The voluntary, community and social enterprise (VCSE) sector works alongside local and national governments to provide support for residents. But alongside facing their own struggles as a result of the cost-of-living crisis, charities and community organisations are also being relied on more and more by people and local organisations. In this article, from our Power […]
Austerity as usual? Time for a new narrative
Dr Sarah Marie Hall, Lecturer in Human Geography at The University of Manchester blogs on what she’d like to see in the Chancellor’s Budget to help low-income families. Many expect austerity as usual from the Budget – even though austerity continues to have a disastrous impact on many families and communities across the UK Austerity […]
Could young people show a new way for politics?
Since the general election was called, there has been an upturn in voter registration amongst the under 25s. Many young people, however, have still not registered and they are considered less likely to vote than older people. But this by no means tells the whole story. Young people are starting to seek new, bolder ways […]
Why Everyday Austerity is Gendered
On the eve of both the Spring Budget and International Women’s Day, Dr Sarah Marie Hall examines the gendered nature of austerity and argues for a new economic system that addresses social inequalities and values caring work. Gaps created by a retreating welfare state are typically attended to by women in communities and families, underpinned […]
Devo Manc and the Northern Powerhouse – why we must stop excluding young people
Next May, for the first time, Greater Manchester will go to the polls to vote for a Mayor who will oversee key areas including housing, transport and policing, as well as controlling the recently-devolved £6bn health and social care budget. But will young people’s voices be heard and what is being done to engage them? […]
Why Brexit shouldn’t mask Everyday Austerity
Only time will tell how dramatically Brexit will impact Britain and whether it’ll plunge the country into a protracted economic slump. But Sarah Marie Hall says we shouldn’t ignore those already living in and through austerity and consider the everyday impacts of economic and social change. Since 2010, the UK government has vigorously pursued a […]