This week’s discussion group delved into the complex topic of mortgages and inflation in relation to council tax. Overall, there was a consensus that although mortgages and inflation may seem tangential to the administration of council tax, they play a crucial role in shaping policies and strategies, as they significantly impact citizens and their financial…
Category: Governance
The Role of Council Tax in Inflation and its Impact on Collection and Support
Inflation in the UK has surpassed experts’ predictions, reaching 8.7% in May, higher than the expected 8.3%. This persistent inflationary pressure raises concerns about a potential interest rate hike by the Bank of England, further exacerbating difficulties for families and businesses. Core inflation, excluding volatile food and energy prices, has risen to a 30-year high…
Examining the Trials and Implications of Universal Basic Income (UBI)
Welcome back to our discussion group! After a short break, we reconvened with renewed enthusiasm to delve into the fascinating topic of Universal Basic Income (UBI). Our conversation revolved around the trials conducted to assess the viability and impact of UBI. However, we discovered that none of the trials thus far truly represented a comprehensive…
Universal Basic Income Trials: A Beacon of Hope for a More Inclusive Society
In the face of growing economic disparities and financial instability, Universal Basic Income (UBI) is taking centre stage in the global discourse on social welfare. The concept, although greeted with skepticism and praise in equal measure, holds the promise of economic security for all. The UK is venturing into this arena with Wales and England…
The Risks of the UK’s Universal Credit Childcare Policy: An Uphill Battle for Parents
The UK government has recently announced changes to the Universal Credit childcare policy, which will allow parents to claim increased amounts to cover childcare costs. While this may sound like a positive development, there are underlying risks and challenges that need to be addressed. In this blog, we will explore the potential risks associated with…
The Financial Challenges Scottish Councils Face: A Call for Reform
Introduction Scottish councils have been grappling with financial challenges exacerbated by the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic. Despite increases in council funding, a recent report from the Accounts Commission reveals that the majority of this money has been ring-fenced and lacks the necessary flexibility. As a result, councils face significant pressure to deliver balanced budgets while meeting…
2023 Budget at Glance
The UK is not expected to enter a technical recession this year, and inflation is predicted to reduce to 2.9% by the end of 2023, according to the Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR). Other key points of the 2023 budget include the introduction of 15 hours of free childcare for parents working 16 hours a…
What the Telegraph and the Mail get wrong about immigration
Migrants come to the UK for a variety of reasons, and while economic reasons are undoubtedly a factor, they are not the primary motivation for most migrants. Economic migration is defined as the movement of people from one country to another in search of better job opportunities, higher wages, and a better standard of living….