Government scientists must be transparent about flawed Covid models
The strength of the economic recovery as Britain emerges from lockdown is a hotly contested subject among economists. Some believe there will be a massive surge in demand as consumers celebrate their freedom, others argue it will take time to claw back confidence. Economic forecasts are subject to the same faults as any projections, as […]
The curious case of Boris Johnson’s popularity after a year of lockdowns
In 1993, economics Nobel Laureate Daniel Kahneman published a paper with the enigmatic title “When More Pain Is Preferred to Less”. He and his colleagues conducted two experiments with the same group of people. In the first, the participants had to hold their hand in cold water for a specified time. They had to keep […]
London Councils – Volterra produces unemployment forecasts for the London labour market
Volterra was recently commissioned by London Councils to undertake a detailed piece of research on unemployed London residents and their future employment prospects. Essentially, the research establishes the unemployment picture across London historically, before analysing the impact that the COVID-19 pandemic has had on unemployment in London. Several forecasting scenarios have also been laid out […]
Calorie counting gimmicks and sugar taxes won’t solve obesity crisis
In the early days of the pandemic obesity was identified as a key factor behind hospitalisation rates and deaths from Covid. The Prime Minister knew this personally, from his own brush with mortality last April. This is on top of the already well-established links between obesity and other life-threatening conditions such as Type 2 diabetes, […]
If done right, Rishi Sunak’s towns fund will reap huge rewards and end decades of top-down strategies
Nurses’ pay has been one of the biggest flash points of last week’s budget. But, the Chancellor also stirred up lesser, but no less important, furores. One of these was the list of places which are set to receive money from a whole string of new initiatives for the regions. For example, under the Towns […]
Budget 2021: The political consensus on low taxes could be completely wrong
In the run up to most Budgets there is almost always one key question shaping debate: should the screws be tightened or the floodgates opened? This time round, a near unanimous consensus has arisen. Taxes should not go up, for fear of jeopardising the recovery. Even the Leader of the Labour Party has signed up to […]
South Molton Triangle development given approval
Volterra worked with Grosvenor Group on their proposal to redevelop South Molton Triangle in the City of Westminster. To our delight, the scheme has been approved by Westminster City Council. The site (designed by Hopkins Architects), which is close to Bond Street station, will provide high-quality commercial space for offices, hotel, retail and food & […]
Future High Street Fund – success for Kidderminster and Woolwich
Kidderminster town centre and Woolwich town centre successfully receive funding from the Future High Street Fund (FHSF). On behalf of Wyre Forest District Council, Volterra presented the economic case behind the council’s bid to secure investment funding from the government-backed Future High Streets Fund (FHSF) that would aid in the regenerative development of Kidderminster Town […]
London Resort DCO application submitted to the national Planning Inspectorate
The highly anticipated London Resort theme park, which will be located on the Swanscombe Peninsula in Dartford, Kent, has submitted their application for a Development Consent Order (DCO). The application was accepted for examination by the Planning Inspectorate. Volterra supported the application by providing several impact assessments relating to socio-economics and health. If approved, the […]
Forecasting Unemployment in London
An early end to furlough could spell trouble for London residents. According to the UK Government’s latest announcement, the end is now in sight. With restrictions expected to be fully lifted by the 21st June, the economic recovery will be in full flow. Many people, including the Bank of England, are forecasting a short, sharp […]
