Another spur of the moment, random purchase from Oxfam. A background and overview of the UK’s economic misfortune over the past few decades, it seemed the perfect light-hearted read.
Not sure what I was expecting but it is fairly dry. The bulk of the book covers the history of policy failures up to the present, then runs through the parlous state of our political and financial position. The general theme is one of depression, even in the final chapter which covers what needs to happen to turn things around.
These recommendations are a little underwhelming; some are strategically directional i.e. more government capital investment. But this feels fairly obvious? Then other areas such as reduce inequality, ensuring women get a fair chance to contribute to GBP are simply that… Goals without any constructive suggestions of how to attain them. Perhaps I’m expecting too much of the economists – they point to the most productive targets and the politicians need to decide how to proceed, but it feels a little weak?
Not a strong recommendation I’m afraid.
