In the eight years between 2010 and 2018, local authorities in England saw a reduction in Government funding of just less than 50%, with Manchester the tenth most affected council in the country. In this blog, Anna Sanders looks at how austerity policies have affected women in the Greater Manchester region, with a focus on transport […]
Children at the food bank – a startling picture of food insecurity in the UK
While undertaking research in food banks in Northwest England, Dr Kingsley Purdam and colleagues witnessed the ‘shocking’ sight of children visiting with their parents. It is likely that much of the food insecurity in the UK is hidden – particularly amongst families. Given the predicted increase in child poverty, it is likely that we will […]
The forgotten welfare gap in older age
As the winter months and colder weather approach, the University of Manchester’s Kingsley Purdam explains how welfare reform and austerity has affected the growing numbers of older people. Ongoing research into food insecurity shows older people are at risk of under-nutrition because of poverty, or because they don’t get the support they need to shop, […]
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 […]
Austerity and the mere problem of causality
Guest edited by Ben Pringle, former chair of Post Crash Economics The scene that will greet business leaders and politicians at Davos this week is one of continuing government austerity across much of Europe and other parts of the world. Professor Paul Middleditch explains how the austerity agenda moved from the pages of economic theory […]
Less for your money? Differences in essential living costs for poorer families
The recent Bank of England evidence on the record levels of personal debt that have accumulated since the 2008 economic crash highlight the financial vulnerability of many people across the UK. Research by the University of Manchester into everyday living costs for those with limited financial resources is being launched with the End Child Poverty […]
Agreeing to austerity: does signing up to devolution challenge the Northern Powerhouse?
Austerity and devolution are inextricably linked and present significant challenges to the government’s Northern Powerhouse and devolution strategies. This is because of the importance of the public sector and public services for both supporting growth policies and addressing the needs of disadvantaged groups and areas argue Dr David Etherington and Professor Martin Jones. By signing […]
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 […]
Brave New Manchester? The dark side of devolution deals
Devolving power to our cities and regions has been heralded as a ‘new era’ and an exciting opportunity for positive change. Manchester has led the way in England, becoming the first region to take control of its health and social care budget on April 1st. But, asks Graham Haughton, is there a ‘dark side’ to […]
Lucky Chancellor?
The day after George Osborne’s Comprehensive Spending Review, Diane Coyle picks out the winners and losers. One of the most important attributes a Chancellor of the Exchequer can have is to be lucky. Lucky, that is, in all the aspects of the economy that are outside the control of the government – which is most […]