last for months. but the economic picture is brighter than many had predicted and that means extra money for the government to spend. today s budget increases total departmental spending over this parliament by £150 billion. if anybody still doubts it, today s budget confirms that the conservatives are the real party of public services. jeering. there will be cash for the nhs to recoverfrom the pandemic, money to fund a wage increase for public sector staff, though no details yet, and money for transport projects, including a cut in tax for flights around the uk. controversialjust a few days before the climate summit in glasgow begins. this budget is a chance for the treasury to set out its vision of the economy after the pandemic and the chancellor wants us all to know that he is still prepared to spend money on big political priorities.