Why Labour have every reason to loosen the purse strings

London Underground platform edge with the words ‘Mind the gap’ painted beside a yellow safety line as a train passes.

This blog post is based on an article published in the Journal of Social Policy by Elliott Johnson et al. The blog post is written by Elliott Johnson, Howard Reed, Anna Thew, and Matthew Johnson. Tax Reform and Economic Renewal: The Case for Basic Income Rachel Reeves describes the UK economy as being in its… Continue reading Why Labour have every reason to loosen the purse strings

Rethinking Housing Provision in the European Union: Why Comparative Evidence Matters More Than Ever

Urban residential housing with mixed building types and densities, illustrating variation in housing provision across European cities

This blog post is based on an article published in the Journal of International and Comparative Social Policy by Rūta Ubarevičienė and Jolanta Aidukaitė. Across Europe, housing has quietly shifted from a background policy concern to one of the most urgent social challenges of our time. Whether you live in a booming capital city or… Continue reading Rethinking Housing Provision in the European Union: Why Comparative Evidence Matters More Than Ever

Poverty is complex – should our policy responses be too? Moving beyond isolated policy solutions

A couple sits with an advisor reviewing documents together, suggesting discussion of finances, housing or social support.

This blog post is based on an article published in Social Policy and Society by Heta Pöyliö. Poverty is a complex issue that requires expansive policy responses. In my recent study published in Social Policy and Society, I find that policies with different functions can work together to reduce the risk of poverty. Specifically, policy… Continue reading Poverty is complex – should our policy responses be too? Moving beyond isolated policy solutions

Raising the Participation Age: Participation Without Inclusion?

Teacher supporting a student using a laptop in a classroom, with other learners working in the background.

This blog post is based on an article published in Social Policy and Society by Ben Collier. It has been 10 years since the final instalment of the Education and Skills Act’s Raising the Participation Age (RPA) Policy in England, introduced under the Education and Skills Act (Department for Education), which requires young people to… Continue reading Raising the Participation Age: Participation Without Inclusion?

First Thing to Go? Key Findings from a Foundational Study of Hygiene Poverty in Ireland

A set of everyday hygiene items including soap, a brush, cotton buds, and a sponge arranged on a light wooden surface.

This blog post is based on an article published in the Journal of Social Policy by Joe Whelan and Jo Greene. One potential way to identify and begin to understand aspects and experiences of poverty in detail is to focus on the discrete forms of deprivation that people experience. Whereas discrete forms of deprivation such… Continue reading First Thing to Go? Key Findings from a Foundational Study of Hygiene Poverty in Ireland