Funding the Future

The mixed economy is vital

The mixed economy isn’t flashy, but it works. In a world of market failure, it’s time to rebuild the balance between state and private enterprise.

Economics is rubbish

Economics, as it is now taught, is almost total rubbish. No wonder the world is in a mess when political decisions are based on this nonsense.
 

How do we decide?

Economists assume that we don't need to make decisions, because since we are possessed of perfect knowledge, knowing what to do is innate to us. But that's nonsense. So, how do we decide what to do?

Do tax havens still matter?

Tax havens - or secrecy jurisdictions - are an abomination on the global economic landscape that should have been consigned to history long ago. 

You've got no money in the bank

People still like to talk about having 'money in the bank'. But they haven't. They just have a bank statement from a bank, with a balance owing to them, which represents an IOU, and nothing more. That might be the hardest lesson in economics to learn. 

Is all economic growth good?

The assumption that all economic growth is good is clearly misplaced. But how do we convince politicians and economists who are obsessed with growth that this is the case?

It's austerity from Reeves

Is Reeves going to get things wrong?

Rachel Reeves' record as Chancellor has not been good. Today provides her with another opportunity to get everything wrong.

The wealthy love the national debt

The wealthy say they are terrified of the national debt, but they aren't really. It only exists because they don't pay enough tax, and they'd hate that even more. 
 

Do we need a wealth tax?

Many people on the UK's left want wealth taxes. The trouble is that would take years to deliver. Taxing income and gains from wealth more makes a lot more sense.