The chancellor’s budget this week was another missed opportunity for the government to do what’s necessary to tackle the cost of living crisis, boost our economy and level up. It felt like it was more about fixing votes than fixing the various crises we’re facing. At NEF we’ve been busy responding to the announcements — including publishing new analysis on what the budget means for people’s incomes across the country and speaking out against plans for harsher benefit sanctions. Amongst all the noise this week we’ve endeavored to be a voice calling for the radical change our country needs.
This government are leveling down Despite the government’s promise to reverse regional inequalities, our post-budget analysis shows that all UK regions are worse off than they were in 2015
Punitive benefits sanctions don’t work Miatta Fahnbulleh was on ITV’s Peston to respond to the Autumn Statement — including speaking out against plans for harsher benefit sanctions.
Reforming property tax Yesterday NEF published new research showing how the government could dampen speculation in the property market and raise billions for the Treasury by reforming property taxes.
Residents rise up against damp homes in Little London NEF organisers have been working with a community in Maltby to help them fight back against their absentee landlords. Their story was given excellent write up in the Guardian.
A fair start for all Nearly half of children under 5 in England live in “childcare deserts” — according to new research from NEF. But applying a universal basic services approach to early years education and care could transform the system.
A taxing problem The UK’s business rates is efficient, overcentralised and not fit for purpose. NEF’s new report sets out how an alternative system could give more control to local authorities and benefit the country.
Jeremy Hunt is like the captain of the Titanic trying to order more lifeboats after he’s hit the iceberg Jeevun Sandher wrote for LBC about why the chancellor’s budget won’t fix the crises Britain is facing.
The government’s spending plans include significant further cuts to public services Hannah Peaker was on LBC News ahead of the Budget to explain what it would mean for public services.
Benefit recipients fear financial squeeze of the UK’s chancellor’s welfare reforms Tom Pollard was quoted in the Financial Times and Open Democracy on changes to the social security system.
London and the South East would gain 50 per cent more than North from income tax cut NEF analysis of the regional distribution of a 1p income tax cut was covered in The i.
Levelling up projects unlikely to be delivered on time, says watchdog David Pendlebury was quoted in the Independent and Daily Mirror
