The Uncomfortable Truth About Welfare, Housing & Unions In Britain Today | IEA Podcast

In this episode of the Institute of Economic Affairs podcast, Callum Price (Director of Communications) is joined by Tom Clougherty (Executive Director) and Dr. Kristian Niemietz (Editorial Director) to discuss recent political developments. The team examines Rachel Reeves' proposed welfare cuts, highlighting the dramatic increase in benefits claims since COVID and questioning whether the system's incentives have deteriorated over time.

The conversation shifts to planning reform, analysing whether the government's approach will effectively address the UK's housing shortage. They discuss the merits of moving from a discretionary planning system to zoning, while examining the historical context of UK planning laws and how the 1947 changes fundamentally altered property rights.

Finally, the team critically evaluates the government's Employment Rights Bill, suggesting it prioritises union interests over workers' rights and economic growth. They debate how the legislation might impact the UK labour market and question its timing given current economic conditions.

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Articles mentioned:

* https://capx.co/labours-employment-crusade-could-kill-jobs

* https://www.economist.com/britain/2025/03/04/britains-government-may-be-about-to-waste-its-best-chance-of-success

* https://www.ft.com/content/37053b2b-ccda-4ce3-a25d-f1d0f82e7989

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