As the Chancellor prepares to announce the budget, many young people fear yet another budget that overlooks the many problems society is facing. Housing, climate, low pay, student loans, and the cost-of-living crisis are issues that should be top priorities for a government that is serious about solving problems. Alec Haglund, IF Researcher, discusses policies… Read more »
Alec Haglund
Researcher
Alec joined IF in January 2022 as a Researcher. Alec holds a degree from UCL in Arts & Sciences and recently completed his MA in Global Political Economy at Goldsmiths. As an interdisciplinary political economist, Alec’s interests lie in the nexus between the economy, ecology, technology and politics. Alec’s research interests concern how to create solutions to issues such as climate change, political representation, debt and inequality to ensure a sustainable and fair society for future generations. In his free time, Alec can most often be found reading, discovering new music and either playing or watching football.
Downsizing is socially desirable – and saves money on bills
As the rates of under-occupation continue to increase and energy bills are higher than they have been any previous winter, saving money on bills can be a persuasive argument to encourage greater downsizing. Alec Haglund, IF Researcher, discusses some of the key points of the recently published IF report “Downsize your energy bills”.
Trains over planes – Government response
In October the Intergenerational Foundation published a report arguing that the government should stop subsidising domestic air travel and ban short-haul domestic routes where comparable rail alternatives exist. Alec Haglund, IF Researcher, discusses the Department for Transport’s response to the policy recommendations set out in IF’s Trains over Planes report.
Affordable housing – could we learn something from Vienna?
Vienna, a metropolis rich in both cultural and architectural heritage, which often ranks as the most liveable city in the world, also boasts some of the lowest housing costs in Europe. Alec Haglund, IF Researcher, discusses key aspects of Vienna’s housing policy and argues that we should not overlook Vienna’s model when searching for answers… Read more »
Why we’re supporting the Stop the Squeeze campaign
As the UK is facing a massive cost-of-living crisis, high inflation and falling real wages, the Intergenerational Foundation is supporting the Stop the Squeeze campaign. Alec Haglund, IF Researcher, sets out the argument for why the government ought to implement the policies advocated by the Stop the Squeeze campaign in order to avoid the largest… Read more »
The distribution of money matters
Alec Haglund, IF Researcher, discusses why the distribution of money is important and why ever-increasing wealth inequality is a serious challenge that must be dealt with to ensure a fair society for future generations. Falling bond values Following the announcement of the disastrous mini-budget, which understandably sent markets into turmoil, the Bank of England saw… Read more »
A budget for the wealthy, to the detriment of everyone else
A week on, Alec Haglund, IF Researcher, argues that the government’s 23rd September budget and the turmoil that has followed its announcement will lead to disastrous consequences for the economy as a whole, and hurt low- and middle-income workers and the prospects of the young the most. The direction the new government wants to take… Read more »
Prime Minister, we need a massive shift towards renewable energy
Alec Haglund, IF Researcher, argues that instead of appealing to the fossil fuel industry with the promise of more fracking and drilling in the North Sea, the new government should take this opportunity to massively invest in renewable energy sources. A crisis on many fronts As we are facing an unprecedented cost-of-living emergency as well… Read more »
An ‘everything crisis’: how we can overcome multiple challenges by solving the housing crisis
Rents are at the highest they have ever been, property prices continue to soar and young people and low- and middle-income workers also face a cost-of-living crisis. Simultaneously we are facing other crises ranging from the environment to mental health. Alec Haglund, IF Researcher, argues that by solving the housing crisis it would be possible… Read more »
The leadership will change – will any policies?
Alec Haglund, IF researcher, explores whether the 2022 Conservative leadership race will provide an opportunity for a renewed national debate and discussion about solving the country’s problems. Empty talk For a democracy to be healthy and thriving, there must always be space for an open discussion about how to improve people’s lives and how to… Read more »