Podcasts related to Economics - Wealth Distribution

Universal basic income is now one of the most fashionable concepts in progressive politics. With automation increasing and wages stagnating, the theory is that giving everyone a set amount of money each year will liberate them to do what they want with their lives – and keep them out of poverty. But some people think universal basic income is an utopian impossibility. Others think it’s dangerous. So there’s a proposal for another solution: universal basic services. Instead of giving people money, why not guarantee all of the public services they need to live a full life? Ayeisha Thomas-Smith explores the two ideas with Barb Jacobson, Co-ordinator of Basic Income UK, and Anna Coote, New Economics Foundation Principal Fellow.

Adrian Bua is a researcher at the Centre for Urban Research on Austerity. The Centre develops research into austerity and related concepts and practices, such as crisis, resistance, resilience, renaissance and transformation. It brings together activists, students and academics working on these issues to develop new networks and projects. Wolfgang Streeck is Director of the Max Planck Institute for the Study of Societies. He is a sociologist working on political economy who analyses the trajectory and future of capitalism, democracy and the state in his recent books "Buying Time" (2013) and "How Will Capitalism End" (2016). This podcast discusses the main arguments he develops in these works.

Despite showing good signs of health for the first time in a long time, people continue to feel anxious about the state of the world’s economy. Interviewed by the IEA’s Kate Andrews, Head of Education Dr Steve Davies explains what he believes to be the two-folded reason for this: First, the insecurity of China’s banking system, which has produced unsustainable bubbles that are bound to burst at some point. Second, the state of the world’s money system, including the extended use of quantitative easing and low interest rates, which have also created their own set of bubbles, particularly in real estate.

In this weeks Inside Business we discuss the recent HSBC allegations, as the National Crime Agency and the Serious Fraud Office look to investigate HSBC's recent dealings with the Gupta Family in South Africa. We spoke with Lord Peter Hain of Neath who took these accusations to the House of Lords and also we spoke with vocal anti corruption whistle blower Nicholas Wilson about other HSBC related investigations. As always we finish the show with a word from a regular commentator BBC World Service Reporter Howard Mustoe.

Is London 'cheap' now? The capital no longer ranks among the world's most expensive cities in a key survey, dropping from 6th to 24th, its lowest position in 20 years. For more on the Worldwide Cost of Living report from The Economist Intelligence Unit, survey editor Jon Copestake spoke with Share Radio's Ed Bowsher.

Welcome to the This is Money Show on Share Radio, brought to you in partnership with NS&I. After its controversial announcement last week Philip Hammond has finally had to U-turn on national insurance hikes in an attempt to win back public trust. Whilst the Budget provoked considerable backlash less publicised has been changes in road tax coming in April which will see some drivers paying as much as seven times more. Meanwhile across the pond the US Fed has raised interest rates with attention now turning to what the Bank of England will do next. Speculating on where all this leaves our finances Georgie Frost is joined by Editor Simon Lambert and Personal Finance Editor Rachel Rickard Straus. Plus is a castle, a Star Wars themed cinema and beer Fridays really what it takes to be named Britain’s best boss? This is Money is presented by Georgie Frost in partnership with NS&I.

From ISAs for social care to support for small business, how can the government get more creative with its funds? For a preview of tomorrow's budget, Share Radio's Ed Bowsher was joined by chief economist at the Institute of Economic Affairs, Julian Jessop, for his take.

All eyes will be on Donald Trump as he delivers his key speech before congress tonight, around 2am London time. So what are analysts looking out for? Share Radio's Ed Bowsher spoke with Richard Perry, market analyst at Hantec Markets, for more on the day's big economic stories.

The UK's economy is gaining momentum despite concerns of uncertainty ahead of Brexit - that's according to the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development's latest indicator. JP Morgan global market analyst Alex Dryden ran through this and the day's other big economic news with Share Radio's senior analyst Ed Bowsher.

Following Donald Trump's rise to power, boycotts are on the up. Amazon, Uber and Budweiser are just some of the big names caught up in this - and it's coming from both sides of the political divide. But are the boycotts having an effect? And could a wider boycott on US goods spread to the UK? Share Radio's Peta Fuller reports.