Centre for Economic Empowerment

NICVA's Centre for Economic Empowerment aims to help the sector become better informed about economic issues and take part more effectively in economic policy debates.

We carry out research, and run training courses and masterclasses on a wide range of economic issues.

Research and Reports

Affordable Alternatives to High Cost Credit in Northern Ireland

In 2013, amidst growing concern about high cost credit and illegal lending, NICVA commissioned POLICIS and Liverpool John Moores University to explore options for an alternative affordable credit model. This report contains the results of their research.

Government Financial Support to Business in Northern Ireland - An Analysis

Government support for the private sector in Northern Ireland is an important part of its economic strategy. This report considers how this support impacts on people on low incomes.

Procurement Practice in NI

Public Procurement Practice in Northern Ireland

This research empirically tests some of the concerns that have been expressed in relation to contemporary procurement practice in Northern Ireland.

The Economic Value of Advice

The Economic Value of Advice

This report was commissioned by NICVA’s Centre for Economic Empowerment to determine the economic/monetary impact of voluntary advice provision in Northern Ireland.

Economic Inequality in Northern Ireland

Economic Inequality in Northern Ireland

This report covers economic inequality in Northern Ireland – how high it is, how this compares to other countries, and how it has been changing.

Distributional Analysis and Weighting in Central Government Assessments

Distributional Analysis and Weighting in Central Government Assessments

This report considers the use of distributional analysis and weighting in economic assessments within central government in Northern Ireland.

The Fiscal Implications of an Older Population in Northern Ireland

This research aims to identify the fiscal impact of the changing age profile of Northern Ireland.

Front Cover

Fostering Innovation Through Public Procurement

This report examines how public procurement in Northern Ireland can better encourage innovation – the creation of new processes, products, ideas and services.

Supporting People

The Financial Benefits of the Supporting People Programme in Northern Ireland

This report estimates the costs that would be incurred if the Supporting People programme were to cease.

Universal Childcare in Northern Ireland Report Front Cover

Universal Childcare in Northern Ireland

This report estimates the economic implications of providing universal childcare in Northern Ireland using cost-benefit analysis.

An Economic Analysis of the Living Wage in Northern Ireland

An Economic Analysis of the Living Wage in Northern Ireland

This report estimates the economic impact of introducing the Living Wage in Northern Ireland.

A Land Value Tax for Northern Ireland Report Cover

A Land Value Tax for Northern Ireland

This report considers the implications of introducing Land Value Tax (LVT) in Northern Ireland.

A Commentary on Economic Data in Northern Ireland

A Commentary on Economic Data in Northern Ireland

This report considers the quality of the data available on the Northern Ireland economy and proposes ways in which existing datasets could be enhanced.

Economic Attitudes in Northern Ireland Report Cover

Economic Attitudes in Northern Ireland

This report examines public attitudes and interest in economic issues in Northern Ireland.

Social Clauses in Northern Ireland Report Cover

Social Clauses in Northern Ireland

This report considers the difficulties experienced in implementing social clauses in Northern Ireland and makes a number of recommendations for improving their use.

Review of the Fiscal Powers of the Northern Ireland Assembly Report Cover

Review of the Fiscal Powers of the Northern Ireland Assembly

This report reviews the fiscal powers of the Northern Ireland Assembly and considers the scope for the devolution of additional powers.

The Impact of Welfare Reform on Northern Ireland Report Cover

The Impact of Welfare Reform on Northern Ireland

This report estimates how the programme of welfare reform that began in 2010 impacts on Northern Ireland.

Expensive Lending in Northern Ireland Report Cover

Expensive Lending in Northern Ireland

This report highlights some key concerns in relation to payday lending and loan sharks in Northern Ireland.

Updates

Big Ideas Economics Festival Final Agenda and Timings.

On 12th August over 100 people from the voluntary and community sector, government officials, politicans, party staffers, academics, business people and interested individuals will get together in NICVA to discuss big economic ideas.

Big Ideas - A Festival of Economics the programme so far...

The countdown is on to Big Ideas - A festival of Economics. With two weeks to go the list of speakers and topics is looking pretty impressive.

Do you have a Big Idea?

NICVA's 'Big Ideas: Festival of Economics' will bring together key note speakers, panels, workshops and conversations to spark debate about the big ideas that could transform our economy. And we want you to be part of it.

Invitation to tender: A Review of Financial Support for Business in Northern Ireland

The Centre for Economic Empowerment is commissioning a review of financial support for business in Northern Ireland.

Spending Review 2015- What Does it Mean for Us?

The Centre for Economic Empowerment sets out the most significant announcements from the 2015 Spending Review and Autumn Statement. 

From Austerity to Inequality

There is much talk of 'austerity'. But what does it really mean?

Invitation to Tender: Economic Inequality

The Centre for Economic Empowerment is commissioning research on economic inequality. 

Innovation conference - Development, Design and Delivery

NICVA and the Chief Executive's Forums conference on innovation in public service delivery saw speakers from the public, private and voluntary and community sectors address delegates on innovative processes and practices.

The Need for a Strategic Approach to Taxation

In the first of three articles on taxes and their role in public policy, we consider the need for the Northern Ireland Executive to review the local system of taxation.

The future of zero-hours contracts in Northern Ireland

The Minister for Employment and Learning has outlined his position on the future of zero-hours contracts in Northern Ireland.

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