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Kavanagh et al: British Politics 5e

Chapter 26

Economic policy

Her Majesty's Treasury
www.hm-treasury.gov.uk/
Her Majesty's Treasury is one of the most ancient offices of state, dating back to the 12th century. In line with most other government departments the website provides news and access to speeches by the Chancellor and other Treasury ministers. But in addition the site provides a wealth of economic data and research which will allow you to undertake detailed investigation of British economic policy. You can also explore the site via a thematic index of economic issues on the left-hand side of the page.

The Department of Trade and Industry
www.dti.gov.uk/
The Department of Trade and Industry is the subordinate government department in determining Britain's economic policy in relation to the Treasury. It currently describes itself as seeking "to create the conditions for business success and help the UK respond to the challenge of globalisation". You can use the site to find out exactly what this means in practice by using exploring the themes listed at the top of the homepage.

The Confederation of British Industry
www.cbi.org.uk/
The Confederation of British Industry is the representative organisation for employers, upon whose behalf it acts as a pressure group and lobbyist. The CBI is an 'insider group' in relation to the formation of economic policy and in many other areas of policy. The site allows you to explore the current preoccupations of the organisation (via the Policy Work section accessible on the left-hand side of the screen). A recent innovation is its Audio and Video section where you can download CBI podcasts.

The Trades Union Congress
www.tuc.org.uk/
The TUC is the representative organisation of over six and half million workers and like the CBI is a significant actor in economic policy decision making. The site is truly comprehensive but those seeking information on its position on government economic policies should click on the Economy section (accessible from the column on the right-hand side of the screen). By clicking on 'Events' and then 'Congress' you can get access to full transcripts of the TUC's annual Congresses. These will also provide useful insights into economic policy.

National Institute of Economic and Social Research
www.niesr.ac.uk/
The National Institute of Economic and Social Research is an independent research institute focusing on economic forecasting and analysis of economic performance. It publishes a quarterly journal The National Institute Economic Review. On the site you will find abstracts and excerpts from recent articles. In addition you can read and download discussion papers on economic issues (although sometimes these are quite technical).