U.K. Spending Review: More Nukes, Fewer Dustbins?

Renewing Britain One Spreadsheet at a Time

Alright folks Bill Gates here chiming in on the U.K.'s latest spending spree. Chancellor Rachel Reeves is trying to 'renew Britain,' which sounds like a noble endeavor. Let's hope it involves more than just defragging the national hard drive. I always say 'Success is a lousy teacher. It seduces smart people into thinking they can't lose.' But even successful countries need a good budget!

Defense: From 2.3% to 2.6% of GDP – Is This Thing On?

Defense spending is going up from 2.3% to 2.6% of GDP by 2027. Apparently they're building 12 new nuclear powered attack submarines. Makes you wonder if they've considered a good antivirus program instead. Cyber warfare is the new frontier after all. As I've said before 'Information technology and business are becoming inextricably interwoven. I don't think anybody can talk meaningfully about one without talking about the other.' And that includes national defense.

Health: A Record Cash Investment Or Just Good Marketing?

The National Health Service is getting a 'record cash investment,' increasing spending by 3% per year. That's an extra £29 billion per year. Hopefully they're using that money to upgrade their IT systems. I can just imagine them still using paper files. It's like saying 'Let's improve healthcare by giving everyone a quill and ink!' Efficiency is key people! You wouldn't run Windows ME on a server would you? Same principle.

Science & Tech: £86 Billion to Fund New Drug Treatments

£86 billion for research and development in science and tech. Now we're talking! This is where the real breakthroughs happen. From 'new drug treatments and longer lasting batteries to new AI breakthroughs.' I'm all for it. After all 'The advance of technology is based on making it fit in so that you don't really even notice it so it's part of everyday life.' Let's just hope they don't create Skynet.

Housing: £39 Billion For Social and Affordable Housing Investment

£39 billion boost to social and affordable housing. Access to affordable housing is a global issue not just a UK one. It is a good step though! I hope the UK takes advantage of new technologies and construction methods to improve on the affordable housing offering.

No Fiscal Announcements: Just More Waiting

No tax announcements this time around. Just 'fiscal headroom' and hoping for the best. Sounds like they're running Windows on a prayer. 'Your most unhappy customers are your greatest source of learning,' so listen to the economists folks! And maybe invest in some faster processors for those budget spreadsheets.