Rachel Reeves is unlikely to satisfy many this afternoon. While the statement she’s delivering may not technically be an emergency budget, it skirts close enough to make the semantics feel irrelevant. The economic backdrop is bleak, and the political narratives emerging on both sides risk obscuring the deeper structural issues. A recent opinion piece by…
Month: March 2025
24/03/25 Assessing Welfare Reform: Insights from the Independent R&B Discussion Group
On 24 March 2025, a diverse panel of experts and practitioners convened for a robust discussion on the latest developments in the United Kingdom’s welfare system. With topics ranging from the migration to Universal Credit and Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) claimants to the broader implications of pathways to work reforms, the session provided a…
Pathways to a More Empowering Welfare State: Winners, Losers, and the Cost of Inaction
The recent “Pathways to Work” green paper lays bare the escalating cost and inherent dysfunctionality of a binary welfare state—one that categorises individuals simply as either capable or incapable of work. This approach, particularly when applied to supporting those with genuine disabilities, is proving both economically unsustainable and socially regressive. As argued in Abundance by…
17/3/25 Insights from the Independent R&B Discussion Group: A Multifaceted Debate on Welfare Reform and Policy Innovation
On 17 March 2025, a diverse panel of experts and practitioners came together for a thought-provoking discussion that spanned the challenges of welfare reform, the role of automation in public services, and emerging trends in the property market. Moderated by Malcolm Gardner, the session brought a wealth of perspectives from speakers including Tom Clark, Nikki…
10/3/25 Innovative Analytics, Housing Strategies and Welfare Reform: Insights from the Independent R&B Discussion Group Meeting
10 March 2025 – The discussion among key stakeholders in the Independent R&B Discussion Group, focused on topics that ranged from the latest developments in CTR analytics to housing strategies and welfare reform. Moderated by Malcolm Gardner, the session brought together a diverse group of experts who candidly shared their experiences and ideas. Transforming CTR…
3/3/25 Independent R&B Discussion Group Explores Challenges in Service Charges, Local Planning, and Child Poverty
On 3 March 2025 at 12:02pm, the Independent R&B Discussion Group convened to address some of the most pressing issues currently affecting local authorities and public services across the country. The session, chaired by Malcolm Gardner, brought together a range of experts whose insights shed light on operational challenges, fiscal constraints, and future strategies. Navigating…