A Level Economists Attend POLECON in London

On Tuesday 2nd December, A Level Economics students headed to London to attend POLECON, a national economics student conference hosted by the Institute for Fiscal Studies.

The day provided students with the opportunity to hear directly from well-known economists, journalists, and politicians about the state of the UK economy following the Autumn Budget. Among the speakers was former Shadow Chancellor Ed Balls, who drew on his time in the Treasury to explain the political thinking behind budget decisions, their knock-on effects, and what he believes could help address some of Britain’s ongoing economic challenges.

Students also heard from Torsten Bell, Chief Executive of the Resolution Foundation, who highlighted the importance of inequality and poverty in shaping today’s economic outcomes. His talk provided a powerful reminder that economic policy decisions have a profound impact on people’s lives.

The students found that one of the most engaging talks came from BBC Economics Editor Hugh Pym, who spoke about the future of the NHS. He explained how rising demand and limited resources have created difficult choices for the health service, particularly around balancing acute care, prevention and investment in staff. He emphasised that tackling these challenges would require either long-term investment or major improvements in productivity.

The conference also featured a range of viewpoints, including Mark Littlewood, who presented a contrasting argument against the expansion of the state and increasing tax burdens.

Economics Subject Captains Alexander and Robbie described POLECON as a brilliant opportunity to step beyond the classroom and hear a variety of perspectives on current economic issues. Overall, the trip helped students gain a deeper understanding of how economic theory applies to real-world policy and debate, making it a valuable and memorable experience.