Debating happiness at the Institute of Psychiatry

Paul Ormerod debated the concept of happiness with Professor Lord Layard at a large gathering at the Institute of Psychiatry at the Maudsley Hospital. The motion was ‘happiness is over-rated’, which Paul was proposing. Before the debate, the motion was lost 84 votes to 145. After, it was still lost, but by the distinctly smaller margin of 94-120. A ‘swing’ of over 6 per cent. Listen to the podcast.

 

Volterra presents at GLA workshop on network analysis

GLA Economics hosted a workshop on Network Analysis on Friday 14th March 2008, chaired by Volterra Chairman Bridget Rosewell. Paul Ormerod presented on the implications of network analysis for policy, while Kate Morrison spoke on the application of network analysis and modelling to regional innovation systems. Copies of Paul’s and Kate’s presentations are available on request.

 

Volterra research papers published by GLA Economics

Volterra provide an ongoing service to deliver analysis and advice to GLA Economics. A number of our reports have recently been published on their website. These include an analysis of housing submarkets in London (see Working Paper 30: London's housing submarkets); identifying the changing experiences of different types of location in South Eastern England (see Working Paper 28: Comparing locations: Grouping wards in London, the South East and East of England); and presenting a detailed framework in which to understand the scope and potential of models of transport and the economy, including a review of available LUTI models (see Modelling transport and the economy in London).

 

Bridget Rosewell's post budget coverage

On 12th March 2008, Bridget gave post budget coverage on BBC Radio 4, World TV and News 24. Bridget stressed that the Chancellor appeared complacent about the risks to the UK economy and its resilience to the current shock waves from the global credit crunch. His positiion appeared to be driven more by the need to make his numbers add up than an assessment of realities even so, he still showed worsening borrowing even compared with six months ago. Bridget has also appeared in front of the Treasury Select Committe to give evidence.