Why have Labour placed planning reform at the heart of their growth strategy? The UK’s planning system faces significant challenges that hinder economic growth, including inefficiency, lengthy delays in processing applications, bureaucratic complexity, inconsistent decision-making by planning authorities, restrictive greenbelt policies, and strong local opposition. Additionally, many planning authorities are under-resourced, leading to inadequate handling […]
National Wealth Fund
The Labour Party’s proposed £7.3 billion National Wealth Fund (NWF) aims to address our chronic underfunding issue by injecting capital into key sectors such as ports, gigafactories, clean steel, carbon capture, and green hydrogen. While this initiative is a commendable step towards revitalising the economy and fostering sustainable growth, it raises critical questions about whether […]
Interest on Central Bank Reserve
As the UK faces mounting fiscal pressures and seeks more efficient use of public funds, the debate over interest payments on central bank reserves has come to the forefront. This article examines Reform UK’s bold proposal to eliminate these payments and explores the concept of tiered interest rates as a viable solution. Reform UK has […]
Triple Lock Plus
We critically examine the Conservative Party’s “Triple Lock Plus” policy, which proposes increasing the tax-free personal allowance for pensioners in line with the highest of earnings, inflation, or 2.5%. While the policy aims to provide financial security for retirees, it raises significant concerns about intergenerational equity and long-term economic sustainability. We explore the potential costs, […]
Clash of the Titans Blog – Q1 2024
In the first quarter of 2024, the UK economy showed mixed signals, with GDP growth rising by 0.6% after two consecutive quarters of decline, indicating a tentative recovery. Inflation eased significantly, with the Consumer Prices Index (CPI) falling to 2.3% in April from 3.2% in March, driven by lower food and energy prices. Earnings growth […]
Welcome to the New and Improved Econ Club
We are excited to share significant enhancements to our Econ Club, designed to provide a more enriching and comprehensive experience for both students and educators. As we plan for these changes ahead of the new academic year, we invite school leaders like you to contribute feedback and suggestions, ensuring our program meets the unique needs […]