“Where Does Money Come From?” in Newcastle
13 November, 2012A great success! Over one hundred people took the time on 8th November 2012, to attend “Where Does Money Come From?” in Newcastle upon Tyne. This event was part of the Economic and Social Research Council’s (ESRC) Festival of Social Science. An event the size of “Where Does Money Come From?” was just a glimmer [...]
Money Should Be Created Debt-Free
15 June, 2012Letter in Newcastle Journal, 13th June 2012: Barclays bank must be congratulated for training young people to manage their money (Views of the North, 9 June). But while able to give financial advice, don’t the educators themselves need educating? Do bank staff - even managers - understand that most debt is unavoidable? Do they realise, [...]
Money Reformers at the Green Festival in Newcastle
6 June, 2012Group of Positive Money supporters in Newcastle had been offered space at the Green Festival in Leazes Park on 2 and 3 June 2012. We set up our stall in one of the marquees, with Ralph’s big banner planted outside the most prominent entrance. Despite the rival attractions of street parties and Jubilee events on the [...]
We deserve a financial system which we can understand
7 February, 2012Anyone attempting to explain the workings of the present financial system to the friends and relatives who are its victims tends very quickly to come up against a brick wall. Economist Galbraith may have said that the “process by which banks create money is so simple that the mind is repelled”; but it is actually the [...]
Nick Clegg: Britain must be ready to back IMF with increased payments
23 January, 2012Britain must stand ready to contribute more to the International Monetary Fund in order to shore up the ailing world economy, Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg said today, according to The Telegraph 22nd January 2012 According to Mr Clegg, “ We always must be strong supporters of the IMF. It is a linch pin in creating [...]
Banks 'will try to rebuild profits by increasing charges'
18 January, 2012Customers could end up paying more for banking services if financial companies profitability remains strained in 2012, according to The Telegraph, 9th Jan 2012. Two new reports paint a bleak picture for consumers, with investment companies and insurers less confident about future growth and banks in particular concerned that regulatory changes will increase costs... It [...]
Boosting Scotland's Lucrative Financial Sector?
13 January, 2012“Five years ago the towns and cities of northern England and Scotland symbolised the UK’s bullet-proof housing market. Prices were going up almost as quickly as new flats were being built. That has all changed now, of course. The days of endless price increases are over. It’s not necessarily a bad thing, however.., according [...]
Child Poverty on the Rise
11 October, 2011You can’t ignore the basic rules of economics ... In response to predictions that child poverty is on the rise as family incomes plummet, business minister David Willetts, speaking on behalf of the Government on on BBC Radio's Today programme on Tuesday 11th October, said: "We've tried to do the things that help but you can't ignore the [...]
Private profit from a public utility: the ambivalent position of the banks
6 March, 2011This weekend Mervyn King has warned of further crisis in the banking system, and the City has responded predictably to his criticisms. Bankers’ sensitive feelings have been ‘insulted’, and retaliatory threats implied. In the words of ‘one leading City chairman’, “Mervyn is putting himself in a dangerous position … It is clear he doesn't like [...]