Forget Trident – here's where we really need to slash spending

Labour politicians have tried to avoid using the word 'cut'. But even they now seem to accept the idea that something needs to be done about public sector spending. The trouble is, our leaders have been rather reluctant to say exactly where the axe should fall.

Labour politicians have tried to avoid using the word 'cut'. But even they now seem to accept the idea that something needs to be done about public sector spending. The trouble is, our leaders have been rather reluctant to say exactly where the axe should fall.

So it's good to see that Vince Cable, the Liberal Democrat Treasury spokesman, has now identified some specific targets. Some are even new. Cable suggests a freeze on public sector pay overall (saving £2.4bn a year); a 25% cut in the total pay bill of staff earning over £100,000; and an end to bonuses for the civil service (saving £200m a year).

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Jody Clarke

Jody studied at the University of Limerick and was a senior writer for MoneyWeek. Jody is experienced in interviewing, for example digging into the lives of an ex-M15 agent and quirky business owners who have made millions. Jody’s other areas of expertise include advice on funds, stocks and house prices.