Economic growth Good data in hard times Simon Pittaway reflects on the puzzling arrival of good economic news in the midst of a global energy shock. 23 April 2026 by Simon Pittaway This post was originally published on our Substack. The war in Iran and its impact on global energy markets have sent shockwaves through the UK economy. Consumer confidence is down, as fuel prices and interest rates rise. And, while most households’ energy costs are shielded by the Ofgem price cap for now, April is a key month for businesses renewing their energy contracts. … Continued READ MORE
Household debt· Monetary policy Why your mortgage bill might rise as rates fall Everything you need to know about 2026's mortgage mystery 15 January 2026 by Simon Pittaway This article was original shared on the Resolution Foundation’s Substack. I’ve been writing about rising mortgage rates for some time now. During that time, mortgage interest has become an increasingly big deal. Last year, around 8 million British households stumped up a total of £65 billion in mortgage interest – almost double the £35 billion … Continued READ MORE
Wealth & assets The surprising truth about why wealth inequality hasn’t risen – and the less surprising reality that Britain is still unfair 6 December 2024 by Simon Pittaway and Tom Clark “The rich are getting richer and the poor are getting poorer” is a slogan of at least 200 years’ standing, and one that feels apt in today’s Britain of burgeoning foodbanks and bumper executive bonuses. Indeed, most people who worry about wealth inequality would take it as read that it’s been getting worse. But look … Continued READ MORE
