We need a budget that is fair for all generations

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 »

A Call for a “Common Personal Income Tax”

The unprecedented affluence of millions of older people is in stark contrast with a stagnant economy and a society in which millions of younger people cannot afford the basics of independent living. Change is long overdue and needs to start with the UK tax system, writes Carl Groves, former Further Education College Principal, and IF… Read more »

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”.

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 »

How the mortgage rate rise disproportionately affects the young

With interest rates recently pushed to their highest level for well over a decade, Lukas Winterburn, IF volunteer, looks at the consequences through the lens of intergenerational housing justice, for mortgage payers and tenants. Bad news on interest rates Whilst homeownership levels have dipped from their peak in 2002 of 72% to plateauing to 65.2%… Read more »

2022: the year young people were seriously impoverished

Friday 23 September 2022, a day that will live in infamy, was the culmination of changes which will impoverish younger people, argues Angus Hanton, IF Co-founder. Interest rates up Most strikingly, interest rates shot up which squeezed borrowers and will be particularly difficult for younger people with mortgages. Younger people will often have taken on debts which were for… Read more »