OU News

News from The Open University

pound coins

Economists have urged Rachel Reeves to loosen the purse strings – here’s why it’s not that easy

Alan Shipman, Senior Lecturer in Economics at The Open University points out that Chancellor Rachel Reeves may struggle to change her stance on spending – as argued by economist. Here’s why: A group of economists has publicly urged chancellor Rachel Reeves to reverse her stance on public investment, and relax the Treasury rules that constrain […]

Read more about Economists have urged Rachel Reeves to loosen the purse strings – here’s why it’s not that easy

The Open University joins £4.8 million initiative to combat economic inactivity in Northern Ireland

The Open University joins £4.8 million initiative to combat economic inactivity in Northern Ireland

The Open University (OU) is proud to announce its involvement in a £4.8 million research and policy action group, EPIC Futures NI, aimed at addressing economic inactivity in Northern Ireland. Led by Ulster University and funded by UK Research and Innovation (UKRI), the initiative aims to revolutionise approaches to employment by identifying and supporting the […]

Read more about The Open University joins £4.8 million initiative to combat economic inactivity in Northern Ireland

Inflation or deflation – which would be worse right now?

Inflation or deflation – which would be worse right now?

Alan Shipman, Lecturer In Economics at The Open University, discusses whether inflation or deflation would be worse for the UK economy in the current climate. Inflation among the 37 member states of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) fell from 2.3% in February to 1.7% in March. With all the damage to global health […]

Read more about Inflation or deflation – which would be worse right now?

House prices in 2018: steady despite the hints of demolition

House prices in 2018: steady despite the hints of demolition

Lecturer in Economics, Alan Shipman, offers his view on what the next year has in store for the UK housing market… Judged by what they announced, UK policymakers moved decisively in 2017 to arrest the long rise in house prices , as part of a broader strategy to cut living costs and assist first-time buyers. But […]

Read more about House prices in 2018: steady despite the hints of demolition

Royal wedding

No Royal Wedding bank holiday: Why that’s probably a good thing       

With the feel-good factor of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s engagement, many of us were crossing our fingers that we’d get an extra bank holiday in the Spring of 2018 to help them celebrate. But on average, a bank holiday costs the UK economy £2.3billion in lost economic output – so maybe we’ll all be […]

Read more about No Royal Wedding bank holiday: Why that’s probably a good thing       

Higher inflation’s hidden, but hazardous, boost to Britain’s economic recovery plans

Higher inflation’s hidden, but hazardous, boost to Britain’s economic recovery plans

Inflation in the UK has surged, with the consumer price index jumping to 2.3% in the year to February – up from 1.8% in January. This is far better news for the government than it likes to admit. The early-year price rise can largely be traced to a passing-through of higher import costs following the […]

Read more about Higher inflation’s hidden, but hazardous, boost to Britain’s economic recovery plans

Austerity isn’t working for everyone – especially women

Austerity isn’t working for everyone – especially women

Women have borne the brunt of government austerity policies since 2010. Cuts to spending on services and social security have a disproportionate gender impact because women rely more on these services, benefits and tax credits than men do. It is therefore ironic that the UK is set to announce another budget that will do little […]

Read more about Austerity isn’t working for everyone – especially women

UK House Price Outlook: The long rise stutters, but not because of policy

UK House Price Outlook: The long rise stutters, but not because of policy

Lecturer in Economics, Alan Shipman, discusses the delicate balancing act the government has to perform and why a new social divide may be emerging. After another rise of more than 8% in 2016, UK house prices set for flatter – and bumpier – terrain in 2017-20. The likely levelling is mainly caused not by government […]

Read more about UK House Price Outlook: The long rise stutters, but not because of policy

Autumn Statement 2016: Tories shift to growth strategy in an Ed Balls-style pirouette

Autumn Statement 2016: Tories shift to growth strategy in an Ed Balls-style pirouette

Needing to perform a fiscal twist in a confined space, it looks like Philip Hammond has borrowed some dance steps from former shadow chancellor Ed Balls. Despite some mockery of his recent turns on TV show Strictly Come Dancing, Balls’ footprints are clearly visible on the spending boost the chancellor unveiled in his first Autumn […]

Read more about Autumn Statement 2016: Tories shift to growth strategy in an Ed Balls-style pirouette

Will our Smart Cities be people friendly?

Will our Smart Cities be people friendly?

Smart Cities – including Milton Keynes – look to a future which is more sustainable and economically-sound. But does that future involve us all? That question is the focus of research just announced at The Open University. A team of researchers, led by the OU, has been awarded £750,000 to study the impact and engagement of Smart Cities, […]

Read more about Will our Smart Cities be people friendly?

Page 1 of 2