the next 5 years, taking the tax burden for the average family in Essex and elsewhere up by £870.
“So it’s under the Tories that taxes are going up – you can’t trust the Tories when it comes to mortgages, when it comes to taxes, and indeed when it comes to our public services.”
A Labour spokesperson dismissed Mr Hunt’s claims as “desperate”.
“All of Labour’s policies are fully costed and fully funded,” they said.
“Unlike the Conservatives who crashed the economy, Labour will never play fast and loose with the public finances.
“Jeremy Hunt would be better spent getting Rishi Sunak to confirm the date of the election, rather than putting out any more of these dodgy dossiers.”
Credit: Source link
