Luke Raikes
@lukeraikes.bsky.social
Deputy General Secretary at the Fabian Society | regional economies, devolution, productivity, industrial strategy, employment rights, employment support, transport, politics | Views are my own | 🏴
https://fabians.org.uk/about-us/meet-our-experts/
https://fabians.org.uk/about-us/meet-our-experts/
Pinned
Luke Raikes
@lukeraikes.bsky.social
· Jun 6
Living standards declined under the last government, for the first time on record - according to our new analysis
Today, our report shows how this government can do better
And we argue next week’s spending review must pass the “living standards test”
Now...some charts!
Today, our report shows how this government can do better
And we argue next week’s spending review must pass the “living standards test”
Now...some charts!
Earlier this year, we argued that all budgets needed to pass the "living standards test".
There are clearly major headwinds, but with higher wages, help for energy bills, and removing the 2-child limit, this budget did well.
Changes including last year show a clear progressive picture:
There are clearly major headwinds, but with higher wages, help for energy bills, and removing the 2-child limit, this budget did well.
Changes including last year show a clear progressive picture:
November 26, 2025 at 3:37 PM
Earlier this year, we argued that all budgets needed to pass the "living standards test".
There are clearly major headwinds, but with higher wages, help for energy bills, and removing the 2-child limit, this budget did well.
Changes including last year show a clear progressive picture:
There are clearly major headwinds, but with higher wages, help for energy bills, and removing the 2-child limit, this budget did well.
Changes including last year show a clear progressive picture:
OK so it's not technically in the Budget itself, but an (overnight) Visitor Levy in England is a really good move - and something we've long been calling for!
Consultation here: www.gov.uk/government/c...
Consultation here: www.gov.uk/government/c...
Visitor levy in England
This consultation seeks views on the design of a new Mayoral power to create visitor levies on overnight stays in England.
www.gov.uk
November 26, 2025 at 2:59 PM
OK so it's not technically in the Budget itself, but an (overnight) Visitor Levy in England is a really good move - and something we've long been calling for!
Consultation here: www.gov.uk/government/c...
Consultation here: www.gov.uk/government/c...
Reposted by Luke Raikes
England needs to ensure its homes are fit for an ageing population.
Great to see @annadixonmp.bsky.social mention Forward Planning, my report for @thefabians.bsky.social, in her excellent @labourlist.bsky.social piece.
labourlist.org/2025/11/anna...
Great to see @annadixonmp.bsky.social mention Forward Planning, my report for @thefabians.bsky.social, in her excellent @labourlist.bsky.social piece.
labourlist.org/2025/11/anna...
'Homes for the ages' - LabourList
As Labour delivers its ambition to “Build baby build!”, let’s build accessible and adaptable homes that will last the test of time.
labourlist.org
November 25, 2025 at 2:53 PM
England needs to ensure its homes are fit for an ageing population.
Great to see @annadixonmp.bsky.social mention Forward Planning, my report for @thefabians.bsky.social, in her excellent @labourlist.bsky.social piece.
labourlist.org/2025/11/anna...
Great to see @annadixonmp.bsky.social mention Forward Planning, my report for @thefabians.bsky.social, in her excellent @labourlist.bsky.social piece.
labourlist.org/2025/11/anna...
Reposted by Luke Raikes
Today I have started my new role as a Senior Researcher at @thefabians.bsky.social
I’m excited to get started developing new ideas and to continue (my longtime passion of) thinking about the future of the Left.
I’m excited to get started developing new ideas and to continue (my longtime passion of) thinking about the future of the Left.
November 24, 2025 at 4:18 PM
Today I have started my new role as a Senior Researcher at @thefabians.bsky.social
I’m excited to get started developing new ideas and to continue (my longtime passion of) thinking about the future of the Left.
I’m excited to get started developing new ideas and to continue (my longtime passion of) thinking about the future of the Left.
Great to see a new cabinet committee focused on growth and living standards - two vital cross-Whitehall agendas, and the right way to coordinate decision making (if done right!):
www.gov.uk/government/p...
www.gov.uk/government/p...
List of Cabinet Committees and their membership
www.gov.uk
November 20, 2025 at 3:03 PM
Great to see a new cabinet committee focused on growth and living standards - two vital cross-Whitehall agendas, and the right way to coordinate decision making (if done right!):
www.gov.uk/government/p...
www.gov.uk/government/p...
Reposted by Luke Raikes
England is ageing
As we build 1.5m new homes in this parliament, we need to ensure they are fit for this future
And it needs to be easier for people to improve their properties as needs change
Read my report for @thefabians.bsky.social + @ageingbetter.bsky.social
fabians.org.uk/wp-content/u...
As we build 1.5m new homes in this parliament, we need to ensure they are fit for this future
And it needs to be easier for people to improve their properties as needs change
Read my report for @thefabians.bsky.social + @ageingbetter.bsky.social
fabians.org.uk/wp-content/u...
fabians.org.uk
November 18, 2025 at 2:53 PM
England is ageing
As we build 1.5m new homes in this parliament, we need to ensure they are fit for this future
And it needs to be easier for people to improve their properties as needs change
Read my report for @thefabians.bsky.social + @ageingbetter.bsky.social
fabians.org.uk/wp-content/u...
As we build 1.5m new homes in this parliament, we need to ensure they are fit for this future
And it needs to be easier for people to improve their properties as needs change
Read my report for @thefabians.bsky.social + @ageingbetter.bsky.social
fabians.org.uk/wp-content/u...
Reposted by Luke Raikes
Great to see this!
A visitor levy/tourism tax would be a small but really important step in the right direction for devolution - it would fund better public realm and other infrastructure tourists and residents use
Let's hope the government follows through!
www.thetimes.com/uk/politics/...
A visitor levy/tourism tax would be a small but really important step in the right direction for devolution - it would fund better public realm and other infrastructure tourists and residents use
Let's hope the government follows through!
www.thetimes.com/uk/politics/...
Rachel Reeves may allow tourism tax, increasing the price of staycation
The chancellor is expected to announce in the budget that mayors will be given sweeping powers to raise taxes by charging visitors a levy on an overnight stay
www.thetimes.com
November 17, 2025 at 10:15 AM
Great to see this!
A visitor levy/tourism tax would be a small but really important step in the right direction for devolution - it would fund better public realm and other infrastructure tourists and residents use
Let's hope the government follows through!
www.thetimes.com/uk/politics/...
A visitor levy/tourism tax would be a small but really important step in the right direction for devolution - it would fund better public realm and other infrastructure tourists and residents use
Let's hope the government follows through!
www.thetimes.com/uk/politics/...
Great to see this!
A visitor levy/tourism tax would be a small but really important step in the right direction for devolution - it would fund better public realm and other infrastructure tourists and residents use
Let's hope the government follows through!
www.thetimes.com/uk/politics/...
A visitor levy/tourism tax would be a small but really important step in the right direction for devolution - it would fund better public realm and other infrastructure tourists and residents use
Let's hope the government follows through!
www.thetimes.com/uk/politics/...
Rachel Reeves may allow tourism tax, increasing the price of staycation
The chancellor is expected to announce in the budget that mayors will be given sweeping powers to raise taxes by charging visitors a levy on an overnight stay
www.thetimes.com
November 17, 2025 at 10:15 AM
Great to see this!
A visitor levy/tourism tax would be a small but really important step in the right direction for devolution - it would fund better public realm and other infrastructure tourists and residents use
Let's hope the government follows through!
www.thetimes.com/uk/politics/...
A visitor levy/tourism tax would be a small but really important step in the right direction for devolution - it would fund better public realm and other infrastructure tourists and residents use
Let's hope the government follows through!
www.thetimes.com/uk/politics/...
Reposted by Luke Raikes
Good to see the Mayfield Review launched.
The rise in health-related inactivity is bad for workers, employers, and public finances.
If we want to address this rise, we need to keep people well in work. That will require stronger incentives & better support for employers.
The rise in health-related inactivity is bad for workers, employers, and public finances.
If we want to address this rise, we need to keep people well in work. That will require stronger incentives & better support for employers.
November 5, 2025 at 7:41 PM
Good to see the Mayfield Review launched.
The rise in health-related inactivity is bad for workers, employers, and public finances.
If we want to address this rise, we need to keep people well in work. That will require stronger incentives & better support for employers.
The rise in health-related inactivity is bad for workers, employers, and public finances.
If we want to address this rise, we need to keep people well in work. That will require stronger incentives & better support for employers.
Reposted by Luke Raikes
Delighted that Primary Colours, my first ever report for @thefabians.bsky.social was referenced in the Curriculum and Assessment Review.
The national curriculum needs to be strengthened to ensure every child has access to the arts.
Read Primary Colours here: fabians.org.uk/publication/...
The national curriculum needs to be strengthened to ensure every child has access to the arts.
Read Primary Colours here: fabians.org.uk/publication/...
Primary colours | Fabian Society
Fabian Society
fabians.org.uk
November 5, 2025 at 11:56 AM
Delighted that Primary Colours, my first ever report for @thefabians.bsky.social was referenced in the Curriculum and Assessment Review.
The national curriculum needs to be strengthened to ensure every child has access to the arts.
Read Primary Colours here: fabians.org.uk/publication/...
The national curriculum needs to be strengthened to ensure every child has access to the arts.
Read Primary Colours here: fabians.org.uk/publication/...
Reposted by Luke Raikes
The task of building 1.5m new homes in a parliament is immense.
We need to 'build baby build' social and council housing to meet it.
Read my latest column for @labourlist.bsky.social
labourlist.org/2025/10/buil...
We need to 'build baby build' social and council housing to meet it.
Read my latest column for @labourlist.bsky.social
labourlist.org/2025/10/buil...
Ben Cooper Column: ‘We need to ‘build baby build’ social housing to meet the 1.5m new homes target’ - LabourList
The government needs to unleash the capacity of councils and housing associations to build thousands of good quality, affordable homes.
labourlist.org
October 30, 2025 at 11:55 AM
The task of building 1.5m new homes in a parliament is immense.
We need to 'build baby build' social and council housing to meet it.
Read my latest column for @labourlist.bsky.social
labourlist.org/2025/10/buil...
We need to 'build baby build' social and council housing to meet it.
Read my latest column for @labourlist.bsky.social
labourlist.org/2025/10/buil...
Reposted by Luke Raikes
How can Labour Raise the revenue we need? 💰
The Chancellor faces some challenging choices at the Autumn Budget.
In our new edited collection – Taxing Questions – we set out how we can raise the revenue we need to invest in public services. 🧵
The Chancellor faces some challenging choices at the Autumn Budget.
In our new edited collection – Taxing Questions – we set out how we can raise the revenue we need to invest in public services. 🧵
October 25, 2025 at 11:27 AM
How can Labour Raise the revenue we need? 💰
The Chancellor faces some challenging choices at the Autumn Budget.
In our new edited collection – Taxing Questions – we set out how we can raise the revenue we need to invest in public services. 🧵
The Chancellor faces some challenging choices at the Autumn Budget.
In our new edited collection – Taxing Questions – we set out how we can raise the revenue we need to invest in public services. 🧵
Really important report today on flood resilience - drawing on @eloisesacares.bsky.social report on climate adaptation for the @thefabians.bsky.social
We've published our report on flood resilience in England.
Find out more: committees.parliament.uk/committee/62...
Find out more: committees.parliament.uk/committee/62...
October 13, 2025 at 10:41 AM
Really important report today on flood resilience - drawing on @eloisesacares.bsky.social report on climate adaptation for the @thefabians.bsky.social
Reposted by Luke Raikes
“Since the levy was introduced, the number of apprenticeship starts has fallen by a third.”
If the PM’s apprenticeship plan is to work, it must reform the failed levy argues @joedromey.bsky.social for @politicshome.bsky.social.
www.politicshome.com/opinion/arti...
If the PM’s apprenticeship plan is to work, it must reform the failed levy argues @joedromey.bsky.social for @politicshome.bsky.social.
www.politicshome.com/opinion/arti...
October 3, 2025 at 11:41 AM
“Since the levy was introduced, the number of apprenticeship starts has fallen by a third.”
If the PM’s apprenticeship plan is to work, it must reform the failed levy argues @joedromey.bsky.social for @politicshome.bsky.social.
www.politicshome.com/opinion/arti...
If the PM’s apprenticeship plan is to work, it must reform the failed levy argues @joedromey.bsky.social for @politicshome.bsky.social.
www.politicshome.com/opinion/arti...
Reposted by Luke Raikes
The Festival of Ideas was the biggest and boldest Labour Party Programme we’ve ever had at @thefabians.bsky.social
✅42 events across 4 days
✅Over 2,000 attendees
✅Over 50 Ministers & MPs
✅Exploring the big issues of our time
✅42 events across 4 days
✅Over 2,000 attendees
✅Over 50 Ministers & MPs
✅Exploring the big issues of our time
October 1, 2025 at 9:38 PM
The Festival of Ideas was the biggest and boldest Labour Party Programme we’ve ever had at @thefabians.bsky.social
✅42 events across 4 days
✅Over 2,000 attendees
✅Over 50 Ministers & MPs
✅Exploring the big issues of our time
✅42 events across 4 days
✅Over 2,000 attendees
✅Over 50 Ministers & MPs
✅Exploring the big issues of our time
And now great to see Starmer reiterating that living standards is the top priority.
Here’s our analysis and proposals for how to improve living standards in practice:
Here’s our analysis and proposals for how to improve living standards in practice:
Living standards declined under the last government, for the first time on record - according to our new analysis
Today, our report shows how this government can do better
And we argue next week’s spending review must pass the “living standards test”
Now...some charts!
Today, our report shows how this government can do better
And we argue next week’s spending review must pass the “living standards test”
Now...some charts!
September 30, 2025 at 1:31 PM
And now great to see Starmer reiterating that living standards is the top priority.
Here’s our analysis and proposals for how to improve living standards in practice:
Here’s our analysis and proposals for how to improve living standards in practice:
Reposted by Luke Raikes
Our Back to Business session with @liambyrnemp.bsky.social, @catherineatkinson.bsky.social, @lukeraikes.bsky.social
September 30, 2025 at 12:38 PM
Our Back to Business session with @liambyrnemp.bsky.social, @catherineatkinson.bsky.social, @lukeraikes.bsky.social
About time for England to let its mayors do the same.
We love welcoming visitors from around the world to Wales—and we want to continue doing so for years to come.
I’m delighted to seal the Visitor Levy Bill. It allows councils to introduce a small change on overnight stays, with all funds reinvested locally to support tourism.
I’m delighted to seal the Visitor Levy Bill. It allows councils to introduce a small change on overnight stays, with all funds reinvested locally to support tourism.
September 18, 2025 at 2:40 PM
About time for England to let its mayors do the same.
Reposted by Luke Raikes
Great to see coverage of @sasjkia.bsky.social’s report, ‘Nye Bevan’s lost legacy’ in both the @financialtimes.com and @theguardian.com
www.theguardian.com/money/2025/s...
www.ft.com/content/868f...
www.theguardian.com/money/2025/s...
www.ft.com/content/868f...
September 15, 2025 at 2:01 PM
Great to see coverage of @sasjkia.bsky.social’s report, ‘Nye Bevan’s lost legacy’ in both the @financialtimes.com and @theguardian.com
www.theguardian.com/money/2025/s...
www.ft.com/content/868f...
www.theguardian.com/money/2025/s...
www.ft.com/content/868f...
Reposted by Luke Raikes
Excited to be joining @labourlist.bsky.social as a monthly columnist
I'll be writing on housing, early years and a range of other topics
I may even write about the Sea Wall and coastal areas - if I can sneak it past @emmaburnell.bsky.social
labourlist.org/2025/09/meet...
I'll be writing on housing, early years and a range of other topics
I may even write about the Sea Wall and coastal areas - if I can sneak it past @emmaburnell.bsky.social
labourlist.org/2025/09/meet...
Meet the new LabourList columnists - LabourList
LabourList announces a raft of new columnists including Deborah Mattinson, Paul Nowak and Stella Tsantekidou.
labourlist.org
September 10, 2025 at 10:15 AM
Excited to be joining @labourlist.bsky.social as a monthly columnist
I'll be writing on housing, early years and a range of other topics
I may even write about the Sea Wall and coastal areas - if I can sneak it past @emmaburnell.bsky.social
labourlist.org/2025/09/meet...
I'll be writing on housing, early years and a range of other topics
I may even write about the Sea Wall and coastal areas - if I can sneak it past @emmaburnell.bsky.social
labourlist.org/2025/09/meet...
Reposted by Luke Raikes
🚨NEW REPORT🚨
How do we extend sick pay protection to the self-employed?
In ‘Ill-Prepared’ @eloisesacares.bsky.social sets out a roadmap for a full employment insurance system by the end of next parliament.
Here’s what you need to know🧵
How do we extend sick pay protection to the self-employed?
In ‘Ill-Prepared’ @eloisesacares.bsky.social sets out a roadmap for a full employment insurance system by the end of next parliament.
Here’s what you need to know🧵
September 8, 2025 at 10:14 AM
🚨NEW REPORT🚨
How do we extend sick pay protection to the self-employed?
In ‘Ill-Prepared’ @eloisesacares.bsky.social sets out a roadmap for a full employment insurance system by the end of next parliament.
Here’s what you need to know🧵
How do we extend sick pay protection to the self-employed?
In ‘Ill-Prepared’ @eloisesacares.bsky.social sets out a roadmap for a full employment insurance system by the end of next parliament.
Here’s what you need to know🧵
Reposted by Luke Raikes
New @thefabians report out today, proposing “sick pay” for the self-employed:
Great to see @eloisesacares.bsky.social's latest report, ‘Ill-Prepared’, featured in the Mirror.
www.mirror.co.uk/news/politic...
www.mirror.co.uk/news/politic...
September 7, 2025 at 9:44 AM
New @thefabians report out today, proposing “sick pay” for the self-employed:
New @thefabians report out today, proposing “sick pay” for the self-employed:
Great to see @eloisesacares.bsky.social's latest report, ‘Ill-Prepared’, featured in the Mirror.
www.mirror.co.uk/news/politic...
www.mirror.co.uk/news/politic...
September 7, 2025 at 9:44 AM
New @thefabians report out today, proposing “sick pay” for the self-employed:
Reposted by Luke Raikes
Brilliant to see my upcoming report on sick pay for the self employed covered in the Mirror today.
Self-employed workers currently stand to lose 81 per cent of their income if they fall sick, leaving many in precarious situations.
www.mirror.co.uk/news/politic...
Self-employed workers currently stand to lose 81 per cent of their income if they fall sick, leaving many in precarious situations.
www.mirror.co.uk/news/politic...
Self-employed workers without sick pay are 'illness away from financial ruin'
A new report out urges the government to introduce a sickness insurance system for the self-employed, and end the “threadbare support system” that leaves them without security
www.mirror.co.uk
September 6, 2025 at 2:31 PM
Brilliant to see my upcoming report on sick pay for the self employed covered in the Mirror today.
Self-employed workers currently stand to lose 81 per cent of their income if they fall sick, leaving many in precarious situations.
www.mirror.co.uk/news/politic...
Self-employed workers currently stand to lose 81 per cent of their income if they fall sick, leaving many in precarious situations.
www.mirror.co.uk/news/politic...
Reposted by Luke Raikes
The employment rights bill is vital.
But we also need to answer the question: what makes someone an employee?
Our answer will affect some of the most vulnerable people in the labour market.
Me for @left-foot-forward.bsky.social @thefabians.bsky.social
leftfootforward.org/2025/09/new-...
But we also need to answer the question: what makes someone an employee?
Our answer will affect some of the most vulnerable people in the labour market.
Me for @left-foot-forward.bsky.social @thefabians.bsky.social
leftfootforward.org/2025/09/new-...
New employment rights will make defining an employee more important than ever
'It is now more important than ever to address a surprisingly difficult question: who will be entitled to these employment rights'
leftfootforward.org
September 2, 2025 at 4:15 PM
The employment rights bill is vital.
But we also need to answer the question: what makes someone an employee?
Our answer will affect some of the most vulnerable people in the labour market.
Me for @left-foot-forward.bsky.social @thefabians.bsky.social
leftfootforward.org/2025/09/new-...
But we also need to answer the question: what makes someone an employee?
Our answer will affect some of the most vulnerable people in the labour market.
Me for @left-foot-forward.bsky.social @thefabians.bsky.social
leftfootforward.org/2025/09/new-...