09 May 2003
The cost of running central government has risen sharply, according to figures released by the Treasury this week.
Central administration and associated spending were the highest for 18 years, prompting opposition Tories to claim that higher taxes were paying for 'government, not services'.
Spending on 'public and common services' was up by 20%, and total administrative spending by government departments rose by 11% from £17.7bn in 2001/02 to £19.8bn in 2002/03.
But the percentage rise was inflated by a jump in contributions to the European Union, from £884m last year to £2.4bn in the year to March.
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