Chancellor urged to spend on public services
In August, high inflation led to increased government finances, creating pressure on Chancellor Jeremy Hunt to boost support for state services, according to the Resolution Foundation. Government borrowing for August was £11.6 billion and nearly £70 billion for the first five months of the current fiscal year. This left the Chancellor £11.4 billion better off for 2023-24 than March's official forecasts had predicted. The Resolution Foundation noted that while higher inflation had led to increased tax payments, it had strained public services with pre-inflation budget allocations, making future public service cuts less tenable. Conservative backbenchers have opposed increasing department budgets in favour of tax cuts, while former prime minister Liz Truss has advocated tax cuts to stimulate economic growth. The borrowing figures highlight the need to manage inflation and government finances.
Police officer charged with murder of Chris Kaba
An armed Metropolitan Police officer, identified as NX121, has been charged with the murder of black rapper Chris Kaba in south London. Kaba, a 24-year-old expectant father, was fatally shot by a police marksman during a vehicle stop on 5 September 2022. Armed officers had been covertly following the vehicle, flagged by Automatic Number Plate Recognition as connected to a firearms incident. After the shooting, no firearms were found in the vehicle. The officer was initially placed on restricted duties but later suspended. The decision to charge the officer followed a six-month investigation by the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC). NX121 is set to appear in Westminster magistrates’ court. Kaba's family welcomed the charging decision, expressing hope that justice would be served. The police federation expressed concern about future implications for officers involved in dangerous roles. This case echoes past instances where armed Met officers faced murder charges over fatal shootings while on duty.
Change in attitudes towards school attendance
A recent report conducted by consultancy Public First highlights a ‘seismic shift’ in parental views on daily school attendance since the Covid pandemic. The factors contributing to this shift include the cost of living crisis, increased mental health concerns among students, and a more holistic approach to daily life. The research reveals that before the pandemic daily school attendance was seen as a fundamental aspect of good parenting. However, post-Covid, parents no longer view it in the same light, considering school attendance as one of several competing options or demands on their child. This shift is exemplified by a significant number of parents taking their children on holiday during term time, which is now considered socially acceptable. The report recommends the abolition of fines for school absences, citing their ineffectiveness in changing parental behaviour and their detrimental impact on school-parent relationships. It also advocates for increased investment in Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) and Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) to improve attendance.
More NHS strikes
The CEO of a large NHS trust has expressed his concerns about the ongoing industrial action by NHS consultants and junior doctors, comparing the situation to going into a battle with one arm tied behind their backs. The joint action by consultants and junior doctors has led to the cancellation of over 10,000 outpatient appointments, more than 1,000 non-urgent surgeries, and some urgent surgeries. Hospitals have even stopped booking appointments for strike days, exacerbating the disruption to elective care. The industrial action, now in its tenth month, is causing significant challenges for patients and healthcare staff. Trainer highlighted two main issues: patients not receiving the care they need and healthcare staff working in increasingly difficult circumstances, especially in emergency departments. The situation poses significant challenges as the NHS prepares for the winter season.
