Running out of dosh
We're in a deepening recession and according to the IMF -- which puts a premium on the government spending properly what little money it has to spare from bailing out the banks.
But Westminster still doesn't quite get it. The air is still thick with calls from all sides of the political spectrum for extra money on this, that and everything -- as if the economy was still growing by 3% and the Treasury coffers were full to the brim with dosh. The make-believe is even worse at local levels, where town halls are still advertising well-paid jobs of dubious necessity in these tough times when more deserving causes are going without.
British politics has yet to recognise it is about to be shaped by one blunt truth: there is no more money. Public spending is already projected to put on a hairshirt for the foreseeable future but whoever wins the election will have to tighten the belt even further. Don't bother asking if there will be tax rises or spending cuts -- the chances are there will be both.
This transformation from the Age of Plenty to the Era of Shortage is anticipated this morning with the news that because the government may have run out of money for building schemes they've already started.
Later today Tory leader David Cameron will be outlining his party's priorities on spending and he'll be telling how the Conservatives would pay back the massive debt now being incurred. We'll see how honest he is. We'll be talking to economist Carl Emerson from the and the Shadow Chief Secretary to the Treasury, .
Also today we'll be looking at the Economic migrants and students outside the EU will have to pay a £50 levy towards the cost of public services they use. It's expected to amount to £70m over two years, a "drop in the ocean" when it comes to the cost of integrating new arrivals, say critics. 
We'll have the Communities Secretary, .
Also in the studio today, union leader, Bob Crow, who's launching a new political party today. will only fight the European elections. If you can't guess from the title, let me explain, it's an anti European party and if they win candidates will refuse to take up a seat in the European parliament, take a salary or claim any expenses.
Our guest of the day is author and former government adviser, . We'll be looking at choice and teaching methods in education with her.
So a busy programme and lots to talk about today. Tune in at midday, or later on iplayer.
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