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Stamping Down
The Government is currently considering whether or not to reduce stamp duty in the coming months ahead of any election. This new report by Alex Morton argues that stamp duty on homes is a tax on mobility and aspiration, and calls for drastic cuts.
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Apocalypse Soon? The Danger of Further Loosening Monetary Policy
The UK’s softening fiscal stance opens up the very real risk of a further loosening of monetary policy, whereby inflation is used as a way of dealing with the Government’s debts.
Scotland: Could it become Greece without the sun?
Scottish independence would entail significant economic risk. Scotland’s budget deficit is currently over three times higher than the UK average as a % of GDP.
The Pensions Dashboard
Fully functioning, the pensions dashboard could become the ultimate disruptor of incumbent industry providers, but merely providing information will not embed the dashboard into the consciousness of the general public.
Remain or Leave? Weighing the Risks
Opportunities and risks come with both staying and leaving the EU. Politicians have handed the electorate a tough job. Read Andrew Tyrie's well thought-out reasoning behind his decision to vote Remain in the June 23rd referendum.
The Great Overtake
The OECD forecasts that the UK's GDP is expected to surpass Germany in the mid 2030s.
No End to the Greek Tragedy
Greece’s latest round of fiscal consolidation will hamper economic growth. Unless a package of targeted reforms that is aimed at improving competitiveness comes forward, the Greek economy will be destroyed.
A Convergence of Interests
Britain must build more houses. Last year, only 136,000 homes were completed in England. But 250,000 new homes a year are required if the Government is to meet its targets of 1 million new homes by 2020.
What of DB, in a TEE World?
The UK pensions and savings arena must be simplified in order to secure Britain's long term savings future. We could gravitate to a purely TEE framework, which would require the accommodation of today's EET-based defined benefit (DB) schemes.
How to Sell the Family Silver: Ignore the Banks
John Chown explains how the Government can fairly and efficiently sell the remaining bank shares without losing millions of pounds in the process.
The Lingering Travails of the Loi du Travail
Stringent labour laws are causing France’s labour market to underperform compared to European competitors – reform is now desperately needed.
The Workplace ISA
Michael Johnson urges the government to introduce a Workplace ISA to complement the recently announced Lifetime ISA. Auto-enrolment's reach should then be expanded, and both the Lifetime and Workplace ISAs included within its legislative embrace.
Who will fix London's housing crisis?
Ahead of the London mayoral elections both Sadiq Khan and Zac Goldsmith have pledged to boost housing supply. However, it is likely that building over the next four years will fall far short of the 50,000 new homes needed annually in the Capital.
Dangerous Trends in Modern Legislation... and how to reverse them
The length of new Bills and the number of clauses they include is becoming so great that Parliament is unable to properly scrutinise them.
UK income inequality is falling
The final incomes of the poorest households have – despite or because of the tax and benefit reforms – grown faster than the richest.