Praful Nargund, founder of the Good Growth Foundation, and Chris Curtis, MP for Milton Keynes North, dive into the meaning of economic growth for everyday people. They discuss the disconnect between political goals and public sentiment, emphasizing the frustrations of the working poor. The conversation highlights the importance of redefining 'good growth' to ensure it benefits a broader segment of society. They also explore the role of skills and training in fostering inclusive growth, urging the need for tangible economic changes that resonate with local communities.
Many British citizens perceive economic growth as benefiting the wealthy, emphasizing the need for tangible improvements in everyday life.
There is a strong public demand for skills development and training, viewed as crucial for meaningful growth and better employment opportunities.
Deep dives
Understanding Public Perception of Economic Growth
Research indicates that many British people have a different understanding of economic growth compared to political leaders. While politicians often present growth as a universally positive concept, citizens express skepticism, feeling that it primarily benefits the wealthy and large corporations rather than the ordinary person. This disconnect highlights a significant gap; people want to see tangible improvements in their quality of life, such as better wages and reduced living costs, rather than just increases in GDP or economic indicators. The study suggests that people recognize the importance of growth but are concerned that it does not translate into real benefits for them.
Concerns About the Cost of Living and Economic Expectations
The rising cost of living emerged as a central concern for individuals surveyed, overshadowing discussions about growth rates. Many people perceive that while economic growth may be touted by politicians, their own financial situations have not improved; instead, many feel they struggle to afford basic necessities. This sentiment extends to the feeling that even if wages were to increase, it would likely be offset by rising prices. As a result, the public's demand for immediate action to address the cost of living crisis is critical for regaining their trust in political leaders.
The Importance of Skills and Training in Public Sentiment
Skills development and training resonate strongly with the public as essential components for achieving meaningful economic growth. Individuals are eager for opportunities that would enable them to acquire new skills, especially in a rapidly changing job market. They view education and training not only as pathways to better employment for themselves but also for their families and future generations. This perspective emphasizes the need for policies that foster continual learning and adaptability, bridging the gap between economic initiatives and personal experiences.
Building Trust Through Tangible Results
Many citizens express a desire for government reforms aimed at improving their everyday lives, highlighting a need for political accountability. Trust in politicians is notably low, which complicates public faith in promises related to economic improvement. Individuals want to see clear, measurable outcomes from political actions, such as better infrastructures, enhanced public services, and ultimately more money in their pockets. The key to restoring faith lies in demonstrating that government actions can lead to real changes that enhance the quality of life for citizens, ensuring economic growth is felt broadly.
Steph and Robert are joined by Praful Nargund, founder of the Good Growth Foundation, and Chris Curtis, MP for Milton Keynes North, to speak about Rachel Reeves’s growth targets. They consider what growth actually means to everyday people, whether it’s felt evenly, or if Labour should be prioritising something else altogether.