The CBI has urged the next government to address public sector pensions and student skills, as part of a 12-point agenda aimed at balancing the public finances by 2015. Following the next general election, the new government should act quickly and establish clear timetables for implementing the 12 points within 100 days of taking power, according to the business group. It says the 2015 target year would require a new, explicit commitment by the main political parties. The 12 priorities also include tackling youth unemployment, developing a stronger banking system, working towards a low-carbon economy, and developing the infrastructure for economic growth. John Cridland, CBI deputy director-general, said: ‘Any new government will have a lot to do in its early days, but the economy must be central to its plans, especially given the state of the public finances and the global downturn. ‘Our proposals make clear what the priorities should be to help put our economy on the road to sustainable growth. ‘The major political parties really need to focus on the public finances, even though this requires tough decisions.'
