The Government has confirmed this week that the “modernisation of UK democracy will see 16 and 17 year olds able to vote in the next general election”. This fulfils a manifesto commitment, but I still think it is a bad idea. My basic objection is that almost all people of this age are still children … Continue reading The case against votes at 16 (reprise)
Tag: news
The Government should not be telling pension funds where to invest
The Pension Schemes Bill (recently introduced for its second reading in Parliament) continues some sensible reforms which should tidy up the industry and boost returns for savers. However, these measures have been overshadowed by a pointless row over plans to direct more investment towards “private assets”. Most strikingly, in an interview with the Financial Times last Monday, the chief executive … Continue reading The Government should not be telling pension funds where to invest
Labour’s first year report – ‘tries hard, but results still poor’
One year on, the Labour government elected in July 2024 is claiming three big wins on the economy. Unfortunately, these are little to shout about. The first is the large increases in the National Minimum Wage (NMW). This simply maintained the last government's policy of raising the full NMW to two-thirds of median earnings and extending it … Continue reading Labour’s first year report – ‘tries hard, but results still poor’
Lies, damn lies, and Spending Review soundbites
On Wednesday, Chancellor Rachel Reeves will present her ‘Spending Review 2025’. This will set day-to-day budgets for all government departments for the three years from 2026-27 to 2028-29, and investment spending plans for a further year, to 2029-30. As usual, many of the details have already been revealed. In particular, ministers have trumpeted a ‘transformative … Continue reading Lies, damn lies, and Spending Review soundbites
Plain-speaking Economics 