Ben Franklin
@bjafranklin.bsky.social
Deputy Chief Exec. International Longevity Centre UK. Former Chief, Centre for Progressive Policy. Before think tanks I did some stuff at HMT and the FCA.
Reposted by Ben Franklin
Ageing isn’t a 2070 problem – it’s happening now.
In my latest podcast @bjafranklin.bsky.social @ilcuk.bsky.social shares how longer, healthier lives could boost the economy, reshape work & retirement, and unlock opportunities we’re missing.
🎧 www.lcp.com/en/podcasts/...
#LongevityEconomy #Ageing
In my latest podcast @bjafranklin.bsky.social @ilcuk.bsky.social shares how longer, healthier lives could boost the economy, reshape work & retirement, and unlock opportunities we’re missing.
🎧 www.lcp.com/en/podcasts/...
#LongevityEconomy #Ageing
Beyond Curious with LCP: The Longevity Challenge
In this episode, Stuart McDonald and Ben Franklin, Deputy Chief Executive Officer at International Longevity Centre, discuss ageing, its fiscal and social impact, and how policy and work reforms could...
www.lcp.com
September 24, 2025 at 8:33 AM
Ageing isn’t a 2070 problem – it’s happening now.
In my latest podcast @bjafranklin.bsky.social @ilcuk.bsky.social shares how longer, healthier lives could boost the economy, reshape work & retirement, and unlock opportunities we’re missing.
🎧 www.lcp.com/en/podcasts/...
#LongevityEconomy #Ageing
In my latest podcast @bjafranklin.bsky.social @ilcuk.bsky.social shares how longer, healthier lives could boost the economy, reshape work & retirement, and unlock opportunities we’re missing.
🎧 www.lcp.com/en/podcasts/...
#LongevityEconomy #Ageing
Reposted by Ben Franklin
Excellent column by Ezra Klein, and you should read all of it. He gets it.
Stop Acting Like This Is Normal www.nytimes.com/2025/09/07/o...
Stop Acting Like This Is Normal www.nytimes.com/2025/09/07/o...
Opinion | Stop Acting Like This Is Normal
www.nytimes.com
September 7, 2025 at 10:25 AM
Excellent column by Ezra Klein, and you should read all of it. He gets it.
Stop Acting Like This Is Normal www.nytimes.com/2025/09/07/o...
Stop Acting Like This Is Normal www.nytimes.com/2025/09/07/o...
Reposted by Ben Franklin
Britain is now one of very few countries where Gen Z are firmly left-of-centre
September 6, 2025 at 8:13 PM
Britain is now one of very few countries where Gen Z are firmly left-of-centre
Reposted by Ben Franklin
A careful study of every populist episode since 1900 finds catastrophic consequences, which play out slowly.
On average, incomes fall behind by nearly 15% over 15 years.
For the U.S., this is a cost of about $13k per person per year. Over a lifetime, that's million bucks.
On average, incomes fall behind by nearly 15% over 15 years.
For the U.S., this is a cost of about $13k per person per year. Over a lifetime, that's million bucks.
August 26, 2025 at 2:15 PM
A careful study of every populist episode since 1900 finds catastrophic consequences, which play out slowly.
On average, incomes fall behind by nearly 15% over 15 years.
For the U.S., this is a cost of about $13k per person per year. Over a lifetime, that's million bucks.
On average, incomes fall behind by nearly 15% over 15 years.
For the U.S., this is a cost of about $13k per person per year. Over a lifetime, that's million bucks.
Reposted by Ben Franklin
THE GUARDIAN: Young carer faces £2,000 repayment demand after DWP's flawed advice, highlighting systemic failings in support for Britain’s carers. This story exposes the fragility of a lifeline for those most in need.
- by Patrick Butler
- by Patrick Butler
Young carer who unwittingly breached allowance rules forced to repay £2,000
Rose Jones, who cared for mother from age of eight, twice wrongly advised by work coach on joining DWP job scheme
www.theguardian.com
June 15, 2025 at 6:53 AM
THE GUARDIAN: Young carer faces £2,000 repayment demand after DWP's flawed advice, highlighting systemic failings in support for Britain’s carers. This story exposes the fragility of a lifeline for those most in need.
- by Patrick Butler
- by Patrick Butler
My piece ahead of Spending Review explores how govt can signal it's serious about reform and inclusive growth against the backdrop of an ageing and unhealthy population.
The huge fiscal pressures mean structural reform is even more important.
The huge fiscal pressures mean structural reform is even more important.
June 6, 2025 at 11:49 AM
My piece ahead of Spending Review explores how govt can signal it's serious about reform and inclusive growth against the backdrop of an ageing and unhealthy population.
The huge fiscal pressures mean structural reform is even more important.
The huge fiscal pressures mean structural reform is even more important.
🚨 New role! 🚨
Excited to join @ilcuk.bsky.social as Deputy CEO — the UK’s leading voice on demographic change and its impacts for health, pensions, the future of work and more. Vital issues today. Huge opportunities.
Excited to join @ilcuk.bsky.social as Deputy CEO — the UK’s leading voice on demographic change and its impacts for health, pensions, the future of work and more. Vital issues today. Huge opportunities.
June 2, 2025 at 12:16 PM
🚨 New role! 🚨
Excited to join @ilcuk.bsky.social as Deputy CEO — the UK’s leading voice on demographic change and its impacts for health, pensions, the future of work and more. Vital issues today. Huge opportunities.
Excited to join @ilcuk.bsky.social as Deputy CEO — the UK’s leading voice on demographic change and its impacts for health, pensions, the future of work and more. Vital issues today. Huge opportunities.
Reposted by Ben Franklin
🚨 New publication 🚨 : Happy to share that my paper, "Losing Touch: The Rhetorical Cost of Governing" is now forthcoming at @cpsjournal.bsky.social. Short 🧵 about the paper here 👇 1/10
May 22, 2025 at 9:56 AM
🚨 New publication 🚨 : Happy to share that my paper, "Losing Touch: The Rhetorical Cost of Governing" is now forthcoming at @cpsjournal.bsky.social. Short 🧵 about the paper here 👇 1/10
Reposted by Ben Franklin
UK’s paternity leave entitlement is worst in Europe – just 2 weeks on low pay
A more generous offer will support families financially and help them make more equal choices around who cares
For the first time @centrepropolicy.bsky.social modelling for JRF establishes the economic benefits too 🔽 1/2
A more generous offer will support families financially and help them make more equal choices around who cares
For the first time @centrepropolicy.bsky.social modelling for JRF establishes the economic benefits too 🔽 1/2
April 29, 2025 at 8:37 AM
UK’s paternity leave entitlement is worst in Europe – just 2 weeks on low pay
A more generous offer will support families financially and help them make more equal choices around who cares
For the first time @centrepropolicy.bsky.social modelling for JRF establishes the economic benefits too 🔽 1/2
A more generous offer will support families financially and help them make more equal choices around who cares
For the first time @centrepropolicy.bsky.social modelling for JRF establishes the economic benefits too 🔽 1/2
Reposted by Ben Franklin
Excellent summary.
There is even more in the DWP documents, including confirmation that an expected 150,000 people will lose carer's benefits.
assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/67e3fa...
There is even more in the DWP documents, including confirmation that an expected 150,000 people will lose carer's benefits.
assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/67e3fa...
March 26, 2025 at 2:25 PM
Excellent summary.
There is even more in the DWP documents, including confirmation that an expected 150,000 people will lose carer's benefits.
assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/67e3fa...
There is even more in the DWP documents, including confirmation that an expected 150,000 people will lose carer's benefits.
assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/67e3fa...
Personal news update:
This week is my last at the @centrepropolicy.bsky.social after 6 and a half brilliant years. There have been too many highlights for my highly limited Bluesky abilities so have put out an extended post on my time and next steps here:
www.linkedin.com/feed/update/...
This week is my last at the @centrepropolicy.bsky.social after 6 and a half brilliant years. There have been too many highlights for my highly limited Bluesky abilities so have put out an extended post on my time and next steps here:
www.linkedin.com/feed/update/...
This week is my last at the Centre for Progressive Policy after 6 and a… | Ben Franklin
This week is my last at the Centre for Progressive Policy after 6 and a half brilliant years. It’s been a delight to hold a variety of leadership positions…
www.linkedin.com
March 25, 2025 at 12:07 PM
Personal news update:
This week is my last at the @centrepropolicy.bsky.social after 6 and a half brilliant years. There have been too many highlights for my highly limited Bluesky abilities so have put out an extended post on my time and next steps here:
www.linkedin.com/feed/update/...
This week is my last at the @centrepropolicy.bsky.social after 6 and a half brilliant years. There have been too many highlights for my highly limited Bluesky abilities so have put out an extended post on my time and next steps here:
www.linkedin.com/feed/update/...
Reposted by Ben Franklin
This is a compelling analysis of why Labour will lose in 2029. Starmer, like Wilson, will continue until the contradictions in his economic policy become politically untenable, and the resulting U turn will be seen as a defeat rather than seizing new opportunities open.substack.com/pub/kellnerp...
How Labour can avoid defeat in 2029
Attlee and Wilson were punished for delaying the inevitable. Starmer can avoid their fate – if he acts fast
open.substack.com
March 24, 2025 at 6:27 PM
This is a compelling analysis of why Labour will lose in 2029. Starmer, like Wilson, will continue until the contradictions in his economic policy become politically untenable, and the resulting U turn will be seen as a defeat rather than seizing new opportunities open.substack.com/pub/kellnerp...
Reposted by Ben Franklin
Essential reading from my colleagues at @resfoundation.bsky.social here on yesterday's benefit changes: www.resolutionfoundation.org/publications... Bottom line: it's hard to escape the conclusion that many of yesterday's reforms are about making cuts rather than improving the system.
A dangerous road? • Resolution Foundation
Yesterday’s Green Paper marks a serious attempt by the Government to tackle two major concerns: the growing spend on disability benefits, and the large number of people who are not working through ill...
www.resolutionfoundation.org
March 19, 2025 at 6:02 PM
Essential reading from my colleagues at @resfoundation.bsky.social here on yesterday's benefit changes: www.resolutionfoundation.org/publications... Bottom line: it's hard to escape the conclusion that many of yesterday's reforms are about making cuts rather than improving the system.
Reposted by Ben Franklin
Tension for the government's "good jobs everywhere" ambition clear in this paper on East Mids
83% of people work outside the 8 sectors govt is backing through industrial strategy
How do we:
a) shift some of the 83% over into the 8 sectors?
b) improve work for *everyone else*
83% of people work outside the 8 sectors govt is backing through industrial strategy
How do we:
a) shift some of the 83% over into the 8 sectors?
b) improve work for *everyone else*
March 18, 2025 at 11:52 AM
Tension for the government's "good jobs everywhere" ambition clear in this paper on East Mids
83% of people work outside the 8 sectors govt is backing through industrial strategy
How do we:
a) shift some of the 83% over into the 8 sectors?
b) improve work for *everyone else*
83% of people work outside the 8 sectors govt is backing through industrial strategy
How do we:
a) shift some of the 83% over into the 8 sectors?
b) improve work for *everyone else*
With all the fixation on technology/AI to improve productivity, this essential point about how technology often drives increasing costs in healthcare is conveniently overlooked. Good piece about the bigger picture on healthcare demand and spending from @sallygainsbury.bsky.social
Me in the FT on the economic imperative behind this week’s move to abolish NHSE www.ft.com/content/4331...
March 16, 2025 at 7:15 AM
With all the fixation on technology/AI to improve productivity, this essential point about how technology often drives increasing costs in healthcare is conveniently overlooked. Good piece about the bigger picture on healthcare demand and spending from @sallygainsbury.bsky.social
Prompted by the government's recent Plan for Neighbourhoods and @iconeighbours.bsky.social interim report, I wrote a short piece reflecting on the challenges people face in my neighbourhood and how policy can respond.
🏘️How can one of London’s wealthiest boroughs contain neighborhoods that are among the most deprived in England?
In our latest blog @bjafranklin.bsky.social sets out his experience of living in a high deprivation area in Bromley👇
inclusivegrowthnetwork.org/ign-insights...
In our latest blog @bjafranklin.bsky.social sets out his experience of living in a high deprivation area in Bromley👇
inclusivegrowthnetwork.org/ign-insights...
Transforming neighbourhoods
Transforming Neighbourhoods
inclusivegrowthnetwork.org
March 13, 2025 at 3:29 PM
Prompted by the government's recent Plan for Neighbourhoods and @iconeighbours.bsky.social interim report, I wrote a short piece reflecting on the challenges people face in my neighbourhood and how policy can respond.
Reposted by Ben Franklin
Cuts to welfare won’t solve the working age health challenge.
Coverage of new @healthfoundation.bsky.social report in todays @theguardian.com
It’s not enough to reform welfare - there must be more support for people in work but in ill health
www.theguardian.com/business/202...
Coverage of new @healthfoundation.bsky.social report in todays @theguardian.com
It’s not enough to reform welfare - there must be more support for people in work but in ill health
www.theguardian.com/business/202...
More support for people in ill health to stay in work ‘could save UK £1bn’
Commission for Healthier Working Lives warns against cutting benefits and calls for proactive route for 8m affected
www.theguardian.com
March 10, 2025 at 7:41 AM
Cuts to welfare won’t solve the working age health challenge.
Coverage of new @healthfoundation.bsky.social report in todays @theguardian.com
It’s not enough to reform welfare - there must be more support for people in work but in ill health
www.theguardian.com/business/202...
Coverage of new @healthfoundation.bsky.social report in todays @theguardian.com
It’s not enough to reform welfare - there must be more support for people in work but in ill health
www.theguardian.com/business/202...
An alternative way forward. Well done Tom Clark for this piece. The crisis facing us is more acute and existential than financial crisis or pandemic. Austerity and destitution is not the way to respond as we rearm for the dangerous years ahead.
1/
Keynes' (v hard headed) paper How to Pay for the War (1940) proposed something like abolishing the 2-child limit BECAUSE Britain was at war
archive.org/details/in.e...
Keynes' (v hard headed) paper How to Pay for the War (1940) proposed something like abolishing the 2-child limit BECAUSE Britain was at war
archive.org/details/in.e...
March 7, 2025 at 7:11 PM
An alternative way forward. Well done Tom Clark for this piece. The crisis facing us is more acute and existential than financial crisis or pandemic. Austerity and destitution is not the way to respond as we rearm for the dangerous years ahead.
Quick thread on today's commitment to £1.5bn for neighbourhood renewal channeling John Prescott's New Deal for Communities of the 2000s. www.mirror.co.uk/news/politic...
Rayner rolls out £1.5billion pot to boost 75 neighbourhoods - see list of areas
A total of 75 areas will each receive up to £20million in funding over the next decade to help revive high streets, youth clubs, parks and libraries, the government said
www.mirror.co.uk
March 4, 2025 at 10:52 AM
Quick thread on today's commitment to £1.5bn for neighbourhood renewal channeling John Prescott's New Deal for Communities of the 2000s. www.mirror.co.uk/news/politic...
Nice piece from my colleague @tanyasingh99.bsky.social . New shiny sectors are important, but can't forget about lower paid sectors too in understanding our productivity malaise and spatial inequalities.
🚨The underperformance of the UK's foundational sectors costs the economy at least £105 billion.
Our latest blog from @tanyasingh99.bsky.social asks how policymakers can solve the productivity puzzle in the foundational economy👇
inclusivegrowthnetwork.org/ign-insights...
Our latest blog from @tanyasingh99.bsky.social asks how policymakers can solve the productivity puzzle in the foundational economy👇
inclusivegrowthnetwork.org/ign-insights...
The Productivity Blind Spot: Why UK policymakers can’t afford to…
Tanya Singh sets out how the UK can crack the productivity code in it's foundational sectors.
inclusivegrowthnetwork.org
March 3, 2025 at 9:31 AM
Nice piece from my colleague @tanyasingh99.bsky.social . New shiny sectors are important, but can't forget about lower paid sectors too in understanding our productivity malaise and spatial inequalities.
Good piece by the great @drodrik.bsky.social on the competing factions and unholy alliances in the Trump administration.
Why the Trump regime might implode, hopefully before it does much more damage to democracy. My latest. www.project-syndicate.org/commentary/t...
The Coming Showdown in Trumpworld | by Dani Rodrik - Project Syndicate
Dani Rodrik points out that a coalition comprising incompatible financial and ideological interests cannot last.
www.project-syndicate.org
February 28, 2025 at 6:50 PM
Good piece by the great @drodrik.bsky.social on the competing factions and unholy alliances in the Trump administration.
Reposted by Ben Franklin
The mad merry-go-round of spending on stop-gap accommodation for homeless.
Up 80% in a year. Huge waste of money that isn’t fixing the problem.
New report out from LSE and @crisis-uk.bsky.social reported in @financialtimes.com w @amyborrett.ft.com @jenwilliamsft.bsky.social
on.ft.com/43d3q9U
Up 80% in a year. Huge waste of money that isn’t fixing the problem.
New report out from LSE and @crisis-uk.bsky.social reported in @financialtimes.com w @amyborrett.ft.com @jenwilliamsft.bsky.social
on.ft.com/43d3q9U
February 25, 2025 at 6:54 AM
The mad merry-go-round of spending on stop-gap accommodation for homeless.
Up 80% in a year. Huge waste of money that isn’t fixing the problem.
New report out from LSE and @crisis-uk.bsky.social reported in @financialtimes.com w @amyborrett.ft.com @jenwilliamsft.bsky.social
on.ft.com/43d3q9U
Up 80% in a year. Huge waste of money that isn’t fixing the problem.
New report out from LSE and @crisis-uk.bsky.social reported in @financialtimes.com w @amyborrett.ft.com @jenwilliamsft.bsky.social
on.ft.com/43d3q9U
Reposted by Ben Franklin
The UK's falling fertility rates and ageing population need proactive thinking now—waiting until we reach East Asia's situation isn't an option. Great to have contributed to this @smfthinktank.bsky.social collection, which makes a strong progressive case for action.
🚨NEW ESSAY COLLECTION🚨
A declining birth rate is among the UK's most pressing issues.
SMF & Boom gathered prominent voices from the centre and left, as the issue should not be 'owned' by only one side of the political spectrum.
Read: www.smf.co.uk/publications...
A declining birth rate is among the UK's most pressing issues.
SMF & Boom gathered prominent voices from the centre and left, as the issue should not be 'owned' by only one side of the political spectrum.
Read: www.smf.co.uk/publications...
February 20, 2025 at 1:47 PM
The UK's falling fertility rates and ageing population need proactive thinking now—waiting until we reach East Asia's situation isn't an option. Great to have contributed to this @smfthinktank.bsky.social collection, which makes a strong progressive case for action.
Reposted by Ben Franklin
Not sure how often this link works for free, but here is my latest article, 'The Right Kind of Growth for Everyone': academic.oup.com/cjres/articl...
The right kind of growth for everyone: policy challenges during the digital and green transformations
Abstract. The UK, like other Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) economies, has experienced a dismal decade and a half since the
academic.oup.com
February 14, 2025 at 4:29 PM
Not sure how often this link works for free, but here is my latest article, 'The Right Kind of Growth for Everyone': academic.oup.com/cjres/articl...
Reposted by Ben Franklin
The details of the 2025/26 PH grant allocations are now available, including the £200m uplift announced first thing this morning.
However, the grant value is still 26% lower per person in real terms than 2015/16.
Short 🧵 on why today's uplift is important and why it needs to be just the start. 1/
However, the grant value is still 26% lower per person in real terms than 2015/16.
Short 🧵 on why today's uplift is important and why it needs to be just the start. 1/
February 7, 2025 at 4:35 PM
The details of the 2025/26 PH grant allocations are now available, including the £200m uplift announced first thing this morning.
However, the grant value is still 26% lower per person in real terms than 2015/16.
Short 🧵 on why today's uplift is important and why it needs to be just the start. 1/
However, the grant value is still 26% lower per person in real terms than 2015/16.
Short 🧵 on why today's uplift is important and why it needs to be just the start. 1/