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
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 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.
This research empirically tests some of the concerns that have been expressed in relation to contemporary procurement practice in Northern Ireland.
This report was commissioned by NICVA’s Centre for Economic Empowerment to determine the economic/monetary impact of voluntary advice provision 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.
This report considers the use of distributional analysis and weighting in economic assessments within central government in Northern Ireland.
This research aims to identify the fiscal impact of the changing age profile of Northern Ireland.
This report examines how public procurement in Northern Ireland can better encourage innovation – the creation of new processes, products, ideas and services.
This report estimates the costs that would be incurred if the Supporting People programme were to cease.
This report estimates the economic implications of providing universal childcare in Northern Ireland using cost-benefit analysis.
This report estimates the economic impact of introducing the Living Wage in Northern Ireland.
This report considers the implications of introducing Land Value Tax (LVT) 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.
This report examines public attitudes and interest in economic issues 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.
This report reviews the fiscal powers of the Northern Ireland Assembly and considers the scope for the devolution of additional powers.
This report estimates how the programme of welfare reform that began in 2010 impacts on Northern Ireland.
This report highlights some key concerns in relation to payday lending and loan sharks in Northern Ireland.
Updates
Northern Ireland and the European Investment Bank
The European Investment Bank (EIB) was established in 1958 with a remit to finance investment projects which contribute to EU policy objectives.
Supporting People saves public purse £125m per year
Research carried out for NICVA has revealed that every £1 spent on the £65m Supporting People programme saves the public purse £1.90.
What ASHE tells us about real wages in Northern Ireland
The findings of the 2014 Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings (ASHE) give an indication of wage levels and annual salaries across the UK and in Northern Ireland.
Private Pension Reforms 2015
In April 2015 the pension system will undergo radical reform. This article sets out these changes and looks at the possible consequences.
The Change Fund (Draft Budget 2015-16)
The Draft Budget 2015-16 announced the creation of a “Change Fund” which will “finance upfront investment in cross-cutting reform initiatives and preventative measures that are expected to generate savings in the longer term.”
Public service pension reform and the Draft Budget 2014-15
The Draft Budget 2015-16 sets aside £133.2m to deal with public service pensions but gives little detail on what these are and why the additional money is needed. This article provides an explanation.
Financial Transactions Capital (Budget 2015-16)
The Northern Ireland Executive’s Budget 2015-16 includes a relatively new category of spending called Financial Transactions Capital (FTC). So what is it and how does it work?
Consumer Council and NICVA welcome the Financial Conduct Authority’s price cap on payday loans
The Consumer Council and NICVA have welcomed the Financial Conduct Authority’s (FCA) announcement on price cap measures to be introduced on payday loans from 2nd January 2015.
Draft Budget 2015-16: Summary
This article summarises the key points from the Draft Budget and is aimed at people in the voluntary and community sector who are replying to the consultation.
Energy Markets in Northern Ireland - Masterclass
NICVA's Centre for Economic Empowerment held its fourth Masterclass of the year, delving into Northern Ireland's energy markets.
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