public spending

Moreover, when it comes to public spending there is still the long shadow from the pandemic.

The government's political opponents on the other hand, may look at that red line as it climbs steeply upwards and say: "See, public spending is ballooning out of control".

This chart does illustrate very significant rises in public spending.

The intervention comes ahead of the chancellor's spending review later this month, which is expected to feature cuts to some areas of public spending.

The announcement came after the public spending watchdog, Audit Scotland, said NHS initiatives to improve productivity and patient outcomes have yet to have an impact.