Month: August 2013 articles

When it comes to consider its record in power, every government wants to be remembered for game-changing policy decisions that deliver clear positive outcomes for the country. When the Coalition government formally confirmed their commitment to proceed with High Speed 2 in 2012, the announcement was widely hailed as a landmark moment for UK infrastructureRead more

The Coalition’s NHS reforms and reviews into care standards have made for a lively year so far in healthcare. Government’s August shut-down is a good time to reflect, take stock and consider what lies ahead in the autumn. We think three broad themes emerge: 1. Care standards are top of the agenda – and that’sRead more

Diminished access to mainstream credit and the emergence of alternative sources of finance has been one of the major personal and household finance trends over the past few years. This, of course, is most starkly illustrated by the growth of the payday lending sector and the subsequent concern this has generated. As greater numbers ofRead more

Today’s IPSOS-MORI polling data showing Labour maintaining a 10 point lead over the Conservatives for the second month in row will come as surprising reading after a week in which a variety of commentators, backbenchers and shadow cabinet members have bemoaned the lack of clarity in Labour’s policy positions.  Translated into parliamentary seats this wouldRead more

It’s difficult not to feel sorry for Ed Miliband and the Labour party at the moment. A speech on immigration, due to be delivered today by Chris Bryant, the shadow Immigration Minister, leaked over the weekend and has put Labour on collision course with two big businesses – who accuse Labour of factual inaccuracies. PickingRead more

Fracking has hit the headlines in the last week.  An already potent news story – company drills for oil in the beautiful Sussex countryside – has been fuelled by injudicious comments by a Tory Peer, unwise jokes by the Energy Minister, and the news vacuum of silly season. Ignoring the irony that the fracking debateRead more

Debate about the future of the UK’s high streets has been steadily rising up the political agenda. With a spate of high profile retailers having struggled (or even entered administration) in recent times, attention has increasingly focused on how, or even whether, to rejuvenate town centres. London Councils’ publication, last week, of Streets Ahead highlightedRead more

Last week, the Department for Culture, Media and Sport published its latest White Paper: “Connectivity, Content and Consumers”. The document’s publication had been delayed since spring, and a Communications Bill now widely expected to be included in next year’s Queen’s Speech. In its own cautious language, the White Paper represents an ‘evolution not a revolution’Read more