UK Government Debt - Putting it in perspective

Thrugelmir

CLAPTON wrote: »

don't building houses to replace slums count as building houses? (whilst reducing our debt)

Around a million homes were destroyed in the blitz.

So not just a replacement programme. But the primary reason for the building of council houses.

CLAPTON

Thrugelmir wrote: »

Around a million homes were destroyed in the blitz.

So not just a replacement programme. But the primary reason for the building of council houses.

yes indeed there were many reasons for building houses.


however I've drifted from the primary point, which is there are several alternatives economic futures;

the one club approach of deficit reduction as the sole objective being only one and in any case is likely to fail.

Thrugelmir

CLAPTON wrote: »

yes indeed there were many reasons for building houses.


however I've drifted from the primary point, which is there are several alternatives economic futures;

the one club approach of deficit reduction as the sole objective being only one and in any case is likely to fail.

In the 50's this would have generated sizable economic activity. Along with providing work for those demobbed. Far less mechanisation back then.

Far harder these days to create mass employment and generate activity that benefits the wider economy directly.

CLAPTON

Thrugelmir wrote: »

In the 50's this would have generated sizable economic activity. Along with providing work for those demobbed. Far less mechanisation back then.

Far harder these days to create mass employment and generate activity that benefits the wider economy directly.

it seems strange that we face a future

-with a demographic timebomb with not enough workers to support the old
-we have insufficent jobs for people to do.

StevieJ

Thrugelmir wrote: »

In the 50's this would have generated sizable economic activity. Along with providing work for those demobbed. Far less mechanisation back then.

Far harder these days to create mass employment and generate activity that benefits the wider economy directly.

I should imagine that building houses would still be one of those ways

Thrugelmir

CLAPTON wrote: »

-with a demographic timebomb with not enough workers to support the old
-we have insufficent jobs for people to do.

This is a global problem. As there's limited demand for unskilled labour.

Maybe what's required is a cultural change back to days when family units supported each other. Rather than the expectation now that the state provides and pays for it.

Generali

Thrugelmir wrote: »

This is a global problem. As there's limited demand for unskilled labour.

I think the problem is worse than that.

There is very high demand for unskilled labour. The problem is that the demand drops off very quickly as wages rise.

The future for unskilled labour may be pretty bleak as billions of low skilled labouring folk are entering the market.

Thrugelmir

purch wrote: »

History is very interesting, but of !!!! all use in solving the current economic problems.

Not necessarily. As history influences the thinking of today. So has to be taken into account.

CLAPTON

Thrugelmir wrote: »

This is a global problem. As there's limited demand for unskilled labour.

Maybe what's required is a cultural change back to days when family units supported each other. Rather than the expectation now that the state provides and pays for it.

it may be true to a certain extent but building is a fairly low skilled trade as is much of the catering trade;

part of your problem is that building activity is very low and in other trades, there is no incentive to train up UK people with low skill levels as we have a ready supply of cheap but better skilled works from overseas.

whilst that immigrant labour may provide short term economic gains, we are regrettably building a permanent unskilled unemployable underclass.

but basically start building more houses would be a good start

Thrugelmir

CLAPTON wrote: »

but basically start building more houses would be a good start

House building requires skilled trained trades people.

Catering in general does not.