Description
Book SynopsisRethinking Britain presents a range of ideas from some of the country's most influential thinkers, offering solutions which, if implemented, would lead to a fairer society. This book is an essential aid for citizens who are interested in critiquing inequalities while looking to build a better future.
Trade Review"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
Table of ContentsForeword by Patrick Allen Introduction Interlude: ‘Mirror, mirror, on the wall – who has the highest debt of all?' PART ONE: BUILDING A FULL-EMPLOYMENT ECONOMY When is austerity an appropriate economic policy? Using the budget to manage output and employment Why assessing the equality impact of economic policies matters How should we manage inflation? What should guide monetary policy? Does the UK really have too much debt? The macroeconomic role of progressive taxation How do we build a fairer tax system? Should we have fiscal rules? Interlude: Has privatisation come off the rails? PART TWO: PUBLIC INVESTMENT – PRIORITISING SOCIETY RATHER THAN PROFIT How could we build competitive new UK industries? Reindustrialising the UK How can labour law be the instrument of progressive economic policy? Wage policy and public investment for sustainable development How do we build a sustainable economy? Investing in social infrastructure Why should the railway be renationalised? How can we fix the broken energy sector? Interlude: Why should citizens invest in losses, rather than for profit? PART THREE: MAKING FINANCE WORK FOR SOCIETY Why the UK needs a much better Companies Act What should be the limits to limited liability? Why do we need publicly listed companies? How can citizens’ wealth funds address the problem of inequality? How can finance better serve the real economy? How can we channel credit to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs)? What can we learn from Germany’s national development bank? Interlude: Safe as (council) houses... PART FOUR: GENUINE SOCIAL SECURITY How can we tackle the UK’s private debt crisis? How can we address the concerns of renters, without crashing house prices? How do we make occupational pension funds fit for purpose? How can we stop the social security system aggravating mental distress? Reconstructing social security How could Universal Basic Income (UBI) improve social security? Would Universal Basic Income (UBI) address the causes of inequality, ill-being and injustice? Interlude: What is ‘social’ infrastructure – and why does it matter so much? PART FIVE: HOW TO PROVIDE FOR SOCIAL NEEDS How can we stop privatisation of public services? What has the market done to the English NHS and with what should we replace it? What’s the best way to tackle health inequalities? What’s the best way of delivering social care? How do we make drug prices an easier pill for the NHS to swallow? How much would high-quality childcare cost and how would we pay for it? What should be done about private schools? How do we make lifelong learning a reality for all? Conclusion Jargon busters References and further reading
