Andy Burnham won Makerfield

It was the overseas students that were the money spinner, I believe. But current and proposed immigration policies have put a great many off.

Universities get most of their funding from research grants and outcomes. Many collaborations ceased because of Brexit, and universities lost millions.

Student fees are high for students, but a lot of the money is spent on teaching them - they are not the money-spinners many seem to think.

MaizieD

Trying to implement a land tax would have all the difficulties which were cited when we were discussing the proposal to implement a 2% tax on 'wealth'. Difficulties in identifying the beneficial ownership and in valuation. I think it would be more trouble than its worth,

Implementing much of the current taxation regime in a far more progressive way would be cheaper and more effective. And it would prove a better route to a more equable distribution of wealth.

It is going to be difficult to apply fairly but probably easier than a wealth tax, establishing a value of global wealth each year is a major task. UK land ownership and value would be easier to establish.

But Wyllow3 other countries are coming forward - China, USA, Ireland and Nigeria for undergraduate places. I think it’s also been impacted by visa restrictions so families are no longer allowed in for one student.

Erasmus doesn’t recommence until 1st January 2027, will come into play for the 2027/28 education year

Wyllow3

*ronib*, cuts in staffing have been going on seriously for at least 8 years!
Changed contracts from permanent to temporary, at least 15 years ago, ie only pay 9 months of the year, less tutors per student: Last year and the year before we had local strikes because of the cuts.
The main changes in the more flush universities are less income from International Students because of Brexit

Where have you been all this time?

My son is a professor of Maths at a Russell group uni, who of course tend to be better funded but obvs the most attractive to wealthy overseas students.

Thats how I know. Eroded bit by bit during the Tories, thats when all the temporary contracts and student/tutor radios came in.

They have been helped by the restoration of Erasmus under Labour but the problems aren't related tot hat.

Brexit: the gift that keeps on giving.

Trying to implement a land tax would have all the difficulties which were cited when we were discussing the proposal to implement a 2% tax on 'wealth'. Difficulties in identifying the beneficial ownership and in valuation. I think it would be more trouble than its worth,

Implementing much of the current taxation regime in a far more progressive way would be cheaper and more effective. And it would prove a better route to a more equable distribution of wealth.

Employment costs - down to Reeves, energy costs - Ed Milliband’s net zero, wider inflationary costs…. Yes plus of course fewer international students on higher fees. So really arguably greater impact on the university sector in the last 2 years? Wyllow3

Yep, another BREXIT benefit.

ronib, cuts in staffing have been going on seriously for at least 8 years!
Changed contracts from permanent to temporary, at least 15 years ago, ie only pay 9 months of the year, less tutors per student: Last year and the year before we had local strikes because of the cuts.
The main changes in the more flush universities are less income from International Students because of Brexit

Where have you been all this time?

At least one university is warning staff of impending job losses due to the increased costs in national insurance. Savings are expected to be found- around £20 million! Well done Labour …. Not.

Burnham has got to find extra revenue if he is to increase public spending, he has already committed to retaining the same fiscal rules as Reeves - not borrowing to fund day to day spending.
If Land Tax is not introduced existing taxes need to be increased or we are back to square one.

The principle of a Land Tax is not new several countries use it notably Australia. It's a tax on the value of land that buildings sit on that the owner pays, the building itself pays council or business rates. There would have to be exemptions for principle residences and farmland and thresholds too, the effect would be similar to stamp duty but instead of a lump sum it would be an annual levy on land ownership. So if Land Tax were 1% that would increase the effective interest rate you pay each year by 1% and continue after the loan was repaid

It's another nail in the coffin for private landlords and a developer would have to increase the price of property to maintain his margin. As has been said it's not in the manifesto so maybe it's for the future, increasing other taxes is quick and easy compared to introducing new taxes.

The land tax was not included in the Labour manifesto 2024.

Mollygo

Andy Pandy’s coming to play . . . I wonder who he’ll choose for Looby Lou?

Quite. I sincerely hope it isn't Rachel Reeves. I am not a Labour supporter but I felt for Sir Keir Starmer yesterday. Reeves didn't show the manners or the empathy towards him by standing outside her front door with others, listening to Starmer's speech. Oh no, not her. Nothing to gain by doing that. She's in the crowd behind Burnham though. I hope he gets rid.

Google is your friend ronib.

Was a land tax in the manifesto?

The Labour Party has a manifesto.
That's what was voted for.

It is very worrying that in a few weeks we could have a PM who has not told anyone what his policies might be.

Can this be true democracy?

Winston Churchill crossed the floor twice….

Why didn't Farage call for by elections when Tory MPs defected to reform?

Wyllow3

Galaxy

I don't think Burnham would lose now but I am simply staring a fact that Burnham lost both previous leadership elections - one to Corbyn. For those of us who have been labour party members until recently, it is an interesting part of the labour party journey.

Still am in. its not new at all, its been all discussed for months and months in terms of possibles and mostly in my large northern city Burnham has been a front runner for months as "possible". There were not good feelings when Starmer blocked him before Gorton, remember?

I reckon last night they got together and decided -surely thats why Streeting stood down so rapidly - I'm guessing cabinet places

- to avoid the inevitable unedifying attempts by the press to enjoy ripping them all to shreds, hours of pointless speculation, when Burnham would have won anyway.

But surely he needs to categorically state what he intends to do as PM? He’s already changed his mind on some issues. Does he still believe in PR for example? The electorate (whichever party they support) have a right to know how they will be affected by this change of leadership.

NotSpaghetti

But we don't vote for a person to be PM MayBee70 we are choosing the government.

In theory yes. But how many people on the doorstep said they wouldn’t vote for Corbyn?

Galaxy

I don't think Burnham would lose now but I am simply staring a fact that Burnham lost both previous leadership elections - one to Corbyn. For those of us who have been labour party members until recently, it is an interesting part of the labour party journey.

Still am in. its not new at all, its been all discussed for months and months in terms of possibles and mostly in my large northern city Burnham has been a front runner for months as "possible". There were not good feelings when Starmer blocked him before Gorton, remember?

I reckon last night they got together and decided -surely thats why Streeting stood down so rapidly - I'm guessing cabinet places

- to avoid the inevitable unedifying attempts by the press to enjoy ripping them all to shreds, hours of pointless speculation, when Burnham would have won anyway.

Farage is asking for a General Election.

Agree.