Direct and indirect public support (subsidies and tax relief) for business R&D in the UK is higher than most other OECD countries, excluding the US, Korea, Canada and France. Also, the UK support regime relies on both direct grants and indirect support via tax credits with equal measures.
Nevertheless, total R&D expenditure as percentage of GDP in the UK (1.7%) is relatively low compared to OECD countries (2.43%).
Read MoreAs the National Audit Office confirmed in their last report on the British Overseas Territories, the UK has the backstop financial responsibility for ensuring that these quasi-autonomous and self-governing locations are financially solvent:
"The UK bears the ultimate risk of potential liabilities from its overseas territories.
It is important …. that the UK should reinforce its close working with Territories to manage risks in government finances, disaster and crisis management."
This has particular significance in the context of the devastating impact of Hurricane Irma.
Read MoreIt is government policy, not market processes, which cause high drug prices. Patent monopolies have the negative effects that free market oriented economists typically ascribe to government interference in the market. Altering government policy would make drugs cheaper for the NHS and thus increase provision.
Read MoreThe adequate provision of social care is a major issue facing the UK. A near crisis has been triggered by the failures of privatised provision, aggravated by the austerity inflicted upon the NHS.
However, it is not just a question of providing enough care but also about developing new and different forms of care.
Read MoreTwo decades after the granting of independence to the Bank of England to determine its own monetary policy, the doctrine which formed the basis for this policy has been discredited by the financial crisis of 2007-2010 and its aftermath. This doctrine was the New Consensus on Monetary Policy, that monetary policy, principally varying the interest rate at which the central bank provides funds to the money market, can effectively regulate the rate of inflation and the business cycle.
Read MoreTax is an effective tool available to any government to implement its social and economic policies. The current institution for collecting taxes, HM Revenue and Customs, does not allow effective use of the tax instrument.
Read MoreBy June 2017 despite the austerity rhetoric of the subsequent coalition and Conservative governments the debt reached £1.75 trillion. Is this level a debt a problem requiring action by an incoming Labour government? Need the debt be reduced and is it a burden on current or future generations?
Read MoreThis Policy Brief evaluates the proposal to establish a universal basic income as a solution to the problems of the modern welfare state or social protection system.
Read MoreLimited liability has now a become shield employed to protect value extraction and behaviour that is hollowing out the capacity of UK companies to absorb financial risk and this now presents a moral hazard to society.
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