Moving the House of Lords to York would do nothing to fix the north-south divide

This tokenistic plan undermines the government’s claim that it wants to tackle regional inequality, says the writer on politics and economics Tom Kibasi

Buoyant jobs market eases pressure on Bank of England to cut rates

Number in employment hits joint record high of 32.9 million in three months to November

Australian economic forecast hit by bushfires, low wage rises and high household debt

Infrastructure spending, business tax cuts and response to climate change needed to avoid financial collapse, experts say

UK shrugs off Brexit uncertainty with backing of global CEOs

PwC poll shows Britain’s stability makes it increasingly attractive place to invest

Richard Layard: ‘It’s in politicians’ self-interest to make policies for happiness’

The economist on the science of happiness – and how it can help us rethink the world

Blair built on Thatcher’s legacy. That’s a simple fact

Labour MP Zarah Sultana’s comments linking the two provoked wrath. But why were they even controversial, asks economics writer Phil McDuff

IMF boss says global economy risks return of Great Depression

Kristalina Georgieva compares today with “roaring 1920s” and criticises UK wealth gap

UK channels aid budget as it seeks closer ties with Africa post-Brexit

£395m trade boost is aimed at countering China’s spending on the continent

The case for … truly taking back control – by reversing the privatisation of our cities

From sparkling water fountains to better waste services and lower drug prices, cities are showing the benefits of remunicipalisation

When it comes to growth versus green, the short-term view always prevails

Ministers say they see no contradiction between expansion and the environment. Their decisions suggest otherwise, says Guardian economics editor Larry Elliott

Labour can win again if we make the moral case for socialism

The values I hold are our true values. I want to win the next election and establish a new, fairer economic model, says Labour leadership contender Keir Starmer

Avoid UK recession by kickstarting green economy, says thinktank

New Economics Foundation calls for £50bn to reboot economy on greener footing

UK interest rate cut looms as move backed by fifth policymaker

Balance tilts towards cutting 0.75% rate as latest member of Bank of England’s panel speaks

Sajid Javid must deliver a UK budget that works quickly – a tricky task

The Tories need to satisfy their new northern voters fast. Not easy given the economic problems are structural

Trump vaunts his China trade pact – but some say it’s too little, too late

While a cessation in hostilities is welcome, businesses have a lot of ground to make up, and few expect any further progress