Jacob S
@peopletrees.bsky.social
Organising, tenant unions, writing, post-capitalism. Bristol, formerly London. My book Renters Unite is an account of the new wave of tenant organising around the world. No access to DMs. https://www.plutobooks.com/9780745350011/renters-unite/
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Jacob S
@peopletrees.bsky.social
· Aug 19
Renters Unite
As housing crises proliferate around the world, so does the fightback. A new generation of tenants' unions are rising up to demand good, affordable housing f...
www.plutobooks.com
Why tenant unions? Why now? Find out in my new book, Renters Unite! 'A brilliant and inspiring analysis of the causes and possible solutions to one of the central issues facing people around the world today: the problem of housing' - Jeremy Gilbert
Amazingly this opinion will actually make people angry.
A controversial opinion in the UK: having a standard emails job then sitting in a house you bought for a song and watching it rise exponentially in value due to political choices that have nothing to do with you is not it fact “working very hard to get what you have”
November 29, 2025 at 2:20 PM
Amazingly this opinion will actually make people angry.
This is the cheapest you'll ever get the ebook of Renters Unite - 80% off! www.plutobooks.com/product/rent... Except for illegal downloading of course, which, do that if you need to, but this is pretty damn cheap!
Renters Unite - Pluto Press
The inspiring story of the struggle for housing justice
www.plutobooks.com
November 28, 2025 at 9:24 AM
This is the cheapest you'll ever get the ebook of Renters Unite - 80% off! www.plutobooks.com/product/rent... Except for illegal downloading of course, which, do that if you need to, but this is pretty damn cheap!
It's really not going to look great in the future that just as we needed to mobilise massive resources to replace fossil fuels with renewables, we instead mobilised them for fancy predictive text that guzzles energy.
November 28, 2025 at 8:14 AM
It's really not going to look great in the future that just as we needed to mobilise massive resources to replace fossil fuels with renewables, we instead mobilised them for fancy predictive text that guzzles energy.
Years of me having to hide the fact that every time someone said they loved Zizek my respect for them dropped. And now I don't have to hide it! My respect for Zizek respecters is low! Always has been!
Žižek’s red-brown turn is explained fully by economic and social incentives, rather than a reflection of his philosophical work, which is now forever tainted. But at least he’s got a new friend group, so good for him, I guess
![Slavoj Žižek on Charlie Kirk: "He was doing something that even the politically correct left is not ready to do ... his mode of dialogue - there was something refreshing in it"
Slavoj Zižek on Curtis Yarvin: "His description [of The Cathedral]... not many leftists are ready to say this.
Those [recent] demonstrations in England - I am not ready to dismiss as simply neo-fascist tendencies.
People have the right to worry about 'Who Are We'?"](https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_thumbnail/plain/did:plc:2qwpeisxhznwdjfylihurdp4/bafkreieudi2mdcxzftszsrb524gw354okeb2mlwqglh3idshlwwbuqzjnq@jpeg)
November 27, 2025 at 2:03 PM
Years of me having to hide the fact that every time someone said they loved Zizek my respect for them dropped. And now I don't have to hide it! My respect for Zizek respecters is low! Always has been!
Reposted by Jacob S
This country seems to have a bottomless well of sympathy towards asset rich pensioners and only contempt for anyone under 50 who is putting half their income into paying their landlords fourth mortgage and a big chunk of the rest into skyrocketing bills.
Look it’s never nice to find yourself in a position of having to move when you don’t want to but given that due to the volatility of the London housing market I have had to move FIVE TIMES since 2020 I’m struggling to feel very sympathetic towards people whose ’problem’ is a paid off 2mil property.
November 27, 2025 at 9:11 AM
This country seems to have a bottomless well of sympathy towards asset rich pensioners and only contempt for anyone under 50 who is putting half their income into paying their landlords fourth mortgage and a big chunk of the rest into skyrocketing bills.
This government continuing their campaign to be as popular as cancer I see. You think that's low polling? We can go lower!
Threshold for repaying student loans to converge with minimum wage on.ft.com/3M2AYkD
Threshold for repaying student loans to converge with minimum wage
Surprise move from chancellor means some university graduates in England may have to pay back debts sooner
on.ft.com
November 26, 2025 at 8:29 PM
This government continuing their campaign to be as popular as cancer I see. You think that's low polling? We can go lower!
Look, Pluribus is pretty slow so far, two episodes in, so if it's just going to be a reworking of Tepper's Grass for people who haven't read Grass, someone please let me know.
November 26, 2025 at 7:01 PM
Look, Pluribus is pretty slow so far, two episodes in, so if it's just going to be a reworking of Tepper's Grass for people who haven't read Grass, someone please let me know.
Psst! Rachel Reeves put up the effective income tax rate by not raising thresholds. In real terms she has increased income tax, while lying that she hasn't. Pass it on.
November 26, 2025 at 2:04 PM
Psst! Rachel Reeves put up the effective income tax rate by not raising thresholds. In real terms she has increased income tax, while lying that she hasn't. Pass it on.
Reposted by Jacob S
Darkly funny that Starmer and the Blue Labour lot currently squandering a generational opportunity to do something useful, are all inspired by a person who is 1) deeply unpleasant 2) profoundly stupid
There are some truly unhinged bits in the piece about Glasman, as to be expected when dealing with Glasman, but seriously what the actual? That's...one hell of a conflation of terminology.
November 23, 2025 at 5:24 PM
Darkly funny that Starmer and the Blue Labour lot currently squandering a generational opportunity to do something useful, are all inspired by a person who is 1) deeply unpleasant 2) profoundly stupid
But that's why GDP is a terrible measure. Where does that rent money go? Out of the country and/or to people who are already rich and don't need to consume more. It might as well be extracted entirely from the economy.
November 22, 2025 at 2:44 PM
But that's why GDP is a terrible measure. Where does that rent money go? Out of the country and/or to people who are already rich and don't need to consume more. It might as well be extracted entirely from the economy.
Reposted by Jacob S
we're running head first into hell
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said today that the fight against climate change was not against the fuels that cause it — only the pollution they emit.
Von der Leyen says EU is not fighting fossil fuels, only emissions
The comment could undermine European countries’ push at COP30 to move away from coal, oil and gas.
www.politico.eu
November 21, 2025 at 6:25 PM
we're running head first into hell
Reposted by Jacob S
Genuinely surprised that someone has actually faced consequences for this. In a sane world, there would finally be a proper investigation of Russian influence on UK politics, particularly around Brexit. Instead the UK is flirting with the idea of Farage as PM.
BREAKING: Nathan Gill is sentenced to 10 & a half years in prison after pleading guilty to eight charges of bribery from a Russian agent.
The "ultimate source" of the funds came from "a close friend of Vladimir Putin," said Mrs Justice Cheema-Grubb.
The "ultimate source" of the funds came from "a close friend of Vladimir Putin," said Mrs Justice Cheema-Grubb.
November 21, 2025 at 1:12 PM
Genuinely surprised that someone has actually faced consequences for this. In a sane world, there would finally be a proper investigation of Russian influence on UK politics, particularly around Brexit. Instead the UK is flirting with the idea of Farage as PM.
Just gross
Shabana Mahmood's Indefinite Leave To Remain Culture War
3 years - if you're earning £125k+
15 years - if you're e.g. a nurse, or a teacher
Labour's two tier system which rewards high earners and insults those who work just as hard but don't earn as much - really sad to see Labour fall
3 years - if you're earning £125k+
15 years - if you're e.g. a nurse, or a teacher
Labour's two tier system which rewards high earners and insults those who work just as hard but don't earn as much - really sad to see Labour fall
November 21, 2025 at 7:38 AM
Just gross
Jesus christ. No wonder we are where we are. Reeves thinks economics is 'non-political' doesn't she? That there's only one correct technical answer to any economic problem. jesus beeping christ
Is this the same Jeremy Hunt who set out fictitious spending and tax plans to lure her into the trap that has doomed this government? That Jeremy Hunt?
November 20, 2025 at 1:37 PM
Jesus christ. No wonder we are where we are. Reeves thinks economics is 'non-political' doesn't she? That there's only one correct technical answer to any economic problem. jesus beeping christ
Why is it that when I open a google sheet from the gmail app on an android phone, it opens in a browser rather than the sheets app, and in fact there seems to be no way to force it to open in the app. You've got billions Google, just make it work. Also add a breadcrumb to sheets/docs you plonkers.
November 20, 2025 at 11:19 AM
Why is it that when I open a google sheet from the gmail app on an android phone, it opens in a browser rather than the sheets app, and in fact there seems to be no way to force it to open in the app. You've got billions Google, just make it work. Also add a breadcrumb to sheets/docs you plonkers.
There is bugger all enforcement. This is the problem with all the shiny new things in the Renters Reform Act too. Where's the money for enforcement?
Two-thirds of English councils have not prosecuted a single rogue landlord in past three years despite 300,000 separate complaints.
Less than 2% of complaints led to any action.
2010-2020 Austerity: 41% cut in enforcement funding, staff cut by a third.
Law without enforcement is a cruel hoax.
Less than 2% of complaints led to any action.
2010-2020 Austerity: 41% cut in enforcement funding, staff cut by a third.
Law without enforcement is a cruel hoax.
Two-thirds of English councils have not prosecuted a single landlord in past three years
Exclusive: Councils prosecuted just 64 landlords despite receiving 300,000 complaints from tenants in unfit homes
www.theguardian.com
November 17, 2025 at 5:28 PM
There is bugger all enforcement. This is the problem with all the shiny new things in the Renters Reform Act too. Where's the money for enforcement?
'Restoring order' against a few vulnerable foreigners is a particular way of thinking isn't it? This is what happens when you have absolutely no morals or principles yourselves but just blow in the wind. But 'the wind' is created by a well-funded far right that has over many years taken over media.
I'm reading through the white paper or whatever it is. RESTORING ORDER AND CONTROL: A statement on the government’s asylum and returns policy www.gov.uk/government/p...
Asylum and returns policy statement
This policy statement sets out significant reforms to the UK’s asylum and returns policy.
www.gov.uk
November 17, 2025 at 4:45 PM
'Restoring order' against a few vulnerable foreigners is a particular way of thinking isn't it? This is what happens when you have absolutely no morals or principles yourselves but just blow in the wind. But 'the wind' is created by a well-funded far right that has over many years taken over media.
Until order is restored. Look at the state of these authoritarian racists. Incidentally looking at their polling and trying to drive it lower, which is odd. They must fully believe in their racism.
The UK should always be a place where people can take refuge and shelter, but that cannot continue to happen unless order is restored. It’s not about self interest or votes, but about the change the government was elected to deliver.
November 16, 2025 at 12:13 PM
Until order is restored. Look at the state of these authoritarian racists. Incidentally looking at their polling and trying to drive it lower, which is odd. They must fully believe in their racism.
Reposted by Jacob S
At some point, for the love of God, will someone ANYONE at long last take the council funding crisis seriously?!?
Because THIS is what will break down a society, not some poor soul escaping incredible dangers, arriving on our shores.
Because THIS is what will break down a society, not some poor soul escaping incredible dangers, arriving on our shores.
English councils plan to sell off social clubs and sports centres to balance books
English councils plan to sell off social clubs and sports centres to balance books
Survey finds 60% of key cities councils are planning to sell assets to meet costs of adult and children’s social care
English councils are planning to sell social clubs, sports centres and shopping arcades as they bet on a fire sale of assets to balance the books, according to a survey of local authorities.
The key cities group of councils, which represents second-tier cities in England, said 60% of councils were planning to sell assets to meet the escalating costs of adult and children’s social care. Continue reading...
www.theguardian.com
November 15, 2025 at 8:03 PM
At some point, for the love of God, will someone ANYONE at long last take the council funding crisis seriously?!?
Because THIS is what will break down a society, not some poor soul escaping incredible dangers, arriving on our shores.
Because THIS is what will break down a society, not some poor soul escaping incredible dangers, arriving on our shores.
Reposted by Jacob S
To reiterate, this is about making life immeasurably more miserable and stressful for some of the most vulnerable people, in the almost certainly vain hope of winning over the votes of racists.
Anything more shabby and shameful is difficult to envisage.
Anything more shabby and shameful is difficult to envisage.
Asylum in UK to be made temporary under Home Secretary’s plans
Shabana Mahmood will lay out reforms modelled on the Danish system on Monday.
www.independent.co.uk
November 15, 2025 at 9:14 AM
To reiterate, this is about making life immeasurably more miserable and stressful for some of the most vulnerable people, in the almost certainly vain hope of winning over the votes of racists.
Anything more shabby and shameful is difficult to envisage.
Anything more shabby and shameful is difficult to envisage.
It should not be hard, as a leftist, to pass the 'Don't be friends with billionaire pedophile Jeffrey Epstein' test. Chomsky failed it and now he'll always be remembered for that as much as his two major bodies of intellectual work. You failed everyone Noam, but most of all yourself.
November 14, 2025 at 5:43 PM
It should not be hard, as a leftist, to pass the 'Don't be friends with billionaire pedophile Jeffrey Epstein' test. Chomsky failed it and now he'll always be remembered for that as much as his two major bodies of intellectual work. You failed everyone Noam, but most of all yourself.
Reposted by Jacob S
Britain’s social clubs were once the beating heart of civic life but in just 50 years, half have closed their doors.
The 21st Century Social Clubs crowdfunding campaign aims to protect and revitalise the 2,000 remaining member-led spaces.
👉 If you can, donate here
The 21st Century Social Clubs crowdfunding campaign aims to protect and revitalise the 2,000 remaining member-led spaces.
👉 If you can, donate here
21st Century Social Clubs
We are rebuilding Britain’s social club movement for a new generation. Support us and be part of it!
crowdfunder.co.uk
November 14, 2025 at 4:45 PM
Britain’s social clubs were once the beating heart of civic life but in just 50 years, half have closed their doors.
The 21st Century Social Clubs crowdfunding campaign aims to protect and revitalise the 2,000 remaining member-led spaces.
👉 If you can, donate here
The 21st Century Social Clubs crowdfunding campaign aims to protect and revitalise the 2,000 remaining member-led spaces.
👉 If you can, donate here
A case of carbrain: if you read enough planning app comments in the UK you realise half of the objections are from people worried that more cars will be parking on their street. But it's always everyone else's cars that are a problem. It's never, maybe we can manage with one car for our household.
November 14, 2025 at 3:57 PM
A case of carbrain: if you read enough planning app comments in the UK you realise half of the objections are from people worried that more cars will be parking on their street. But it's always everyone else's cars that are a problem. It's never, maybe we can manage with one car for our household.
Reposted by Jacob S
funny how half the country is currently whingeing about 50p a week of their tax or whatever going towards things like pip & motability like it's a huge drain when there are like, individual workers whose rent payment covers a whole other couples entire new mortgage & income to retire in spain
November 14, 2025 at 1:35 PM
funny how half the country is currently whingeing about 50p a week of their tax or whatever going towards things like pip & motability like it's a huge drain when there are like, individual workers whose rent payment covers a whole other couples entire new mortgage & income to retire in spain
What will landlords do to 'prepare' for the end of no-fault evictions Matthew? Might it be: no-fault evictions? This government can cock up anything even when doing something good. Six months wait is much longer than necessary.
On 1 May 2026, we will abolish Section 21 ‘no-fault’ evictions when we switch on the new private rented sector tenancy system.
More details in our roadmap for implementing the Renters’ Rights Act published today 👇🏻
www.gov.uk/government/p...
More details in our roadmap for implementing the Renters’ Rights Act published today 👇🏻
www.gov.uk/government/p...
Implementing the Renters' Rights Act 2025: Our roadmap for reforming the Private Rented Sector
www.gov.uk
November 14, 2025 at 8:24 AM
What will landlords do to 'prepare' for the end of no-fault evictions Matthew? Might it be: no-fault evictions? This government can cock up anything even when doing something good. Six months wait is much longer than necessary.