Economics in Action

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In November 2005, the independent Pensions Commission published its second report, setting out a series of recommendations for reform of the UK pension system. Drawing on recent research from the Centre for Market and Public Organisation (CMPO), University of Bristol, Sarah Smith discusses the Commissions proposals.

What is the pensions crisis all about?

Population ageing has put increasing strain on the UK pension system. Unlike many other OECD countries, there has not been the prospect of rapidly growing state spending on pensions. But past reforms have created their own problems, notably: (more…)

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Following on from the recent debates about education reform, Simon Burgess, Professor of Economics and Director of the Centre for Market and Public Organisation (CMPO), at the University of Bristol discusses school choice.

What should school reform be for?

· Raising standards is one obvious response. In England, this seems to be a particular problem at the lower end of the achievement scale, with large numbers of people leaving school with no qualifications.

· Another response is that it should be targeted at giving children from poorer families a better deal in the education system. (more…)