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

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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