The choice could not be clearer on public spending plans by the main political parties according to the Institute for Fiscal Studies.

In its analysis of the party manifestos, PIFS director Paul Johnson said: ‘Rarely can a starker choice have been placed before the UK electorate. The implication of the Conservative manifesto is that they believe most aspects of public policy are just fine as they are. Little in the way of changes to tax, spending, welfare or anything else. Yes, there are some spending increases for health and education already promised, but essentially nothing new in the manifesto.'