Ricky Thakrar
@rthakrar.bsky.social
Planning and development surveyor / economic development specialist. Lifelong learner, tweeting about built environment, sustainability, art and design, UX.
Reposted by Ricky Thakrar
Only Germany has done worse public investment wise (as you’ll know if you’ve been on a German train), and they’ve compensated with high private investment, on which front the UK has been bottom of the G7 league table. By miles.
November 30, 2025 at 12:00 PM
Only Germany has done worse public investment wise (as you’ll know if you’ve been on a German train), and they’ve compensated with high private investment, on which front the UK has been bottom of the G7 league table. By miles.
Reposted by Ricky Thakrar
This is a huge step forward alongside the newly launched Financial Inclusion Strategy, and the next step is to make it real. Read our full response: moneyready.org/update/money...
#TalkMoneyWeek #FinancialEducation #MoneyReady #LifeSkills #FinancialInclusion
#TalkMoneyWeek #FinancialEducation #MoneyReady #LifeSkills #FinancialInclusion
Money Ready welcomes strengthened commitment to financial education in the national curriculum review - Money Ready
Money Ready welcomes strengthened commitment to financial education in the national curriculum and assessment review
moneyready.org
November 6, 2025 at 9:54 AM
This is a huge step forward alongside the newly launched Financial Inclusion Strategy, and the next step is to make it real. Read our full response: moneyready.org/update/money...
#TalkMoneyWeek #FinancialEducation #MoneyReady #LifeSkills #FinancialInclusion
#TalkMoneyWeek #FinancialEducation #MoneyReady #LifeSkills #FinancialInclusion
The government's Financial Inclusion Strategy makes financial education compulsory in primary schools in England, as part of a new statutory requirement to teach citizenship, ensuring that children are supported to develop healthy attitudes to money at an early age. www.gov.uk/government/p...
Financial Inclusion Strategy
The Financial Inclusion Strategy sets out the government’s approach to improving financial inclusion for underserved groups across the UK.
www.gov.uk
November 6, 2025 at 9:58 AM
The government's Financial Inclusion Strategy makes financial education compulsory in primary schools in England, as part of a new statutory requirement to teach citizenship, ensuring that children are supported to develop healthy attitudes to money at an early age. www.gov.uk/government/p...
McKinsey identified opportunities to establish infrastructure ecosystems, where seven infrastructure verticals intersect with one another. www.mckinsey.com/industries/i...
November 2, 2025 at 7:59 PM
McKinsey identified opportunities to establish infrastructure ecosystems, where seven infrastructure verticals intersect with one another. www.mckinsey.com/industries/i...
McKinsey carried out cluster analysis on rural America, then ranked each archetype by socioeconomic outcomes. www.mckinsey.com/institute-fo...
November 2, 2025 at 4:56 PM
McKinsey carried out cluster analysis on rural America, then ranked each archetype by socioeconomic outcomes. www.mckinsey.com/institute-fo...
Reposted by Ricky Thakrar
Supposedly age has replaced class as the big divide in British politics.
For Chart of the Week, we've examined the dramatic evolution of Labour's vote share across the age and income distribution 🧵 ⤵️ buff.ly/2SuQ8TJ
For Chart of the Week, we've examined the dramatic evolution of Labour's vote share across the age and income distribution 🧵 ⤵️ buff.ly/2SuQ8TJ
September 28, 2025 at 10:15 AM
Supposedly age has replaced class as the big divide in British politics.
For Chart of the Week, we've examined the dramatic evolution of Labour's vote share across the age and income distribution 🧵 ⤵️ buff.ly/2SuQ8TJ
For Chart of the Week, we've examined the dramatic evolution of Labour's vote share across the age and income distribution 🧵 ⤵️ buff.ly/2SuQ8TJ
Reposted by Ricky Thakrar
The claim that PR will “let Reform in” is misleading.
Our new publication, "The Temper Trap" by Stuart Donald shows coalition governments neutralise extreme policies.
Under FPTP, Reform is more extreme than its European peers in government & has forced the Conservatives Rightwards regardless.
Our new publication, "The Temper Trap" by Stuart Donald shows coalition governments neutralise extreme policies.
Under FPTP, Reform is more extreme than its European peers in government & has forced the Conservatives Rightwards regardless.
September 4, 2025 at 3:40 PM
The claim that PR will “let Reform in” is misleading.
Our new publication, "The Temper Trap" by Stuart Donald shows coalition governments neutralise extreme policies.
Under FPTP, Reform is more extreme than its European peers in government & has forced the Conservatives Rightwards regardless.
Our new publication, "The Temper Trap" by Stuart Donald shows coalition governments neutralise extreme policies.
Under FPTP, Reform is more extreme than its European peers in government & has forced the Conservatives Rightwards regardless.
I've uploaded this year's London Film Festival programme as a spreadsheet. I hope people find it as useful as last year! #LFF #LFF2025 docs.google.com/spreadsheets...
BFI London Film Festival 2025 programme
docs.google.com
September 5, 2025 at 7:17 AM
I've uploaded this year's London Film Festival programme as a spreadsheet. I hope people find it as useful as last year! #LFF #LFF2025 docs.google.com/spreadsheets...
Andy Haldane makes the case for "a computer and tutor for every child, a nurse in every school, a career pathway for every young adult and a club for every community."
www.ft.com/content/9cd0...
www.ft.com/content/9cd0...
How to put Britain back on the opportunity escalator
Breaking down the barriers to aspiration is not impossible — here’s one way to do it
www.ft.com
June 6, 2025 at 5:29 PM
Andy Haldane makes the case for "a computer and tutor for every child, a nurse in every school, a career pathway for every young adult and a club for every community."
www.ft.com/content/9cd0...
www.ft.com/content/9cd0...
Reposted by Ricky Thakrar
“Place first, not party first. That’s a better politics, that connects with the country.
I think it’s time for Proportional Representation.” @andyburnham.bsky.social
Delighted to have partnered with @compassoffice.bsky.social for today’s Change: How? Conference! #RadicalRenewal
#Labour4PR 🌹
I think it’s time for Proportional Representation.” @andyburnham.bsky.social
Delighted to have partnered with @compassoffice.bsky.social for today’s Change: How? Conference! #RadicalRenewal
#Labour4PR 🌹
May 31, 2025 at 3:48 PM
“Place first, not party first. That’s a better politics, that connects with the country.
I think it’s time for Proportional Representation.” @andyburnham.bsky.social
Delighted to have partnered with @compassoffice.bsky.social for today’s Change: How? Conference! #RadicalRenewal
#Labour4PR 🌹
I think it’s time for Proportional Representation.” @andyburnham.bsky.social
Delighted to have partnered with @compassoffice.bsky.social for today’s Change: How? Conference! #RadicalRenewal
#Labour4PR 🌹
Policy suggestions include switching to proportional representation, shifting from taxes on labour to taxes on wealth, and investing in record breaking construction of social housing.
📣 New: Andy Burnham has set out a wide-ranging critique of the government and alternative left policy programme in an impassioned speech to a progressive conference.
He suggests Labour must move beyond "factionalism" and "too much timidity in our offer".
labourlist.org/2025/05/andy...
He suggests Labour must move beyond "factionalism" and "too much timidity in our offer".
labourlist.org/2025/05/andy...
'Too much timidity and factionalism': Burnham issues a radical rallying cry - LabourList
Greater Manchester mayor Andy Burnham has set out a wide-ranging critique of the government and alternative left policy…
labourlist.org
May 31, 2025 at 10:57 PM
Policy suggestions include switching to proportional representation, shifting from taxes on labour to taxes on wealth, and investing in record breaking construction of social housing.
Reposted by Ricky Thakrar
Planning Reform Working Paper: Speeding Up Build Out
www.gov.uk/government/p...
“This paper invites views on further action the government could take to encourage a faster build out rate.”
www.gov.uk/government/p...
“This paper invites views on further action the government could take to encourage a faster build out rate.”
May 25, 2025 at 6:03 AM
Planning Reform Working Paper: Speeding Up Build Out
www.gov.uk/government/p...
“This paper invites views on further action the government could take to encourage a faster build out rate.”
www.gov.uk/government/p...
“This paper invites views on further action the government could take to encourage a faster build out rate.”
Reposted by Ricky Thakrar
What should the Government prioritise when tackling its welfare trilemma (means-tesing winter fuel payments, cutting disability benefits and the persistence of the two child limit)?
@ruthcurtice.bsky.social considers the options ⤵️ buff.ly/5ibPBVM
@ruthcurtice.bsky.social considers the options ⤵️ buff.ly/5ibPBVM
May 22, 2025 at 1:00 PM
What should the Government prioritise when tackling its welfare trilemma (means-tesing winter fuel payments, cutting disability benefits and the persistence of the two child limit)?
@ruthcurtice.bsky.social considers the options ⤵️ buff.ly/5ibPBVM
@ruthcurtice.bsky.social considers the options ⤵️ buff.ly/5ibPBVM
Reposted by Ricky Thakrar
Most OECD countries have more modern rail infrastructure than the UK.
Electrification is proceeding slowly, averaging just 100 km (0.6 per cent of the network) a year in the last five years. At this pace it would take almost three decades to catch up to the current OECD average.
Electrification is proceeding slowly, averaging just 100 km (0.6 per cent of the network) a year in the last five years. At this pace it would take almost three decades to catch up to the current OECD average.
May 22, 2025 at 3:18 PM
Most OECD countries have more modern rail infrastructure than the UK.
Electrification is proceeding slowly, averaging just 100 km (0.6 per cent of the network) a year in the last five years. At this pace it would take almost three decades to catch up to the current OECD average.
Electrification is proceeding slowly, averaging just 100 km (0.6 per cent of the network) a year in the last five years. At this pace it would take almost three decades to catch up to the current OECD average.
By pursuing an alternative, pro-equality and tax-reforming agenda, the government could launch a faster programme of renewal than economic growth can deliver alone. @compassoffice.bsky.social
April 26, 2025 at 1:40 PM
By pursuing an alternative, pro-equality and tax-reforming agenda, the government could launch a faster programme of renewal than economic growth can deliver alone. @compassoffice.bsky.social
Reposted by Ricky Thakrar
There appears to be no relationship between changes in employment in local areas and the number of workers on the minimum wage.
This is consistent with, if not evidence of, a lack of significant negative employment effects from recent minimum wage increases.
Read more➡️ buff.ly/zd2MNKO
This is consistent with, if not evidence of, a lack of significant negative employment effects from recent minimum wage increases.
Read more➡️ buff.ly/zd2MNKO
April 2, 2025 at 12:28 PM
There appears to be no relationship between changes in employment in local areas and the number of workers on the minimum wage.
This is consistent with, if not evidence of, a lack of significant negative employment effects from recent minimum wage increases.
Read more➡️ buff.ly/zd2MNKO
This is consistent with, if not evidence of, a lack of significant negative employment effects from recent minimum wage increases.
Read more➡️ buff.ly/zd2MNKO
Reposted by Ricky Thakrar
Rachel Reeves should not turn her spring statement into another budget
The chancellor should wait until the autumn to take any fiscal action, even if forecasts show she is on course to miss her rules by a small margin, says @tompope.bsky.social www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/comment/rach...
The chancellor should wait until the autumn to take any fiscal action, even if forecasts show she is on course to miss her rules by a small margin, says @tompope.bsky.social www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/comment/rach...
Rachel Reeves should not turn her Spring Statement into another budget | Institute for Government
The chancellor should stick to holding one fiscal event a year.
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk
March 19, 2025 at 11:46 AM
Rachel Reeves should not turn her spring statement into another budget
The chancellor should wait until the autumn to take any fiscal action, even if forecasts show she is on course to miss her rules by a small margin, says @tompope.bsky.social www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/comment/rach...
The chancellor should wait until the autumn to take any fiscal action, even if forecasts show she is on course to miss her rules by a small margin, says @tompope.bsky.social www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/comment/rach...
This is how it should work. In reality, the media and HM Opposition would have a field day, and there would be an Emergency Budget within a week. Sooner, if interest rates didn't settle quickly.
Yep - or you have two forecasts and respond to the Spring one by saying, thanks, yep, I hear you - I stand ready to take action in the autumn should it be required. Part of the problem is that Labour deliberately played up the OBR's significance, as part of capitalising on Truss mess.
March 19, 2025 at 10:39 PM
This is how it should work. In reality, the media and HM Opposition would have a field day, and there would be an Emergency Budget within a week. Sooner, if interest rates didn't settle quickly.
Casey has been asked to publish an initial report in 2026 including ideas for how to make medium-term improvements.
Final report, due by 2028, to make longer-term recommendations, including on the model of care, organisation of services and funding.
Final report, due by 2028, to make longer-term recommendations, including on the model of care, organisation of services and funding.
Baroness Louise Casey will lead an independent commission on adult social care reform
While another review was not the best way to go about delivering this, @njdavies.bsky.social says Casey has the opportunity to effect real change
🔗 www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/comment/loui...
While another review was not the best way to go about delivering this, @njdavies.bsky.social says Casey has the opportunity to effect real change
🔗 www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/comment/loui...
Baroness Casey should ignore her remit if she wants to improve social care | Institute for Government
The government did not need another review, but its chair can still drive real change.
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk
January 7, 2025 at 10:48 PM
Casey has been asked to publish an initial report in 2026 including ideas for how to make medium-term improvements.
Final report, due by 2028, to make longer-term recommendations, including on the model of care, organisation of services and funding.
Final report, due by 2028, to make longer-term recommendations, including on the model of care, organisation of services and funding.
Reposted by Ricky Thakrar
Hourly wage progression is negatively associated with being a mother, being older, and having less education.
Among low-income workers, family circumstances can place real constraints on people’s willingness or ability to change job or progress in work.
Among low-income workers, family circumstances can place real constraints on people’s willingness or ability to change job or progress in work.
December 15, 2024 at 12:00 PM
Hourly wage progression is negatively associated with being a mother, being older, and having less education.
Among low-income workers, family circumstances can place real constraints on people’s willingness or ability to change job or progress in work.
Among low-income workers, family circumstances can place real constraints on people’s willingness or ability to change job or progress in work.
Reposted by Ricky Thakrar
Could treating local planning like Fantasy Football defeat the NIMBYs?
Click the link below to find out how a Fantasy Football-style platform for Local Plans would give communities more choices over where homes are built, boosting house-building.
https://buff.ly/3B67tJw
Click the link below to find out how a Fantasy Football-style platform for Local Plans would give communities more choices over where homes are built, boosting house-building.
https://buff.ly/3B67tJw
Popular Planning: Using Fantasy Football to Reimagine the Planning System — Adam Smith Institute
Unlike the Premier League’s Fantasy Football game, which is simple and popular, the plan-making process is complex and ignored by most people. The result is a system that lacks public confidence. …
www.adamsmith.org
November 29, 2024 at 10:00 AM
Could treating local planning like Fantasy Football defeat the NIMBYs?
Click the link below to find out how a Fantasy Football-style platform for Local Plans would give communities more choices over where homes are built, boosting house-building.
https://buff.ly/3B67tJw
Click the link below to find out how a Fantasy Football-style platform for Local Plans would give communities more choices over where homes are built, boosting house-building.
https://buff.ly/3B67tJw
Incredible.
With Heidi Alexander replacing Louise Haigh as transport secretary, the cabinet is now 100% state school educated for the first time in history.
(Sir Keir Starmer's school was a selective state school when he joined, then became private two years into his time there.)
(Sir Keir Starmer's school was a selective state school when he joined, then became private two years into his time there.)
November 29, 2024 at 5:33 PM
Incredible.
Reposted by Ricky Thakrar
Missed this data-packed piece from @resi-analyst.bsky.social last week on UK housing stock. Top charting! on.ft.com/3ABrs2q
November 11, 2024 at 3:06 PM
Missed this data-packed piece from @resi-analyst.bsky.social last week on UK housing stock. Top charting! on.ft.com/3ABrs2q
How is there still over a month to go until the Chancellor's first Budget?
a man wearing a suit and tie is standing in a field of yellow flowers
ALT: a man wearing a suit and tie is standing in a field of yellow flowers
media.tenor.com
September 25, 2024 at 7:36 PM
How is there still over a month to go until the Chancellor's first Budget?
Reposted by Ricky Thakrar
we can reveal that companies will be able to keep new hires on probation for up to six months under a compromise Labour plan despite an election pledge to give employees “day one rights”
www.ft.com/content/c399...
www.ft.com/content/c399...
UK employers to retain the right to place new hires on six-month probation
Government settles on compromise over employment reforms promised by Labour in election campaign
www.ft.com
September 18, 2024 at 9:23 PM
we can reveal that companies will be able to keep new hires on probation for up to six months under a compromise Labour plan despite an election pledge to give employees “day one rights”
www.ft.com/content/c399...
www.ft.com/content/c399...