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Wed, 4 October 2023

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Chaminda Jayanetti

The new wonkocracy - behind the think tanks shaping Labour policy
Political parties
By Chaminda Jayanetti
The new wonkocracy - behind the think tanks shaping Labour policy
Political parties are gearing up for a general election next year and think tanks are busy trying to exert influence on their manifestos and beyond. With polls pointing to a Labour victory, Chaminda Jayanetti considers the organisations – some new, some familiar – which are helping to shape the policies of Keir Starmer and the shadow cabinet.
Why disability benefit claims are surging in the UK
Health
By Chaminda Jayanetti
Why disability benefit claims are surging in the UK
Disability benefit claims have surged in the last two years, taking in multiple health conditions and all age groups. Is it the effect of the pandemic, the consequences of NHS waiting lists, or in response to rising living costs? Chaminda Jayanetti digs into the data. Illustration by Tracy Worrall
Thousands Trapped In Overcrowded Temporary Housing For Months, Figures Show
Home affairs
By Chaminda Jayanetti
Thousands Trapped In Overcrowded Temporary Housing For Months, Figures Show
Thousands of homeless people placed in temporary accommodation across England are faced with severe overcrowding, with hundreds – including families with children – stuck in cramped conditions for months at a time.
Fighting to hold back the cost of living crisis in Scotland
Communities
By Chaminda Jayanetti
Fighting to hold back the cost of living crisis in Scotland
Last October the Scottish government passed its Cost of Living Act, which implemented a rent freeze and ban on most evictions to support tenants through the winter. The measures went well beyond anything brought in by the Westminster government. But both campaigners and the data itself suggest the Act has only had limited effect.
Loosening the Purse Strings: Is the Treasury obstructing investment?
Economy
By Chaminda Jayanetti
Loosening the Purse Strings: Is the Treasury obstructing investment?
With Britain in a rut of failing services and economic stagnation, advocates for higher public spending accuse the Treasury of obstructing investment that could have positive effects. Do they have a point? Chaminda Jayanetti reports
Balancing the books – what is Labour's economic offer to the UK?
Economy
By Chaminda Jayanetti
Balancing the books – what is Labour's economic offer to the UK?
As the cost of living crisis bites, Labour could enter government facing the most challenging set of economic circumstances for a generation. Chaminda Jayanetti explores the party’s offering as it heads towards the next election.
Energy Regulator Plans Help With Bills Through 'Increased Consumer Debt'
Economy
By Chaminda Jayanetti
Energy Regulator Plans Help With Bills Through 'Increased Consumer Debt'
Exclusive: Energy regulator Ofgem is considering plans to help cash-strapped prepayment customers avoid getting disconnected – but only by getting into debt instead.
Special educational needs provision: will the drive to cut deficits inflict yet more damage on an already stricken sector?
Education
By Chaminda Jayanetti
Special educational needs provision: will the drive to cut deficits inflict yet more damage on an already stricken sector?
Recent years have seen the Department for Education ramp up spending on crisis-hit special education needs provision after long-term underfunding. But signs are it won’t be enough. Chaminda Jayanetti reports
Out of office – how the pandemic has changed the face of British high streets
Coronavirus
By Chaminda Jayanetti
Out of office – how the pandemic has changed the face of British high streets
Exclusive analysis by The House reveals how the pandemic has accelerated a leap in office vacancies in London and the Home Counties. What impact will the trend have on our high streets – and the future of work?
Could history be about to repeat itself in Northern Ireland?
Political parties
By Chaminda Jayanetti
Could history be about to repeat itself in Northern Ireland?
History was made when Sinn Féin won the most seats in a Stormont election for the first time – but with the Northern Ireland Assembly facing stasis and uncertainty, could it now repeat itself? Chaminda Jayanetti reports.
Will replacing the Human Rights Act make it harder to access justice?
Social affairs
By Chaminda Jayanetti
Will replacing the Human Rights Act make it harder to access justice?
The government is running a consultation on its proposals to revise the Human Rights Act and replace it with a Bill of Rights. Chaminda Jayanetti argues the plans do not take into account just how hard it is to access justice across the UK
London Suburbs And Home Counties More Ethnically Diverse, Inner London More White Since 2010, Data Shows
Communities
By Chaminda Jayanetti
London Suburbs And Home Counties More Ethnically Diverse, Inner London More White Since 2010, Data Shows
Parts of outer London and the Home Counties have become significantly more ethnically diverse since 2010, while areas of inner London have become whiter, according to school population data analysed by PoliticsHome.
Rent Strike: How low-income tenants face hard choices over how to make up housing benefit shortfalls
Communities
By Chaminda Jayanetti
Rent Strike: How low-income tenants face hard choices over how to make up housing benefit shortfalls
Tenants on low incomes in private housing face rent shortfalls of hundreds of pounds a year after the government froze housing benefit for a second year running, amounting to a real-terms benefit cut in most of England as living costs soar.
Levelling Up: Expectations Meet Reality
Communities
By Chaminda Jayanetti
Levelling Up: Expectations Meet Reality
The Levelling Up white paper is hardly the first time government has sought to solve regional inequalities, but it is perhaps unique in its scope and ambition. How can it hope to succeed – and what will success actually look like? Chaminda Jayanetti reports.
Why is Covid modelling so controversial?
Coronavirus
By Chaminda Jayanetti
Why is Covid modelling so controversial?
The tension between politicians, scientists and experts has become palpable in recent months, amid differing perceptions of how best to defeat the Omicron strain of coronavirus. But surely the numbers don’t lie? So why is Covid modelling so controversial? Chaminda Jayanetti reports
Louise Casey: The Social Policy Fixer
Home affairs
By Chaminda Jayanetti
Louise Casey: The Social Policy Fixer
For more than two decades, Baroness Casey has been the go-to figure for governments of all stripes to tackle some of our most intractable problems. But does she really have all the answers? Chaminda Jayanetti reports