Effect of Fiscal Policies and Economics on Elections

Effect of Fiscal Policies and Economics on Elections With parliament officially dissolved and British politics moving into a strange period of last-ditch campaigning, gruelling television debates and outrageous publicity stunts (Nick Clegg driving his big yellow bus across the UK and George Osborne making a pizza). It is officially the general election period. Until the House of Commons reforms after May 7th, no member of the public has a representative in parliament. The role of an MP no longer exists. Whilst there are many issues voters take into considerations when deciding to vote, this essay will identify and comments on three economic issues most likely to influence the outcome of the upcoming general election. Furthermore, it will focus on the three main political parties: The Conservatives, Labour and the Liberal Democrats. One of the biggest deciders of general elections is the government’s fiscal policies. Fiscal policy involves the government adjusting the levels of taxation and government expenditure in order to influence the level of economic activity. The purpose of such economic tool is to encourage economic growth in a period of a recession, keep inflation low. Fiscal policy has a huge effect on the difference between what the government spends and what is generated. Is it spending more than it is receiving or receiving more than it is spending? In recent years, the government have spent a lot more than it receives. Last year the UKs current budget deficit was 5.5% of GDP, the largest annual deficit since the modern records began in 19481. The Conservatives have sworn to eliminate the deficit by 2018 and secure a budget surplus by 2019-20. They aim to achieve this goal by not increasing tax whilst continuing on their spending cuts. They will increase the point as which you start to pay income tax (income threshold) from  £10,500 to  £12,500, the higher tax rate, 40% would commence at  £50,000 instead of 41,900 and vowed that there will be no increases in VAT. Labour aims to reinstate the controversial 50p top rate of income tax for earnings over  £150,000 whilst reintroducing the 10p rate by scrapping the married couples’ Tax allowance in the bid to cut income tax for 24 million people. Like the conservatives, they have no plans to increase VAT or National Insurance contributions. It appears as if the Conservatives want to remind voters of Labour’s record of high borrowing in office, cautioning Mr Miliband’s spending plans would mean increased borrowing harming the economy. Meanwhile, this is refuted heavily by Labour who believes that the Conservative plans will signify a return to 1930s levels of public services, causing social harm. We may have to look to external events. Could the latest act of the Eurozone crisis – deflation, quantitative easing, and chaos in Greece – work in the Conservatives favour here? The second key economic issue is the unemployment rate. A person is categorised as unemployed if not only out of work, but also actively looking for work. There are two main measures of unemployment. One is based on a survey carried out by the office for National Statistics which shows the average number of people unemployed over a three-month period. This survey is conducted every month however a comparison takes place between separate three-month periods. The second measure is the use of claimant count supplied by the department for Work and Pensions showing the number of people receiving the Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA) in a particular month. The figure obtained by first measure is higher than the claimant count as many job seekers do not or cannot claim JSA and a change in benefits rules may move people onto JSA from other benefits. When the international financial crisis hit, the unemployment rate was marginally over 5%2 However it increased to 2.5 million or 8% towards the end of 2009 peaking at almost 2.7 million at the end of 2011, the highest level for 17 years. Unemployment has since fallen to 1.86 million3. According to the ONS, the employment rate now stands at 73.3%, the highest rate recorded by the ONS since they began taking records in 1971. However, many of whom are in part-time work or in the rising zero-hour contract creating instability in people’s income leaving them worse off especially young people. The Conservatives have strongly vowed to introduce a ban on the zero hour contracts stopping people from taking jobs elsewhere as well as creating three million apprenticeships through benefit cuts such as withdrawing JSA from young people after sixth months unless they take part in community project. Meanwhile, labour vows to ban zero contracts as well as guaranteeing a job for the under 25s unemployed for over a year. Similarly with the conservatives, Labour aims to create many apprenticeships for young people. The Lib Dems have also chosen to focus on young The unemployment rate is definitely an economic indicator that voters follow very closely. Although current figures imply that the number of employed people has increased, however living in a city with one the world’s highest cost of living such as London on a part time contract paying minimum wage may look positive to the prime minister. However to the individual in question, this is a problem as you cannot sustain a stable life with such income particularly if you are based in London. Consequently, Labour’s policy of scrapping zero contracts is more likely to be favourable than the Conservations lacklustre effort to deal with this exploitative contract. The final key issue is the NHS. A BBC/Populus poll in January 2015 valued the NHS as the utmost significant issue among voter with many worrying about the decline of the health service. This highlights the government’s failure in providing the health service. The National Health Service has become an international trademark. However, in recent years its efficiency has plummeted drastically. The NHS in England has missed its four-hour AE wait target for the past three months (91.8% of patients were seen in four hours between January and March, below their target of 95%) This performance is their lowest level of performance for a decade3.In winter 2014; there were reports of treatment outside Croydon University Hospital due to overcrowding. The government’s involvement is this market is perhaps causing inefficiency and leading to the misallocation of scarce resources. How can this government failure be tackled? Which party is going to be able to rescue a national treasure ? The Liberal Democrats have pledged to spend an extra  £1bn for the NHS every year heavily focusing on mental health as it will be rewarded half. This is to be funded by making higher earners pay more tax on their share amongst other things. The Conservatives have been trying to avoid the subject as much as possible nonetheless they have also opted to increase its spending by putting an extra  £2bn across the UK with promises to ensure that everyone shall be able to see a GP seven days a week by 2020. Meanwhile Labour who introduced the institution in 1948 have a better relationship with the NHS will commit an extra  £2.5bn a year, with the money coming from three potential sources- the new mansion tax, recuperating money by clamping down on tax avoidance from big corporations and introducing a new tax on tobacco companies. All three main parties have chosen to increase their spending on the institution as a means of correcting this failure. However, is increased spending along going to increase efficiency. Providing more money could in fact cause whether inefficiency as the institution become complacent as they are aware that extra spending is a given. Nonetheless, the Conservative’s effort to avoid this issue is counter-productive as it is giving Labour an edge. However, Labour’s future spending plans are based on projected revenues. In other words, money which may possibly exist at some point in the future thus creating uncertainty. In conclusion, although all three economic issues are very significant, fiscal policy is the most impact and will be the decider. The question all voters will be asking themselves is â€Å"Who do they trust with the government’s money†? Do they trust a government that plans to restore the current budget deficit through further spending cuts? Do we trust a government that aims to achieve the same goal through increased spending? This is becoming as always a subjective judgement. Nonetheless, this general election is going to be the closest we have ever seen. I predict another coalition.

Bioethics and Artificial Insemination :: Pregnancy Technology Science Essays

Bioethics and Artificial Insemination With every new technology that is born, there must be many questions as to whether this technology is beneficial or harmful as well as analyze who is affects. This especially holds true in dealing with the technology of artificial insemination. With the cultural mainstreaming of artificial insemination, there have been many articles written discussing the ethics of such decisions. Most of these articles are written by feminist authors with the purpose of discussing the impact of this new technology on women and how it affects their roles as mothers in society. Daniel Callahan, however, chooses to convey his argument about the bioethics of artificial insemination through a male perspective in his 1992 article â€Å"Bioethics and Fatherhood.† He argues that since the beginning of artificial insemination, there has been a trend to overlook the male and his anonymous donation of sperm. His writing style is fairly easy to read and very straightforward in an attempt to convey his point to the general population. His opinion is obvious through his very one-sided argument as well as occasional sarcastic remarks. For this, he does not base many of his points on factual evidence but more abstract, logically deduced theory. His argument is that this man, the sperm donor, is biologically responsible for the newly born child and its life thereafter. He bases his argument around the responsibility of the individual, the technology that allows men to be overlooked, and the rights movement that has lessened the responsibility of the man in fatherho od. Callahan begins his argument with the discussion of what it means to be a father biologically and morally. He relates these two terms by saying, â€Å"Human beings bear a moral responsibility for those voluntary acts that have an impact on the lives of others; they are morally accountable for those acts† (Callahan, 99). Callahan feels that voluntary sexual activity, and by extension voluntary sperm donation, falls under this category. This logic holds true to the entire argument and strengthens his case against the minimization of the father’s role in parenthood. It is based on the very concrete fact that if the man did not give his sperm, the child would not exist. This is a very simple, but very strong argument. Callahan then furthers his case on the morality of sperm donation by saying that even if the child grows up in foster care, if that foster father were to be unfit, the biological father would have a moral obligation for the child. Bioethics and Artificial Insemination :: Pregnancy Technology Science Essays Bioethics and Artificial Insemination With every new technology that is born, there must be many questions as to whether this technology is beneficial or harmful as well as analyze who is affects. This especially holds true in dealing with the technology of artificial insemination. With the cultural mainstreaming of artificial insemination, there have been many articles written discussing the ethics of such decisions. Most of these articles are written by feminist authors with the purpose of discussing the impact of this new technology on women and how it affects their roles as mothers in society. Daniel Callahan, however, chooses to convey his argument about the bioethics of artificial insemination through a male perspective in his 1992 article â€Å"Bioethics and Fatherhood.† He argues that since the beginning of artificial insemination, there has been a trend to overlook the male and his anonymous donation of sperm. His writing style is fairly easy to read and very straightforward in an attempt to convey his point to the general population. His opinion is obvious through his very one-sided argument as well as occasional sarcastic remarks. For this, he does not base many of his points on factual evidence but more abstract, logically deduced theory. His argument is that this man, the sperm donor, is biologically responsible for the newly born child and its life thereafter. He bases his argument around the responsibility of the individual, the technology that allows men to be overlooked, and the rights movement that has lessened the responsibility of the man in fatherho od. Callahan begins his argument with the discussion of what it means to be a father biologically and morally. He relates these two terms by saying, â€Å"Human beings bear a moral responsibility for those voluntary acts that have an impact on the lives of others; they are morally accountable for those acts† (Callahan, 99). Callahan feels that voluntary sexual activity, and by extension voluntary sperm donation, falls under this category. This logic holds true to the entire argument and strengthens his case against the minimization of the father’s role in parenthood. It is based on the very concrete fact that if the man did not give his sperm, the child would not exist. This is a very simple, but very strong argument. Callahan then furthers his case on the morality of sperm donation by saying that even if the child grows up in foster care, if that foster father were to be unfit, the biological father would have a moral obligation for the child.

Impact of Promotional Methods

From the scenarios, Erica and Chris have determined their weaknesses after performing a SWOT analysis. However, they have yet to identify opportunities for their business. Determine two potential opportunities specific to their restaurant’s business environment, and discuss how the partners can take advantage of these opportunities. Discuss a situation where you were influenced by an infomercial, attractive packaging, and a discount flyer to purchase a product, and explain why you think the promotional method made such an impact on you.I believe one of their potential opportunities is proximity to their ideal client base. They could pass out menus for catering, dining or even take out menus to cater to some of the businesses as well if they do cater maybe even a limited type delivery service to some of the companies as well this would not only separate them from their competition considering they would be the only restaurant to offer all of the services. I believe the second i s marketing there food what better way than take ala cart to these local businesses and having people try some samples while passing out menus and creating lunch specials for these business people.I believe this separates you from any other business in the area. I believe this with all fresh ingredients can do nothing but help your business and make a good name for yourself especially being new you have to go out and get your customers just not expect them to come go get them . I think these are all very good ideas for their restaurant very good ways to bring people in the front door if think they are all very good ideas. Good job!Me myself I really can’t think of something I have actually bought but have thought about some products. Usually its tools something new and unique plus a lifetime guarantee doesn’t hurt tools they wear out and break doesn’t matter the brand and I have realized if it’s too good to be true it probably it is. I usually don’ t fall for those as seen on TV things seem way to fake for me or I wait to see if I know someone else that gets it to see how it works.Advantages of accrual basis accounting1. Incorporates expenses and revenue at the same time 2. More accurate financial statements 3. Recognizes expenses and revenues when performed rather when paidDisadvantages of accrual basis accounting1. Special rules apply to this form 2. Transactions recorded at the time it happensAdvantages of cash basis accounting1. Only records revenue and expenses when they are paid either way. 2. It’s a very in expensive system to use 3. More simple system to useDisadvantages of cash basis accounting1. Misleading financial statements. 2. Fails to record services performed but not paid yet 3. Does not match expenses with revenues.I believe that each of these could be good for your business just depending on the business. Like to use the cash-basis you would need a business that does not have a lot of receivables and p ayables. If you have more receivables and payables I would suggest that you pay a little more money for the accrual basis you’re more likely to have a bigger business anyways. The revenue recognition principle recognizes revenue in the accounting period in which the performance obligation is satisfied. The expense recognition principle match expenses with revenues in the period when the company makes efforts to generate those revenues. If they waited until the end of the year to make all these entries it would be crazy look at tax time how people are. Now look at a company that has hundreds or even thousands of transactions a day all over the country it would be crazy.

psychological processes applie essays

psychological processes applie essays Early on this semester, we were introduced to certain principles of psychology in order for us to have a better grasp of the subject matter. These principles are supposedly what matters to psychology and life. At first, I wasnt really convinced that these principles were so relevant to life itself though its significance to psychology was pretty clear to me. Perhaps this was due to my failure to acquire a book right away, or maybe I just didnt or couldnt see its relevance to my life. Now, I realize that it was a little of both. As I carefully read through the pages of my newly borrowed book, going over each paragraph on these principles, images of myself, my childhood, and other memories and experiences came about. It was fun recalling those images, and at the same time enlightening. They say that basically, your biological make-up or composition greatly determines your behavior. Though I believe that I do not have any brain abnormalities or complexities like the ones stated in the book, the basic point that your features affect your behavior, brings about many things for me. One of the things that almost instantly popped out of my mind was my poor eyesight. Because of certain limitations in my vision, I have somehow learned to be more alert and observant especially in the classroom during lectures and in the streets when I drive a car. In addition to this, it also came into my mind that it wasnt just my eyesight perse that made me more vigilant in a sense. A big chunk of it is also due to the way things are around me. Sitting at the back of a class of around forty students, for example, forced me to pay more attention to the lectures. The same thing with driving, the traffic situation we have has made, not just me, but almost all drivers as well, more f ocused and quick-to-think in the streets. I find myself in dozens of other similar situations, and I realize that this is because o...

Free Essays on Rwandas Ethnic Crisis

, on the type of work favoured by the members of the group. Thus the Hutus tended to be farmers, the Tutsis were stockbreeders and the Twa were hunters or potters. But given the complex ancestral history, t... Free Essays on Rwanda's Ethnic Crisis Free Essays on Rwanda's Ethnic Crisis Pamphile Sebahara (1998) in his article "The creation of ethnic division in Rwanda" writes: The genocide of the Tutsis and the massacres, which claimed almost a million lives in Rwanda between April and July 1994, are the result of a variety of interdependent factors. Reading the literature on the subject, we are left with one basic question: how can we comprehend the mass slaughter of men, women and children, primarily as a result of their belonging to a particular ethnic group? Observers believe that the genocide and its consequences, which still reverberate today, are to be understood in the context of the ethnic conflict (between Hutu, and Tutsi), which has been a feature of Rwanda's history since the late 1950s (pp 86-87). Republic of Rwanda has been the victim of Ethnic violence since its independence in 1962. Two predominant ethnic groups namely the Hutu and the Tutsi have clashed with each other resulting in large-scale massacres and flight of millions of people to neighboring Zaire. Geographical Location: Rwanda is located in East Central Africa. It shares common borders with Uganda on North, Zaire on West, Burundi on South and Tanzania on East. Republic of Rwanda covers an area of 10169 square miles and has a population of 6,863,359. The people of Rwanda mainly belong to two groups namely the Hutu and the Tutsi that represent 90% and 9% of the country's population respectively. Kigali is the capital of Rwanda. Historical Background and Civil War: On the issue of ethnic division, Sebahara (1998) opines: Before colonisation, towards the end of the 19th century, most of what is now Rwanda was a monarchy ruled by a king of the Nyiginya dynasty. Social stratification was based on socio-economic criteria; in other words, on the type of work favoured by the members of the group. Thus the Hutus tended to be farmers, the Tutsis were stockbreeders and the Twa were hunters or potters. But given the complex ancestral history, t...

Promotional Budget-Magic knife Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Promotional Budget-Magic knife - Essay Example The heat produced, therefore, has the capability of melting butter in seconds during when it is spread on the bread slices. This makes it easy and simple for butter application process to occur. The knife can also cut ice cream cakes, cupcakes and many others, very simply and in a very easy and efficient way. It makes the cutting process simple and very easy to occur. Being a new product in the market, I will be faced with the challenge of ensuring that the product and its brand penetrate the market and gain popularity among consumers. The only way to do this will be through carrying out promotional services to ensure that the information about the knife and its capabilities and workability is spread to the targeted audiences. The major promotional services or strategies will include the use of radios, television, roadshows, online advertising, print advertising, trade shows, publications, and catalogues and brochures. The choice of the right promotional channel will depend on the prevalence of the targeted audience in that channel. Knives are used by every family households, but it becomes the responsibility of the parents, more so, mothers to purchase them. However, restaurants, butcheries, ice cream parlors, fruit parlors, and food courts also use the knives a great deal. The above chosen media for promotional services will, therefore, be appropriate as they are all accessible to the targeted groups mentioned. However, allocation of funds in the promotional budget will depend on the extent of promotional services in that particular medium as well as the effectiveness of advertising in such a medium (Bizmove, 2013). The promotional budget will be considered to be 23% of the total sales realized. However, as the sales increase due to more awareness creation by advertising, the budget will be increasing. It will, therefore, mean that, if more sales are realized, there will be more investment in

Essay Questions Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words - 14

Questions - Essay Example rom varied functional disciplines and development processes of a product for team tasks without necessarily removing them from positions of operations. Contrary to most organizational structures, matrix management utilizes both product and functional departments to establish a dual authority system. Matrix method segments authority into two, both of project and of functional areas. Each employee is answerable to two supervisors. The first supervisor is a functional one who oversees the workers related to a particular area of function. The second supervisor must be overseeing either a specific or a temporary project. Matrix organization structure has various advantages to the organization. Sharing of experts and equipment across projects of the organization gives room for efficient use of resources. Secondly, it allows formal coordination of projects and products across all the functional departments. In addition, sharing of information is efficient because employees meet and interact with many people, enhancing speedy decision processes. Furthermore, employees enjoy motivation and self-esteem due to autonomy and self-management opportunities that matrix organization presents to them. However, matrix organization also has a few limitations that may at times make it unpopular (Gido and Clements 448). The matrix structure method poses tough forms of organization alongside complexities of its structures. It also creates tough battles and conflicts between departments since they share resources. Consequently, the management of the organization may fail to establish accountability on its resources. In such circumstances, there is easy measurement of employees’ performance leading to increased accountability. Secondly, divisional organization leads to project departmentalization hence leading to the expansion of the company. In circumstances where divisional side is subordinate to the functional side, there is an achievement of efficient labor specialization, which