Making apprenticeships work for the economy
Today is the start of National Apprenticeship Week; Catherine McKinnell MP explains why the Apprenticeships and Skills (Public Procurement) Bill will help.
Green Politics
Miliband: “Tories were encouraging us to deregulate further”
Ed Miliband and Ed Balls have accused the Conservative party of trying to drive the last government further away from regulating the activity of the City of London.
IFS urges Osborne to develop a Plan B
The respected Institute for Fiscal Studies think tank today urged George Osborne to prepare a ‘Plan B’ for fiscal consolidation in case growth prospects deteriorate.
“Perverse” cuts to regional funding will set back growth
We can expect the chorus of business leaders calling for a change of direction to grow ever louder as we head towards next month’s budget, writes Kevin Meagher.
How long can the Lib Dems claim their tax policy helps the poorest?
Next time you see Nick Clegg or Tim Farron emoting about the Lib Dems’ concern for the poorest, remember: the priority for them is income tax cuts, write Tim Horton & Howard Reed.
Re-mutualising Northern Rock “would be a good move”
Leaders of the two biggest mutuals today told the Commons Treasury select committee that the re-mutualisation of Northern Rock could be a “good move”.
Tory right, obsessed with cuts, still deaf to the lessons of the thirties
The Tory right, obsessed with shrinking the state, appears entirely deaf to the lessons of the US in 1937, or of Greece and Ireland today, writes George Irvin.
Economic update – February 2011
The year 2011 looks like being very tough as tax increases and spending cuts actually take effect, reports Tony Dolphin with the February economic update.
“Lacklustre” growth predicted as Osborne told to develop Plan B
The NIESR think tank predict “lacklustre” growth in 2011. They believe “there is a case for delaying some of the austerity programme” and urge the Chancellor to develop a ‘Plan B’.
MPC members need to be sure of inflation risks before voting for rate rise
Fortunately, for now a majority on the MPC appear not to be too worried about a permanent increase in inflation expectations, writes ippr’s Tony Dolphin.