Rethinking Britain: Policy Ideas for the Many

Description

'In the face of climate and social breakdown we urgently need new public policy ideas. Rethinking Britain has them in wonderful, creative and powerful bucketfuls. It's a must read for anyone who wants to reclaim Britain for the many, not the few.' - Paul Chatterton, University of Leeds What if we had a government prepared to implement the policies that could radically change 21st century Britain and improve people's lives? Social and economic policies are rarely communicated clearly to the public, but it's never been more important for citizens to understand and contribute to the debate around the country's future. In everyday language, Rethinking Britain presents a range of ideas from some of the country's most influential thinkers such as Kate Pickett and Ha-Joon Chang. From inflation to tax, and health to education, each contribution offers solutions which, if implemented, would lead to a fairer society. Curated by leading economists from the Progressive Economics Group and accompanied by a 'jargon buster', this book is an essential aid for citizens who are interested in critiquing inequalities while looking to build a better future. 'The collection [of essays] provides a great deal of food for thought, and the sense that there really are things worth trying in response to what can seem like intractable social policy problems.' - Citizen's Basic Income Trust

Sue Konzelmann is Reader in Management at Birkbeck, University of London. An economist by training, she is Co-executive Editor of Cambridge Journal of Economics. Susan Himmelweit is Emeritus Professor of Economics at the Open University. She is a past president of the International Association for Feminist Economics and founding chair and active member of the UK think tank the Women's Budget Group. Her research interests are in gender issues in economic and social policy. Jeremy Smith is Co-Director of Prime Economics and a barrister by profession. He was formerly Chief Executive of the London Borough of Camden, and later worked for local government in Europe and internationally. He is an expert in international urban development, as well as EU and national constitutional issues. John Weeks is Emeritus Professor in the Department of Development Studies, SOAS University of London. His research interests are in theoretical and policy-applied macroeconomics and development.

"In the face of climate and social breakdown we urgently need new public policy ideas. Rethinking Britain has them in wonderful, creative and powerful bucketfuls. It's a must read for anyone who wants to reclaim Britain for the many, not the few." Paul Chatterton, University of Leeds "Essential reading for politicians and citizens alike. It provides an insightful and accessible guide to progressive policies towards the economy and social sectors, challenging prevalent 'austerity' and market-dominated approaches." Frances Stewart, Oxford Department of International Development "Brexit has displaced other policy issues, so this review of a variety of progressive proposals, with its helpful jargon buster, is a very valuable reminder of what needs to be done." Ron Smith, Birkbeck University of London "The professional economists behind this book write with the conviction that informed citizens are empowered citizens - and the foundation of democracy. For those wanting to understand the economic forces shaping our lives and our country, this is a must-read." Ann Pettifor, Policy Research in Macroeconomics (PRIME) "Convincingly makes the case for a radical approach to policy making. Rethinking Britain is as urgent as it is readable." Robert Skidelsky, University of Warwick