Luke Raikes
@lukeraikes.bsky.social
Deputy General Secretary at the Fabian Society | regional economies, devolution, productivity, industrial strategy, employment rights, employment support, transport, politics | Views are my own | 🏴
https://fabians.org.uk/about-us/meet-our-experts/
https://fabians.org.uk/about-us/meet-our-experts/
Pinned
Luke Raikes
@lukeraikes.bsky.social
· Jun 6
Living standards declined under the last government, for the first time on record - according to our new analysis
Today, our report shows how this government can do better
And we argue next week’s spending review must pass the “living standards test”
Now...some charts!
Today, our report shows how this government can do better
And we argue next week’s spending review must pass the “living standards test”
Now...some charts!
Reposted by Luke Raikes
Good to see the Mayfield Review launched.
The rise in health-related inactivity is bad for workers, employers, and public finances.
If we want to address this rise, we need to keep people well in work. That will require stronger incentives & better support for employers.
The rise in health-related inactivity is bad for workers, employers, and public finances.
If we want to address this rise, we need to keep people well in work. That will require stronger incentives & better support for employers.
November 5, 2025 at 7:41 PM
Good to see the Mayfield Review launched.
The rise in health-related inactivity is bad for workers, employers, and public finances.
If we want to address this rise, we need to keep people well in work. That will require stronger incentives & better support for employers.
The rise in health-related inactivity is bad for workers, employers, and public finances.
If we want to address this rise, we need to keep people well in work. That will require stronger incentives & better support for employers.
Reposted by Luke Raikes
Delighted that Primary Colours, my first ever report for @thefabians.bsky.social was referenced in the Curriculum and Assessment Review.
The national curriculum needs to be strengthened to ensure every child has access to the arts.
Read Primary Colours here: fabians.org.uk/publication/...
The national curriculum needs to be strengthened to ensure every child has access to the arts.
Read Primary Colours here: fabians.org.uk/publication/...
Primary colours | Fabian Society
Fabian Society
fabians.org.uk
November 5, 2025 at 11:56 AM
Delighted that Primary Colours, my first ever report for @thefabians.bsky.social was referenced in the Curriculum and Assessment Review.
The national curriculum needs to be strengthened to ensure every child has access to the arts.
Read Primary Colours here: fabians.org.uk/publication/...
The national curriculum needs to be strengthened to ensure every child has access to the arts.
Read Primary Colours here: fabians.org.uk/publication/...
Reposted by Luke Raikes
The task of building 1.5m new homes in a parliament is immense.
We need to 'build baby build' social and council housing to meet it.
Read my latest column for @labourlist.bsky.social
labourlist.org/2025/10/buil...
We need to 'build baby build' social and council housing to meet it.
Read my latest column for @labourlist.bsky.social
labourlist.org/2025/10/buil...
Ben Cooper Column: ‘We need to ‘build baby build’ social housing to meet the 1.5m new homes target’ - LabourList
The government needs to unleash the capacity of councils and housing associations to build thousands of good quality, affordable homes.
labourlist.org
October 30, 2025 at 11:55 AM
The task of building 1.5m new homes in a parliament is immense.
We need to 'build baby build' social and council housing to meet it.
Read my latest column for @labourlist.bsky.social
labourlist.org/2025/10/buil...
We need to 'build baby build' social and council housing to meet it.
Read my latest column for @labourlist.bsky.social
labourlist.org/2025/10/buil...
Reposted by Luke Raikes
How can Labour Raise the revenue we need? 💰
The Chancellor faces some challenging choices at the Autumn Budget.
In our new edited collection – Taxing Questions – we set out how we can raise the revenue we need to invest in public services. 🧵
The Chancellor faces some challenging choices at the Autumn Budget.
In our new edited collection – Taxing Questions – we set out how we can raise the revenue we need to invest in public services. 🧵
October 25, 2025 at 11:27 AM
How can Labour Raise the revenue we need? 💰
The Chancellor faces some challenging choices at the Autumn Budget.
In our new edited collection – Taxing Questions – we set out how we can raise the revenue we need to invest in public services. 🧵
The Chancellor faces some challenging choices at the Autumn Budget.
In our new edited collection – Taxing Questions – we set out how we can raise the revenue we need to invest in public services. 🧵
Really important report today on flood resilience - drawing on @eloisesacares.bsky.social report on climate adaptation for the @thefabians.bsky.social
We've published our report on flood resilience in England.
Find out more: committees.parliament.uk/committee/62...
Find out more: committees.parliament.uk/committee/62...
October 13, 2025 at 10:41 AM
Really important report today on flood resilience - drawing on @eloisesacares.bsky.social report on climate adaptation for the @thefabians.bsky.social
Reposted by Luke Raikes
“Since the levy was introduced, the number of apprenticeship starts has fallen by a third.”
If the PM’s apprenticeship plan is to work, it must reform the failed levy argues @joedromey.bsky.social for @politicshome.bsky.social.
www.politicshome.com/opinion/arti...
If the PM’s apprenticeship plan is to work, it must reform the failed levy argues @joedromey.bsky.social for @politicshome.bsky.social.
www.politicshome.com/opinion/arti...
October 3, 2025 at 11:41 AM
“Since the levy was introduced, the number of apprenticeship starts has fallen by a third.”
If the PM’s apprenticeship plan is to work, it must reform the failed levy argues @joedromey.bsky.social for @politicshome.bsky.social.
www.politicshome.com/opinion/arti...
If the PM’s apprenticeship plan is to work, it must reform the failed levy argues @joedromey.bsky.social for @politicshome.bsky.social.
www.politicshome.com/opinion/arti...
Reposted by Luke Raikes
The Festival of Ideas was the biggest and boldest Labour Party Programme we’ve ever had at @thefabians.bsky.social
✅42 events across 4 days
✅Over 2,000 attendees
✅Over 50 Ministers & MPs
✅Exploring the big issues of our time
✅42 events across 4 days
✅Over 2,000 attendees
✅Over 50 Ministers & MPs
✅Exploring the big issues of our time
October 1, 2025 at 9:38 PM
The Festival of Ideas was the biggest and boldest Labour Party Programme we’ve ever had at @thefabians.bsky.social
✅42 events across 4 days
✅Over 2,000 attendees
✅Over 50 Ministers & MPs
✅Exploring the big issues of our time
✅42 events across 4 days
✅Over 2,000 attendees
✅Over 50 Ministers & MPs
✅Exploring the big issues of our time
And now great to see Starmer reiterating that living standards is the top priority.
Here’s our analysis and proposals for how to improve living standards in practice:
Here’s our analysis and proposals for how to improve living standards in practice:
Living standards declined under the last government, for the first time on record - according to our new analysis
Today, our report shows how this government can do better
And we argue next week’s spending review must pass the “living standards test”
Now...some charts!
Today, our report shows how this government can do better
And we argue next week’s spending review must pass the “living standards test”
Now...some charts!
September 30, 2025 at 1:31 PM
And now great to see Starmer reiterating that living standards is the top priority.
Here’s our analysis and proposals for how to improve living standards in practice:
Here’s our analysis and proposals for how to improve living standards in practice:
Reposted by Luke Raikes
Our Back to Business session with @liambyrnemp.bsky.social, @catherineatkinson.bsky.social, @lukeraikes.bsky.social
September 30, 2025 at 12:38 PM
Our Back to Business session with @liambyrnemp.bsky.social, @catherineatkinson.bsky.social, @lukeraikes.bsky.social
About time for England to let its mayors do the same.
We love welcoming visitors from around the world to Wales—and we want to continue doing so for years to come.
I’m delighted to seal the Visitor Levy Bill. It allows councils to introduce a small change on overnight stays, with all funds reinvested locally to support tourism.
I’m delighted to seal the Visitor Levy Bill. It allows councils to introduce a small change on overnight stays, with all funds reinvested locally to support tourism.
September 18, 2025 at 2:40 PM
About time for England to let its mayors do the same.
Reposted by Luke Raikes
Great to see coverage of @sasjkia.bsky.social’s report, ‘Nye Bevan’s lost legacy’ in both the @financialtimes.com and @theguardian.com
www.theguardian.com/money/2025/s...
www.ft.com/content/868f...
www.theguardian.com/money/2025/s...
www.ft.com/content/868f...
September 15, 2025 at 2:01 PM
Great to see coverage of @sasjkia.bsky.social’s report, ‘Nye Bevan’s lost legacy’ in both the @financialtimes.com and @theguardian.com
www.theguardian.com/money/2025/s...
www.ft.com/content/868f...
www.theguardian.com/money/2025/s...
www.ft.com/content/868f...
Reposted by Luke Raikes
Excited to be joining @labourlist.bsky.social as a monthly columnist
I'll be writing on housing, early years and a range of other topics
I may even write about the Sea Wall and coastal areas - if I can sneak it past @emmaburnell.bsky.social
labourlist.org/2025/09/meet...
I'll be writing on housing, early years and a range of other topics
I may even write about the Sea Wall and coastal areas - if I can sneak it past @emmaburnell.bsky.social
labourlist.org/2025/09/meet...
Meet the new LabourList columnists - LabourList
LabourList announces a raft of new columnists including Deborah Mattinson, Paul Nowak and Stella Tsantekidou.
labourlist.org
September 10, 2025 at 10:15 AM
Excited to be joining @labourlist.bsky.social as a monthly columnist
I'll be writing on housing, early years and a range of other topics
I may even write about the Sea Wall and coastal areas - if I can sneak it past @emmaburnell.bsky.social
labourlist.org/2025/09/meet...
I'll be writing on housing, early years and a range of other topics
I may even write about the Sea Wall and coastal areas - if I can sneak it past @emmaburnell.bsky.social
labourlist.org/2025/09/meet...
Reposted by Luke Raikes
🚨NEW REPORT🚨
How do we extend sick pay protection to the self-employed?
In ‘Ill-Prepared’ @eloisesacares.bsky.social sets out a roadmap for a full employment insurance system by the end of next parliament.
Here’s what you need to know🧵
How do we extend sick pay protection to the self-employed?
In ‘Ill-Prepared’ @eloisesacares.bsky.social sets out a roadmap for a full employment insurance system by the end of next parliament.
Here’s what you need to know🧵
September 8, 2025 at 10:14 AM
🚨NEW REPORT🚨
How do we extend sick pay protection to the self-employed?
In ‘Ill-Prepared’ @eloisesacares.bsky.social sets out a roadmap for a full employment insurance system by the end of next parliament.
Here’s what you need to know🧵
How do we extend sick pay protection to the self-employed?
In ‘Ill-Prepared’ @eloisesacares.bsky.social sets out a roadmap for a full employment insurance system by the end of next parliament.
Here’s what you need to know🧵
Reposted by Luke Raikes
New @thefabians report out today, proposing “sick pay” for the self-employed:
Great to see @eloisesacares.bsky.social's latest report, ‘Ill-Prepared’, featured in the Mirror.
www.mirror.co.uk/news/politic...
www.mirror.co.uk/news/politic...
September 7, 2025 at 9:44 AM
New @thefabians report out today, proposing “sick pay” for the self-employed:
New @thefabians report out today, proposing “sick pay” for the self-employed:
Great to see @eloisesacares.bsky.social's latest report, ‘Ill-Prepared’, featured in the Mirror.
www.mirror.co.uk/news/politic...
www.mirror.co.uk/news/politic...
September 7, 2025 at 9:44 AM
New @thefabians report out today, proposing “sick pay” for the self-employed:
Reposted by Luke Raikes
Brilliant to see my upcoming report on sick pay for the self employed covered in the Mirror today.
Self-employed workers currently stand to lose 81 per cent of their income if they fall sick, leaving many in precarious situations.
www.mirror.co.uk/news/politic...
Self-employed workers currently stand to lose 81 per cent of their income if they fall sick, leaving many in precarious situations.
www.mirror.co.uk/news/politic...
Self-employed workers without sick pay are 'illness away from financial ruin'
A new report out urges the government to introduce a sickness insurance system for the self-employed, and end the “threadbare support system” that leaves them without security
www.mirror.co.uk
September 6, 2025 at 2:31 PM
Brilliant to see my upcoming report on sick pay for the self employed covered in the Mirror today.
Self-employed workers currently stand to lose 81 per cent of their income if they fall sick, leaving many in precarious situations.
www.mirror.co.uk/news/politic...
Self-employed workers currently stand to lose 81 per cent of their income if they fall sick, leaving many in precarious situations.
www.mirror.co.uk/news/politic...
Reposted by Luke Raikes
The employment rights bill is vital.
But we also need to answer the question: what makes someone an employee?
Our answer will affect some of the most vulnerable people in the labour market.
Me for @left-foot-forward.bsky.social @thefabians.bsky.social
leftfootforward.org/2025/09/new-...
But we also need to answer the question: what makes someone an employee?
Our answer will affect some of the most vulnerable people in the labour market.
Me for @left-foot-forward.bsky.social @thefabians.bsky.social
leftfootforward.org/2025/09/new-...
New employment rights will make defining an employee more important than ever
'It is now more important than ever to address a surprisingly difficult question: who will be entitled to these employment rights'
leftfootforward.org
September 2, 2025 at 4:15 PM
The employment rights bill is vital.
But we also need to answer the question: what makes someone an employee?
Our answer will affect some of the most vulnerable people in the labour market.
Me for @left-foot-forward.bsky.social @thefabians.bsky.social
leftfootforward.org/2025/09/new-...
But we also need to answer the question: what makes someone an employee?
Our answer will affect some of the most vulnerable people in the labour market.
Me for @left-foot-forward.bsky.social @thefabians.bsky.social
leftfootforward.org/2025/09/new-...
The employment rights bill is vital.
But we also need to answer the question: what makes someone an employee?
Our answer will affect some of the most vulnerable people in the labour market.
Me for @left-foot-forward.bsky.social @thefabians.bsky.social
leftfootforward.org/2025/09/new-...
But we also need to answer the question: what makes someone an employee?
Our answer will affect some of the most vulnerable people in the labour market.
Me for @left-foot-forward.bsky.social @thefabians.bsky.social
leftfootforward.org/2025/09/new-...
New employment rights will make defining an employee more important than ever
'It is now more important than ever to address a surprisingly difficult question: who will be entitled to these employment rights'
leftfootforward.org
September 2, 2025 at 4:15 PM
The employment rights bill is vital.
But we also need to answer the question: what makes someone an employee?
Our answer will affect some of the most vulnerable people in the labour market.
Me for @left-foot-forward.bsky.social @thefabians.bsky.social
leftfootforward.org/2025/09/new-...
But we also need to answer the question: what makes someone an employee?
Our answer will affect some of the most vulnerable people in the labour market.
Me for @left-foot-forward.bsky.social @thefabians.bsky.social
leftfootforward.org/2025/09/new-...
Reposted by Luke Raikes
Why even small-scale local levies could make a big difference to local areas, for the MJ
Visitor levies, business rate supplements and land value capture - give places the tools they need
www.themj.co.uk/getting-fisc...
Visitor levies, business rate supplements and land value capture - give places the tools they need
www.themj.co.uk/getting-fisc...
August 29, 2025 at 4:33 PM
Why even small-scale local levies could make a big difference to local areas, for the MJ
Visitor levies, business rate supplements and land value capture - give places the tools they need
www.themj.co.uk/getting-fisc...
Visitor levies, business rate supplements and land value capture - give places the tools they need
www.themj.co.uk/getting-fisc...
Why even small-scale local levies could make a big difference to local areas, for the MJ
Visitor levies, business rate supplements and land value capture - give places the tools they need
www.themj.co.uk/getting-fisc...
Visitor levies, business rate supplements and land value capture - give places the tools they need
www.themj.co.uk/getting-fisc...
August 29, 2025 at 4:33 PM
Why even small-scale local levies could make a big difference to local areas, for the MJ
Visitor levies, business rate supplements and land value capture - give places the tools they need
www.themj.co.uk/getting-fisc...
Visitor levies, business rate supplements and land value capture - give places the tools they need
www.themj.co.uk/getting-fisc...
Reposted by Luke Raikes
“The Devolution and Community Empowerment Bill will soon be debated in parliament. MPs must heed the call from mayors and councils to give them the tools to do their job”
Fiscal devolution can boost growth and raise living standards, writes @lukeraikes.bsky.social
themj.co.uk/getting-fisc...
Fiscal devolution can boost growth and raise living standards, writes @lukeraikes.bsky.social
themj.co.uk/getting-fisc...
August 28, 2025 at 3:55 PM
“The Devolution and Community Empowerment Bill will soon be debated in parliament. MPs must heed the call from mayors and councils to give them the tools to do their job”
Fiscal devolution can boost growth and raise living standards, writes @lukeraikes.bsky.social
themj.co.uk/getting-fisc...
Fiscal devolution can boost growth and raise living standards, writes @lukeraikes.bsky.social
themj.co.uk/getting-fisc...
Reposted by Luke Raikes
Should we reform inheritance tax?
💰
@bencooper1995.bsky.social makes the case for a cap on lifetime tax-free gifts on Times Radio.
@bencooper1995.bsky.social makes the case for a cap on lifetime tax-free gifts on Times Radio.
August 26, 2025 at 10:17 AM
Should we reform inheritance tax?
💰
@bencooper1995.bsky.social makes the case for a cap on lifetime tax-free gifts on Times Radio.
@bencooper1995.bsky.social makes the case for a cap on lifetime tax-free gifts on Times Radio.
Reposted by Luke Raikes
"The country risks serious political consequences from successive generations being locked out of the benefits of homeownership in a country perceived to be failing them"
I'm in @labourlist.bsky.social on why Labour must help 1st time buyers onto the property ladder
labourlist.org/2025/08/home...
I'm in @labourlist.bsky.social on why Labour must help 1st time buyers onto the property ladder
labourlist.org/2025/08/home...
'Young people are locked out of homeownership – bold action is needed' - LabourList
The government must urgently tackle the barriers that are preventing the expectation of homeownership from becoming a reality.
labourlist.org
August 25, 2025 at 12:17 PM
"The country risks serious political consequences from successive generations being locked out of the benefits of homeownership in a country perceived to be failing them"
I'm in @labourlist.bsky.social on why Labour must help 1st time buyers onto the property ladder
labourlist.org/2025/08/home...
I'm in @labourlist.bsky.social on why Labour must help 1st time buyers onto the property ladder
labourlist.org/2025/08/home...
Reposted by Luke Raikes
I'm in the Times arguing why there should be a lifetime cap on tax-free gifts.
Income gained through luck or crafty financial planning shouldn't always be tax-free.
If we believe in equality of opportunity, a cap is necessary.
www.thetimes.com/business-mon...
Income gained through luck or crafty financial planning shouldn't always be tax-free.
If we believe in equality of opportunity, a cap is necessary.
www.thetimes.com/business-mon...
August 20, 2025 at 11:13 AM
I'm in the Times arguing why there should be a lifetime cap on tax-free gifts.
Income gained through luck or crafty financial planning shouldn't always be tax-free.
If we believe in equality of opportunity, a cap is necessary.
www.thetimes.com/business-mon...
Income gained through luck or crafty financial planning shouldn't always be tax-free.
If we believe in equality of opportunity, a cap is necessary.
www.thetimes.com/business-mon...
Catching up with this excellent piece by @rjpartington.bsky.social
Want more productivity, Rachel Reeves? It’s time to embrace Mancunian swagger | Richard Partington
Want more productivity, Rachel Reeves? It’s time to embrace Mancunian swagger | Richard Partington
Manchester is closing the gap on London, with public money having helped to ‘crowd in’ a lot of private investment
www.theguardian.com
August 19, 2025 at 5:40 PM
Catching up with this excellent piece by @rjpartington.bsky.social