Both Tories and Labour 'avoiding reality’ over Britain's economic risks

Both parties are effectively signed up to the same fiscal rules, which leave them no room to manoeuvre unless they raise taxes or find other savings, according to a top think tank

Both parties are effectively signed up to the same fiscal rules, which leave them no room to manoeuvre unless they raise taxes or find other savings. 

Both major British political parties are refusing to address chronic problems in public services and looming economic risks as the election descends into big rows over small pledges, two of the country’s top think tanks warned.

In comments made shortly before the first televised leaders’ debate of the campaign, the Institute for Fiscal Studies accused the ruling Conservatives and Labour opposition of “avoiding reality”.