Spring into action

What might the chancellor’s spring statement have in store for universities?

On 23 March, chancellor Rishi Sunak is due to deliver the 2022 spring statement. It comes amid a worsening humanitarian situation in Ukraine and mounting financial strain at home.

Following the Comprehensive Spending Review in October, which outlined the government’s longer-term economic priorities, the spring statement was not expected to be a particularly major event. However, the outbreak of war in Europe has resulted in calls for an increase in defence spending, while rapidly rising inflation in the UK means the chancellor will have much to contend with when he takes to the podium.