Ben Cooper
@bencooper1995.bsky.social
Research Manager, the Fabians. Interested in education, housing, Sea Wall and rural. Union rep.
England needs to ensure its homes are fit for an ageing population.
Great to see @annadixonmp.bsky.social mention Forward Planning, my report for @thefabians.bsky.social, in her excellent @labourlist.bsky.social piece.
labourlist.org/2025/11/anna...
Great to see @annadixonmp.bsky.social mention Forward Planning, my report for @thefabians.bsky.social, in her excellent @labourlist.bsky.social piece.
labourlist.org/2025/11/anna...
'Homes for the ages' - LabourList
As Labour delivers its ambition to “Build baby build!”, let’s build accessible and adaptable homes that will last the test of time.
labourlist.org
November 25, 2025 at 2:53 PM
England needs to ensure its homes are fit for an ageing population.
Great to see @annadixonmp.bsky.social mention Forward Planning, my report for @thefabians.bsky.social, in her excellent @labourlist.bsky.social piece.
labourlist.org/2025/11/anna...
Great to see @annadixonmp.bsky.social mention Forward Planning, my report for @thefabians.bsky.social, in her excellent @labourlist.bsky.social piece.
labourlist.org/2025/11/anna...
Reposted by Ben Cooper
Today I have started my new role as a Senior Researcher at @thefabians.bsky.social
I’m excited to get started developing new ideas and to continue (my longtime passion of) thinking about the future of the Left.
I’m excited to get started developing new ideas and to continue (my longtime passion of) thinking about the future of the Left.
November 24, 2025 at 4:18 PM
Today I have started my new role as a Senior Researcher at @thefabians.bsky.social
I’m excited to get started developing new ideas and to continue (my longtime passion of) thinking about the future of the Left.
I’m excited to get started developing new ideas and to continue (my longtime passion of) thinking about the future of the Left.
Reposted by Ben Cooper
Book your place now, or join the Fabian Society to receive your free ticket! 👇
fabians.org.uk/event/new-ye...
fabians.org.uk/event/new-ye...
New Year Conference: Renewing Britain | Fabian Society
Fabian Society
fabians.org.uk
November 20, 2025 at 3:22 PM
Book your place now, or join the Fabian Society to receive your free ticket! 👇
fabians.org.uk/event/new-ye...
fabians.org.uk/event/new-ye...
Reposted by Ben Cooper
📢 New Year Conference: Renewing Britain
We're pleased to announce that @matthewpennycookmp.bsky.social, Minister for Housing and Planning will be joining us at the Fabian Society New Year Conference!
We're pleased to announce that @matthewpennycookmp.bsky.social, Minister for Housing and Planning will be joining us at the Fabian Society New Year Conference!
November 20, 2025 at 3:22 PM
📢 New Year Conference: Renewing Britain
We're pleased to announce that @matthewpennycookmp.bsky.social, Minister for Housing and Planning will be joining us at the Fabian Society New Year Conference!
We're pleased to announce that @matthewpennycookmp.bsky.social, Minister for Housing and Planning will be joining us at the Fabian Society New Year Conference!
Reposted by Ben Cooper
And here we also recommend a living standards task force, to report in to such a committee:
fabians.org.uk
November 20, 2025 at 3:03 PM
And here we also recommend a living standards task force, to report in to such a committee:
Reposted by Ben Cooper
We recommended a cabinet committee to oversee economic policy - with PM and Chancellor, and other ministers attending as needed: fabians.org.uk/wp-content/u...
fabians.org.uk
November 20, 2025 at 3:03 PM
We recommended a cabinet committee to oversee economic policy - with PM and Chancellor, and other ministers attending as needed: fabians.org.uk/wp-content/u...
Reposted by Ben Cooper
Great to see a new cabinet committee focused on growth and living standards - two vital cross-Whitehall agendas, and the right way to coordinate decision making (if done right!):
www.gov.uk/government/p...
www.gov.uk/government/p...
List of Cabinet Committees and their membership
www.gov.uk
November 20, 2025 at 3:03 PM
Great to see a new cabinet committee focused on growth and living standards - two vital cross-Whitehall agendas, and the right way to coordinate decision making (if done right!):
www.gov.uk/government/p...
www.gov.uk/government/p...
England is ageing
As we build 1.5m new homes in this parliament, we need to ensure they are fit for this future
And it needs to be easier for people to improve their properties as needs change
Read my report for @thefabians.bsky.social + @ageingbetter.bsky.social
fabians.org.uk/wp-content/u...
As we build 1.5m new homes in this parliament, we need to ensure they are fit for this future
And it needs to be easier for people to improve their properties as needs change
Read my report for @thefabians.bsky.social + @ageingbetter.bsky.social
fabians.org.uk/wp-content/u...
fabians.org.uk
November 18, 2025 at 2:53 PM
England is ageing
As we build 1.5m new homes in this parliament, we need to ensure they are fit for this future
And it needs to be easier for people to improve their properties as needs change
Read my report for @thefabians.bsky.social + @ageingbetter.bsky.social
fabians.org.uk/wp-content/u...
As we build 1.5m new homes in this parliament, we need to ensure they are fit for this future
And it needs to be easier for people to improve their properties as needs change
Read my report for @thefabians.bsky.social + @ageingbetter.bsky.social
fabians.org.uk/wp-content/u...
Reposted by Ben Cooper
🔗 To find out more about how we can ensure older people live in good quality homes, follow the link below.
fabians.org.uk/publication/...
fabians.org.uk/publication/...
Forward Planning | Fabian Society
Fabian Society
fabians.org.uk
November 18, 2025 at 10:29 AM
🔗 To find out more about how we can ensure older people live in good quality homes, follow the link below.
fabians.org.uk/publication/...
fabians.org.uk/publication/...
Reposted by Ben Cooper
Ben Cooper, Head of the Fabian House Centre, said:
November 18, 2025 at 10:29 AM
Ben Cooper, Head of the Fabian House Centre, said:
Reposted by Ben Cooper
🔧 Improve access to high-quality and trusted advice for housing repairs, improvements and adaptations.
November 18, 2025 at 10:29 AM
🔧 Improve access to high-quality and trusted advice for housing repairs, improvements and adaptations.
Reposted by Ben Cooper
🎯 Establish a national target for wheelchair accessible properties, in partnership with the housing sector.
November 18, 2025 at 10:29 AM
🎯 Establish a national target for wheelchair accessible properties, in partnership with the housing sector.
Reposted by Ben Cooper
🏗️ All new homes should meet the accessible and adaptable standard.
November 18, 2025 at 10:29 AM
🏗️ All new homes should meet the accessible and adaptable standard.
Reposted by Ben Cooper
📝 With the government expected to release a housing strategy in the coming months, there’s an opportunity to deliver a bold vision of ageing better.
November 18, 2025 at 10:29 AM
📝 With the government expected to release a housing strategy in the coming months, there’s an opportunity to deliver a bold vision of ageing better.
Reposted by Ben Cooper
🌍 Regional inequality is stark: Yorkshire has half the proportion of homes with basic accessibility features compared to London.
November 18, 2025 at 10:29 AM
🌍 Regional inequality is stark: Yorkshire has half the proportion of homes with basic accessibility features compared to London.
Reposted by Ben Cooper
🚫 Older homeowners are far more likely to live in poor quality and inaccessible housing than their younger counterparts.
Only 8 per cent of older owner-occupied homes have four basic accessibility features.
Only 8 per cent of older owner-occupied homes have four basic accessibility features.
November 18, 2025 at 10:29 AM
🚫 Older homeowners are far more likely to live in poor quality and inaccessible housing than their younger counterparts.
Only 8 per cent of older owner-occupied homes have four basic accessibility features.
Only 8 per cent of older owner-occupied homes have four basic accessibility features.
Reposted by Ben Cooper
📈 England’s population is ageing, with the number of people 55 and over in England set to grow by five million. This will reshape what people expect and need in a home.
Right now, 1.9 million owner occupiers aged 55 or over living in a non-decent home.
Right now, 1.9 million owner occupiers aged 55 or over living in a non-decent home.
November 18, 2025 at 10:29 AM
📈 England’s population is ageing, with the number of people 55 and over in England set to grow by five million. This will reshape what people expect and need in a home.
Right now, 1.9 million owner occupiers aged 55 or over living in a non-decent home.
Right now, 1.9 million owner occupiers aged 55 or over living in a non-decent home.
Reposted by Ben Cooper
🏡 How do we improve ageing at home?
In “Forward Planning” @bencooper1995.bsky.social sets out how to ensure homes are decent and accessible for an ageing society.
In “Forward Planning” @bencooper1995.bsky.social sets out how to ensure homes are decent and accessible for an ageing society.
November 18, 2025 at 10:29 AM
🏡 How do we improve ageing at home?
In “Forward Planning” @bencooper1995.bsky.social sets out how to ensure homes are decent and accessible for an ageing society.
In “Forward Planning” @bencooper1995.bsky.social sets out how to ensure homes are decent and accessible for an ageing society.
Reposted by Ben Cooper
And our work at @thefabians.bsky.social has long argued that the left needs to get on board with fiscal devolution - it empowers local places and makes for more regional equality...if done right
fabians.org.uk/publication/...
fabians.org.uk/publication/...
Equality and empowerment | Fabian Society
Fabian Society
fabians.org.uk
November 17, 2025 at 10:15 AM
And our work at @thefabians.bsky.social has long argued that the left needs to get on board with fiscal devolution - it empowers local places and makes for more regional equality...if done right
fabians.org.uk/publication/...
fabians.org.uk/publication/...
Reposted by Ben Cooper
I argued for this and other small-scale fiscal devolution here - see also business rate supplement and land value capture
www.themj.co.uk/getting-fisc...
www.themj.co.uk/getting-fisc...
Getting fiscal devolution right
The current wave of anger and political disillusion is rooted in longstanding local economic decline. One crucial reason why many places are struggling is because...
www.themj.co.uk
November 17, 2025 at 10:15 AM
I argued for this and other small-scale fiscal devolution here - see also business rate supplement and land value capture
www.themj.co.uk/getting-fisc...
www.themj.co.uk/getting-fisc...
Reposted by Ben Cooper
Great to see this!
A visitor levy/tourism tax would be a small but really important step in the right direction for devolution - it would fund better public realm and other infrastructure tourists and residents use
Let's hope the government follows through!
www.thetimes.com/uk/politics/...
A visitor levy/tourism tax would be a small but really important step in the right direction for devolution - it would fund better public realm and other infrastructure tourists and residents use
Let's hope the government follows through!
www.thetimes.com/uk/politics/...
Rachel Reeves may allow tourism tax, increasing the price of staycation
The chancellor is expected to announce in the budget that mayors will be given sweeping powers to raise taxes by charging visitors a levy on an overnight stay
www.thetimes.com
November 17, 2025 at 10:15 AM
Great to see this!
A visitor levy/tourism tax would be a small but really important step in the right direction for devolution - it would fund better public realm and other infrastructure tourists and residents use
Let's hope the government follows through!
www.thetimes.com/uk/politics/...
A visitor levy/tourism tax would be a small but really important step in the right direction for devolution - it would fund better public realm and other infrastructure tourists and residents use
Let's hope the government follows through!
www.thetimes.com/uk/politics/...
Great to be in Number 10 with @lukeraikes.bsky.social today.
We were talking about how to build more good quality homes in every part of the country - and the work of the Fabian Housing Centre.
Get in touch if you want to hear more about our work.
We were talking about how to build more good quality homes in every part of the country - and the work of the Fabian Housing Centre.
Get in touch if you want to hear more about our work.
November 13, 2025 at 2:38 PM
Great to be in Number 10 with @lukeraikes.bsky.social today.
We were talking about how to build more good quality homes in every part of the country - and the work of the Fabian Housing Centre.
Get in touch if you want to hear more about our work.
We were talking about how to build more good quality homes in every part of the country - and the work of the Fabian Housing Centre.
Get in touch if you want to hear more about our work.
Delighted that Primary Colours, my first ever report for @thefabians.bsky.social was referenced in the Curriculum and Assessment Review.
The national curriculum needs to be strengthened to ensure every child has access to the arts.
Read Primary Colours here: fabians.org.uk/publication/...
The national curriculum needs to be strengthened to ensure every child has access to the arts.
Read Primary Colours here: fabians.org.uk/publication/...
Primary colours | Fabian Society
Fabian Society
fabians.org.uk
November 5, 2025 at 11:56 AM
Delighted that Primary Colours, my first ever report for @thefabians.bsky.social was referenced in the Curriculum and Assessment Review.
The national curriculum needs to be strengthened to ensure every child has access to the arts.
Read Primary Colours here: fabians.org.uk/publication/...
The national curriculum needs to be strengthened to ensure every child has access to the arts.
Read Primary Colours here: fabians.org.uk/publication/...
Reposted by Ben Cooper
"With the next state pension age increase imminent, the government must act urgently to support those who struggle to make it to 67 and beyond.”
The government must support older workers as the state pension age increases, argues @sasjkia.bsky.social.
leftfootforward.org/2025/10/the-...
The government must support older workers as the state pension age increases, argues @sasjkia.bsky.social.
leftfootforward.org/2025/10/the-...
The government must support older workers as the state pension age increases
With the next state pension age increase imminent, the government must act urgently to support those who struggle to make it to 67 and beyond. This entails getting four things right.
leftfootforward.org
October 31, 2025 at 10:52 AM
"With the next state pension age increase imminent, the government must act urgently to support those who struggle to make it to 67 and beyond.”
The government must support older workers as the state pension age increases, argues @sasjkia.bsky.social.
leftfootforward.org/2025/10/the-...
The government must support older workers as the state pension age increases, argues @sasjkia.bsky.social.
leftfootforward.org/2025/10/the-...
Cultured Communities, my report for @thefabians.bsky.social, argued for reform to spread the benefits of cultural titles
Great to see Lisa Nandy echo our recommendations in Town/City of Culture announcements:
🎨 Funding to prepare bids
🎵 Guaranteed funding for winners
🎭 Smaller impact awards
Great to see Lisa Nandy echo our recommendations in Town/City of Culture announcements:
🎨 Funding to prepare bids
🎵 Guaranteed funding for winners
🎭 Smaller impact awards
October 31, 2025 at 3:47 PM
Cultured Communities, my report for @thefabians.bsky.social, argued for reform to spread the benefits of cultural titles
Great to see Lisa Nandy echo our recommendations in Town/City of Culture announcements:
🎨 Funding to prepare bids
🎵 Guaranteed funding for winners
🎭 Smaller impact awards
Great to see Lisa Nandy echo our recommendations in Town/City of Culture announcements:
🎨 Funding to prepare bids
🎵 Guaranteed funding for winners
🎭 Smaller impact awards