institute for public policy research

ippr launches new research programme

Wed, 25 Aug 2010 17:14:24 GMT

The financial crash provided a powerful wake-up call: all is not well in our economy. ippr's New Era Economics programme will undertake a radical rethink of the UK economy, drawing together the latest economic and progressive thinking to provide a vision of a new economic era.

ippr London office moves to Buckingham Street

Thu, 2 Sep 2010 15:00:00 GMT

From Monday 6 September, ippr's London office will be located at 4th Floor, 13-14 Buckingham Street, London, WC2N 6DF. The new office is close to Embankment and Charing Cross stations, about 5 minutes walk from our previous premises. Our other contact details remain the same.

Cuts and helping the poor can go together

Weds, 18 Aug 2010 12:35:00 GMT

As the media reports that the Coalition Government is planning to reassess whether it can afford to pay so called 'Middle Class benefits' like the Winter Fuel Payment and Child Benefit at current rates, ippr argues that to be truly progressive Ministers need to take a more sophisticated approach to targeting benefits on those who are most vulnerable.

ippr issues warnings for the next stage of welfare-to-work reform

Weds, 11 Aug 2010 13:00:00 GMT

As the latest unemployment statistics show the economic recovery continues to be sluggish, ippr cautions that unless there are jobs for people to go to, welfare-to-work programmes will hit a brick wall and be unable to support people into work. Far wider efforts in job creation are required to help move people off benefits and into sustainable work.

ippr proposals included in government consultation on welfare reform

Weds, 04 Aug 2010 13:00:00 GMT

ippr has welcomed Iain Duncan Smith’s pledge to radically simplify the benefits system, but questions whether the proposals can tackle the issue of a shortage of jobs. ippr is particularly pleased that the DWP has included ippr's idea of a Single Working Age Benefit in its consultation document, 21st Century Welfare.

Nick Pearce appointed Director

Mon, 26 Jul 2010 12:00:00 GMT

Nick Pearce will be ippr's new Director, returning after three years as Head of No. Ten's Policy Unit. Nick says: "We have a once-in-a-generation opportunity to rethink and renew progressive ideas in this country and it is my ambition that ippr will be at that heart of that process: unashamedly reformist, open and pluralist, but always grounded in strong values and rigorous research."

James Purnell to chair ippr's trustees

Tues, 20 Jul 2010 18:00:00 GMT

ippr is delighted to announce that James Purnell is to become its new chair of trustees. James says: "The new Coalition government has made much of its commitment to progressive ideas. ippr has good relations with the new administration and we continue to aim to develop ideas that are adopted as policy, in Westminster and beyond.”

New Labour's legacy?

Fri, 09 Jul 2010 10:30:00 GMT

Events have moved so fast since the election that the end of the New Labour era already seems almost like ancient history. But while it is understandable to want to look to the future, it is also important to reflect on New Labour’s lasting contribution to progressive politics. ippr's co-directors Lisa Harker and Carey Oppenheim review Labour's time in power.

Education: keynote speech by Rt Hon David Miliband MP

Mon, 28 Jun 2010 00:00:01 GMT

ippr was delighted to host the first major campaign speech on education by David Miliband at a secondary school in Bristol. Miliband set out his thoughts on the next stage of the party’s agenda to use the power of education to transform children’s lives . A copy of the speech is available here.

How progressive is the new budget?

Tue, 22 Jun 2010 18:00:00 GMT

The Chancellor George Osborne made welcome noises about how ‘progressive’ the budget was – but whether it is progressive or not will only become fully clear after October's assessment of the spending plans. In ippr’s view it needed to be much more progressive, to offset the impact of the deep cuts in public services that are round the corner.

'Total Neighbourhood'

Mon, 21 Jun 2010 17:30:00 GMT

The importance of the neighbourhood looks set to increase in public policy. In response, ippr north is convening a learning network to explore the idea of �Total Neighbourhood�. The network will explore how a Total Place approach at neighbourhood level could reform public services from the bottom up and engage communities in the process.

New report highlights the need for a new co-operative framework for the Big Society to succeed

Thu, 22 Jul 2010 11:55:00 GMT

Rolling back the state and expecting communities to leap into the driving seat will not succeed without a new cooperative framework of rights and responsibilities, says a new paper from ippr north, published by Co-operatives UK during Co-operatives Fortnight.

ippr north research reveals gaps between rhetoric and reality of Big Society plans

Thu, 01 July 2010

The government�s Big Society plans envisage a key role for social enterprises in delivering public services and supporting community action. But a�new report�by�ippr north reveals an inconvenient truth for the new coalition and warns that without support, community and social enterprise will not be able to rise to the challenge of the Big Society.

ippr north bring first Cafe Politique to Manchester

Thu, 1 July 2010 18:45:21GMT

The first Cafe Politique to be held in Manchester was deemed a great success by those who attended and by our speaker Ed Mayo who discussed how co-operative models of business are enjoying something of a renaissance.� We plan to hold more of these events and would welcome any suggestions for speakers or themes of particular interest. Please email north@ippr.org with your ideas.