On January 4, 2023, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak outlined five key priorities for his government, with subsequent assessments revealing varying degrees of progress.
Halving Inflation
The government aimed to halve inflation by the end of 2023, targeting a reduction to 5.3% or lower from the 10.7% recorded between October and December 2022. The Consumer Prices Index (CPI) for the last quarter of 2023 stood at 4.2%, meeting this pledge.
Growing the Economy
Although the government did not specify the metric for evaluating economic growth, expectations were for an expansion in the economy during the October-December 2023 period. However, the economy contracted by 0.3%, resulting in a recession. Chancellor Jeremy Hunt cited the unforeseen circumstances and emphasized the priority given to halving inflation, which affected growth.
Reducing Debt
Government debt, measured as a proportion of GDP, rose to 97.1% by February 2023, reflecting an increase from the previous year. The government’s commitment was to forecast a decrease in debt by 2028-29. While projections suggest a decline in debt by 2028-29, achieving this goal necessitates stringent spending controls.
Cutting NHS Waiting Lists
Prime Minister Sunak pledged to reduce waiting lists for non-emergency treatment in England’s NHS. Although waiting lists fluctuated, recent data indicates a reduction of approximately 200,000 since September, despite being higher than when Sunak took office. Industrial action by healthcare professionals has impacted waiting times, contributing to the government’s acknowledgment of failure in meeting this goal.
Stopping Small Boat Crossings
Efforts to deter small boat crossings across the English Channel involved legislative measures, including the Illegal Migration Bill. Despite setbacks, such as legal challenges and amendments, the government reported progress in reducing crossings. Figures show a decline in arrivals in 2023 compared to the previous year, although crossings in 2024 have increased slightly.
Overall, while some targets have been met, such as halving inflation and legislative initiatives, challenges persist in areas like economic growth, debt reduction, healthcare, and immigration. Ongoing monitoring and adjustments are necessary to address these complexities effectively.
