I think it is a calculated compromise. The reality is though while they have been working their fingers to the bone, along with some other essential services too, the Government spent the family jewels and sold its magic money tree to keep peoples jobs safe on furlough. There is no getting away from the fact we can’t keep on borrowing ad infinitum. Inflation is rising and that in itself creates nightmares elsewhere, especially the poor and less well off.
I think what should have happened is the government offered the 3% now and each year of this governments term they agree CPI + 1% as a thank you of sorts. Is it enough? Clearly not, but whatever is given has to be affordable otherwise all that happens is they take it from elsewhere, defence, education, local government etc and we all pay more in indirect taxation through CT bills, petrol pumps, fuel costs etc while other services get cut and other people lose their jobs. There is no magic bullet that is fair to all and that applies to whoever is in charge. NI looks like going up to help part fund social care.
We are going to have to get used to the fact most ordinary peoples lifestyles may need readjusting as we have climate change to pay for too don’t forget. It is all a bit grim really and i feel it would be whoever was governing in truth.