In the news, December 2023

Universal Basic Services: a Greener, More Affordable Life for All
Our modelling, showing the economic benefits of childcare investment, was covered in Green European Journal.

Jeremy Hunt’s free childcare pledge ​‘doomed to fail’ as thousands of nurseries close amid staffing crisis
Our research on ​“childcare deserts” was covered in the Independent and the Guardian.

If taxing the rich is so fraught, maybe we need a rethink
Our proposals to share the wealth we all create was covered by the Guardian. 

Bidding wars, huge rent spikes and eviction threats: Inside London’s growing rental crisis
Our research on the impact of bidding wars in the private rented sector was covered by the Independent and the Big Issue.

Credit card and overdraft debt to rise by £5k a household by 2028, analysis shows
Our report showing that 30 million people will soon be unable to afford a basic standard of living was covered in the Guardian.

The Guardian view on the EU at a crossroads: time for new economic thinking
Our work on the flawed fiscal rules in the EU was covered in the Guardian.

Debate: Should we accelerate towards a cash-free society?
Lydia Prieg argued ​“no” in CityAM’s debate column.

DWP using AI to assess benefit and universal credit claims poses ​‘significant risk’, experts warn
Tom Pollard spoke to the Big Issue about the risks of using artificial intelligent to automate parts of the social security system.

“There’s actually nothing left to cut…“
Abi O’Connor spoke to TalkTV about why the solution to local councils’ financial difficulties can’t be more cuts to services.

The poverty gap
NEF chief exec Miatta Fahnbulleh spoke to BBC Radio 4 about the cost of living crisis.

“A rise in prices has delivered misery for millions of households across the country“
Alex Chapman spoke to Nick Ferrari on LBC, about the unfairness of oil bosses receiving massive salary increases whilst many ordinary people are struggling with the cost of living crisis.

Big Power for Little London
The residents of the Little London estate, supported by NEF, appeared on BBC Look North talking about their campaign for better housing rights.