Importance of the Upcoming Spending Review

The upcoming spending review is critical for determining the allocations of government funding from 2026 through the end of the current parliamentary term. This budget will decide the financial resources available for various sectors, particularly health and education, following a previous budget that significantly increased taxes and borrowing. The review will be particularly challenging as it sets a very tight spending cap, potentially leading to cuts in departments outside health. This situation is complicated further by the historical trend of the health service consuming a larger share of public spending, raising concerns about the impact on other vital services.