Including thoughts on the PM's “everyday fixes”, why we shouldn’t pick on mandarins, the downsides of emergency alerts, seasonality in the GDP data, and who is really “queuing up” to join the EU… Theme of the week Andy Burnham’s latest big idea is a series of “everyday fixes” to help with the cost of living. … Continue reading Weekly wrap – Has Andy Burnham already run out of ideas?
Category: Applied economics
Weekly wrap – The heroes, villains, and victims of the Arday scandal
Like many others, I spent much of the week both amused and angered by the Jason Arday scandal (mostly angered). But there's also still plenty to write on the latest UK economic data and policy news. Theme of the week If you missed it (well done!), Jason Arday is a plagiarist, a serial liar and … Continue reading Weekly wrap – The heroes, villains, and victims of the Arday scandal
Weekly wrap – Is the NHS really a good model for social care?
A review of news over the past seven days, including thoughts on Burnham’s ambitions for a National Care Service and the case for a small increase in interest rates (“a stitch in time...?). Theme of the week Some first thoughts on Andy Burnham’s ambitions for a National Care Service (NCS)... There are four key questions. … Continue reading Weekly wrap – Is the NHS really a good model for social care?
Bank of England edges closer to an autumn hike
A small rate rise soon could be preferable to larger increases later - a case of “a stitch in time saves nine”. However, subdued money growth and strong competition should help keep inflation down. The Bank of England’s MPC left UK interest rates at 3.75% today, as expected, but the 6-3 split was more hawkish. … Continue reading Bank of England edges closer to an autumn hike
Plain-speaking Economics 