Economy

A range of data is available to measure child poverty. This article looks at official statistics on children in low income households with someone in work. It then considers Government policy in the area, and also discusses the possible impact of the coronavirus pandemic. Child poverty in working households is the subject of an oral question in the House of Lords on 15 July 2020.

The Finance Bill is a government bill intended to give the tax measures announced in the spring budget 2020 lasting statutory effect.

The bill would provide the Government with new delegated powers to update or amend the UK’s regulatory framework for medical devices and for human and veterinary medicines. Much of the current UK regulatory framework is based on EU regulations and directives. It would also allow a new information system to be introduced covering data on medical devices and would consolidate and expand enforcement provisions.

This article provides statistics on the impact of the coronavirus lockdown on high street retail sales between March and June 2020. It also summarises the debate over the Government’s package of economic support for retailers, such as the coronavirus job retention scheme and a range of other loans and grants.

This article summarises a selection of commentaries on monetary financing, which is the central bank creating money on which interest is not paid. It sets out the pros and cons of the monetary financing approach, and discusses proposals for mitigating some of the risks involved. It also considers arguments that the Bank of England’s existing policy of quantitative easing (QE) is a form of monetary financing.

A universal basic income (or UBI) is a periodic cash payment unconditionally delivered to all on an individual basis, without a means-test or work requirement. This article examines arguments for and against introducing a UBI, particularly in light of the economic impacts of the coronavirus outbreak.

While Covid-19 is expected to have a negative impact on UK tourism overall, the number of domestic tourists in the UK is expected to rise. This briefing considers the debate regarding the potential impact of increases in domestic tourism on seaside resorts.

The Government’s furlough scheme helps companies retain staff during the pandemic. This article considers proposals for a similar system covering physical premises, whereby the Government would help pay rent and services charges for companies in certain sectors. Similar schemes operate in Denmark and Sweden. The Government has not responded directly to the proposals, which are the subject of an oral question in the House of Lords on 15 June 2020.

The Corporate Insolvency and Governance Bill is a Government bill being fast-tracked through Parliament with the intention of reducing the burden on businesses and providing flexibility and breathing space to keep them operating during the Covid-19 pandemic.

A summary of proposals for policies to reshape the economy following the coronavirus pandemic. This includes recommendations for how the economy could be "fairer" and "cleaner".

Coronavirus (Covid-19) has had major implications for the UK economy. There have been debates about a number of possible changes to economic policy when the UK enters the recovery phase. These include: possible major reforms to fiscal policy; whether the Government should facilitate the reallocation of jobs and capital away from the hardest hit sectors of the economy; what measures could be taken if the virus exacerbates inequalities in the UK; and whether the recovery is an opportunity to bring about fundamental changes in the economy and society.

The Covid-19 pandemic has seen an increase in complaints of price gouging, with some household items being sold at inflated prices. This article summarises the campaign to combat price gouging and the existing powers available to achieve this in consumer law.