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Recent Comment

The coalition needs to improve the quality of childcare, not just the cost
Lucy Lee, Head of Education at Policy Exchange, argues that the government needs to address the quality of childcare in the UK. Citing upcoming research by Policy Exchange, Lucy shows that there is a huge discrepancy between the quality of childcare in wealthier areas compared to deprived parts of the country.

Welfare reform must be based on the principle of ‘something for something’
Matthew Oakley, Head of Economics & Social Policy at Policy Exchange, writes setting out three key principles for welfare reform: building self-sufficiency, conditionality and employment support.

Should the Bank of England’s objective be changed?
James Barty, Policy Exchange’s Senior Consultant for Financial Policy and author of recent Policy Exchange reportReform on the Bank of England, highlights the reasons why the Bank of England should change its objectives. James argues that rather than continuing to measure growth by inflation, the Bank should consider following the US Federal Reserve model which would mean targeting maximum employment, stable prices, as well as moderating long-term interest rates.

Fighting back against the Left-wing guerrillas
Sean Worth, Head of Policy Exchange’s for Better Public Services Project, argues that critics on the Left who oppose changes to how the public sector operates are infiltrating organisations at a local level to prevent more choice being introduced. He stresses the importance of greater choice for families when it comes to deciding which schools, GPs or other services are best.

Sharing in safety: deterring predatory behaviour on children’s social networks
Policy Exchange’s Sarah Fink and Colleen Nwaodor reflect on a recent round table discussion convened by Policy Exchange’s Digital Government Unit. The event explored the problem of predatory behaviour on social networks designed for children, and how this challenge might be overcome

The dangers of energy ‘targetism’
Guy Newey, Head of Environment & Energy at Policy Exchange, argues that Tim Yeo MP is wrong to call for the inclusion of a 2030 decarbonisation target for the electricity sector in the upcoming Energy Bill, warning of the problems with trying to set legislation according to long-term predictions.

Bill of Rights: ‘Why I fear this will prove I was right to be worried’
Dr Michael Pinto-Duschinsky, Policy Exchange’s Senior Consultant for Political Institutions, argues that the upcoming report by the Commission on a British Bill of Rights is likely to be disappointing. Michael argues that even if a British Bill of Rights is published, it is likely that the European Court of Human Rights will still have a final say on matters of national significance.

It’s time for the Crown Prosecution Service to grow up
Karen Sosa, Crime & Justice Research Fellow at Policy Exchange and author of recent report In the Public Interest, writes highlighting failings with the Crown Prosecution Service. She calls for greater accountability for the organisation, as well as a greater public-facing approach to its work.

Crisis? What Crisis? Why Andrew Lilico is wrong to say the UK has no shortage of housing
Alex Morton, Policy Exchange’s Head of Housing, Planning & Urban Policy, responds to an article by Andrew Lilico asserting that there is no housing shortage in London and the South East. Alex points out the flaws stemming from the terminology used and calls for a less restrictive planning regime to help get more homes built.

Don’t set different parts of the UK against each other
David Skelton, Policy Exchange’s Deputy Director, argues in response to a recent article by Kelvin MacKenzie that narrowing the North/South divide is a priority for long-term prosperity across the whole of the UK. David said this goal should not be cheapened by outdated stereotypes about the North.