The Brexit vote underscores the need to address the economic marginalisation of the many people and communities across the UK who have been left behind by economic change. Ruth Lupton says it is time for inclusive growth to be on everyone’s agenda. Since we joined the Common Market in 1975 (but not because of it), […]
Inclusive Growth for UK Cities – new Manchester-based collaboration gets underway
A new research team aims to make poverty reduction central to economic growth and devolution in Greater Manchester, and to provide analysis and insight on inclusive growth in GM and other UK cities. Ruth Lupton explains more about it and why it’s needed. The 15th April sees the launch of IGAU – a new independent […]
The coalition’s record on schools
Last week’s topic in the pre-election debate was schools. The Conservative party announced that it would protect spending on schools in cash terms, but not keep pace with inflation. It would also convert more schools to Academies, including those adjudged ‘requiring improvement’ by Ofsted. Labour retaliated by accusing the Coalition of failing to tackle educational […]
Socio-economic inequalities widening again in English schools: The story behind the 2014 GCSE results.
Publication of the 2014 GCSE results has highlighted a worrying decline in academic performance by poorer children, say Ruth Lupton and Stephanie Thomson from The University of Manchester. Yesterday’s release of the 2014 GCSE results, showing a fall in overall achievement and a doubling of the number of schools not meeting the government’s floor target, […]
Where next for Labour’s schools policy?
With the Labour Party conference in town, Manchester Institute of Education (MIE) invited four leading figures in education to join teachers, academics, teacher educators, parents and others in a public debate on what a future Labour government should do on schools. Prof Ruth Lupton considers some of their key ideas. Panel members were Rt. Hon David […]
What is the impact of the ‘bedroom tax’ on children and schools?
A year on from the introduction of the ‘bedroom tax’, Prof Ruth Lupton argues that reducing the incomes of poor families and creating instability for poor children is a nonsensical policy for a government committed to closing the socio-economic attainment gap. One of the Coalition government’s most controversial welfare reform policies, the so-called ‘bedroom tax’, […]
Why the Government should keep ‘discredited’ child poverty measures
Last week the government announced its child poverty strategy – but at the same time revealed that, after a year of consultation and consideration, it has still not been able to reach a conclusion on how to measure success. Prof Ruth Lupton explains why the government should stick with the measures it has got. Thanks […]
Should Labour Defend Its Record on Education?
England’s education system is undergoing rapid change under Michael Gove, but little has been heard from Labour about its own plans. During Manchester Policy Week 2013, Professor Ruth Lupton took part in a debate on Labour’s achievements, and what it might do now. There was profound disagreement among the academics involved. But despite this, she argues […]