Help to buy and the death of Keynesianism
“£720,000. For an affordable home. Good grief. We are in an unacceptable and unsustainable situation. But I’m yet to be convinced that a solution is being quite as “vigorously facilitated” as it needs to be.” Alex Marsh looks at the Coalition’s Help to Buy 2 scheme and the looming housing boom.
Miliband’s housing promises reflect an escalating crisis
“At the very least Miliband’s speech suggests Labour is taking the housing problem seriously. He has grasped that the current suite of policies is inadequate for the task. Something more substantial is required.” Alex Marsh reflects on what Ed Miliband’s speech at Labour Conference means for housing.
‘roots against the machine
“Nick Clegg may have won this battle. But the victory may well prove pyrrhic. He risks losing the war. Or, rather, he will very likely succeed in shaping the party in his own image, but he will then find that – rather like Spinal Tap – its appeal is becoming rather more selective.” Alex Marsh reviews policy making at this year’s Lib Dem Conference.
The dangers of weak policy foundations
“Today we witnessed a number of important developments, if you happen to be a policy geek. These developments have a substantially different character, and provide students of the policy process with much to chew on.” Alex Marsh questions the weak foundations of a variety of Coalition policies from the Lobbying Bill to Universal Credit.
The Coalition’s pernicious lobbying bill
“Through the injection of such ambiguity the power of the state to enroach upon and manage society is gradually enhanced. That is why constant vigilance is required.” Alex Marsh is concerned about what the Coalition’s Lobbying Bill will mean for campaigning charities.