Public Purview

Beyond the Bottom Line: How Wales is Rewriting the Rules of Public Utilities. Is water an economic commodity or a communal trust? In this episode, James and Olivia dive deep into the vital infrastructure of the UK to explore a radical departure from the standard utility model. We’re heading west to look at Welsh Water (Dŵr Cymru) —a unique, non-profit entity that prioritizes public good over share...

It's easy to get bogged down in abstract economic models, but when we discuss a shared, essential resource like water , what truly matters are the practical outcomes that genuinely serve everyone , not just a select few. Join us for a deep dive that looks past conventional thinking and into the crucial topic of national water infrastructure. In this episode, we argue that water is not merely a...

Welcome to the podcast that digs beneath the headlines to uncover what truly sustains our nation. In this episode, Olivia and James confront a dire issue: the state of Britain’s water infrastructure , exemplified by the staggering failures of Thames Water. Over 14,000 instances of raw sewage being dumped into rivers and coastlines annually—yes, 14,000 times—while shareholders reap £2 billion in di...

Olivia and James challenge the long-held belief that robust worker protections hinder economic growth. Focusing on New Zealand’s 2016 Employment Standards Legislation Bill, they explore how banning exploitative contracts—like zero-hour arrangements—led to unexpected positive outcomes rather than the predicted economic collapse. The hosts dissect the ripple effects of precarious work, from unstable...

Olivia and James delve into the growing crisis of employment instability across the United Kingdom, with a focus on the pervasive impact of zero-hours contracts. While often framed as a flexible work solution, they argue that these arrangements have become a trap for millions, stripping workers of predictability and undermining their ability to plan for the future. From the challenges of budgeting...

Olivia and James shift focus from the crises facing Britain’s housing market to a beacon of hope: tenant power. With rising costs, displacement, and the soul-sapping effects of gentrification, they explore how communities are fighting back. The Hackney Community Lettings Agency in East London emerges as a powerful example of grassroots action, proving that local residents can take ownership of the...

In this compelling episode of Public Purview, Olivia and James confront one of the most pressing issues facing the UK: the crisis of housing insecurity and its profound impact on national stability. They begin by highlighting the alarming statistic that 1 in 200 Brits is now homeless, questioning how a nation built on the promise of stable homes has arrived at such a fragile state. The discussion...

Olivia and James continue their exploration of the principles that underpin a strong and resilient Great Britain, shifting focus to the practical realm of railway infrastructure. They argue that the debate over rail ownership has often been mired in ideological rhetoric, but true national strength lies in pragmatism, stability, and accountability. Through two compelling case studies, they examine...

Is our fragmented rail system a relic of the past or a blueprint for the future? Olivia and James reveal how one British model is proving that common-sense solutions can rebuild a network that truly serves the people—and why the current chaos may be costing us more than we realise. Olivia and James delve into the crumbling state of Britain’s railways, questioning whether our fragmented privatised...

In this episode, we unpack the evolving challenges of the modern British workforce through the lens of a high-profile campaign by the Independent Workers’ Union of Great Britain . Focusing on Pret A Manger, the conversation delves into the realities of zero-hours contracts, unpredictable income, and the erosion of the traditional “fair day’s work for a fair day’s pay” ethos. Olivia and James explo...

Join Olivia and James as they explore the enduring power of the co-operative model—a distinctly British approach to building resilience, fostering community, and prioritizing people over profit. From the storied legacy of The Co-op Group, rooted in the Rochdale Pioneers’ 1844 revolution against exploitative capitalism, to modern innovations like the Bristol Energy Co-op, which empowers locals to g...

A bold and often overlooked policy solution to one of the UK’s most pressing issues: the crisis of student loan debt . While many focus on fiscal austerity and market-driven approaches to education, they turn their attention to Scotland—a nation that has eliminated tuition fees for its residents since 2008. Unpacking the deeper implications of this policy, arguing that free tuition isn’t a handout...

In this episode, we confront the escalating student debt crisis, a silent crisis burdening an entire generation. With average loans now reaching £45,000–£50,000, they explore how a once-accessible path to opportunity has transformed into a financial trap, delaying homeownership, family formation, and economic growth. From the 1998 introduction of tuition fees (£1,000/year) to the 2012 leap to £9,0...

Who truly saves communities—global giants like Amazon or the enduring institutions of public libraries? Since 2010, nearly 800 UK libraries have closed, eroding access to knowledge and community spaces. Yet, stories like Manchester Central Library’s revitalization reveal the transformative power of public investments in job fairs, digital literacy, and local empowerment. They contrast the efficien...

While the UK faced a taxpayer-funded bailout of "too big to fail" banks and largely spared high-profile executives from legal consequences, Iceland took a bold, divergent path. With its own economic collapse, Iceland nationalized failing institutions, imposed strict capital controls, and prosecuted over 30 bankers and executives—including CEOs of major collapsed banks—for crimes like mar...

Olivia and James revisit the profound impact of Britain’s 15-year austerity era, launched in 2010 in response to the 2008 financial crisis. They challenge the narrative that austerity strengthened the nation, examining its human and systemic costs—such as the 165% surge in rough sleeping, strained NHS waiting lists, and deteriorating infrastructure. Through a lens of pragmatism , they contrast the...

In this episode, Olivia and James explore a critical yet often overlooked question: Who truly runs your workplace, and how does its governance structure affect the stability and prosperity of our nation? They begin by contrasting two iconic UK examples: John Lewis Partnership , a century-old model rooted in shared ownership and collective responsibility, and Amazon , a global tech giant prioritizi...

In this episode, Olivia and James delve into the surprising story behind school meals and their role in shaping national resilience. From the post-World War II era, when Britain prioritized nutrition as a cornerstone of rebuilding its future, to today’s struggles with stigma, bureaucracy, and reliance on food banks, the discussion uncovers how a once-universal policy has become fragmented. They ex...

In this episode, Olivia and James confront the growing crisis of work-related mental ill-health across Britain, revealing how it impacts productivity, public services, and national resilience. With a 42% rise in mental health claims tied to work since 2019, they explore the pressures of the gig economy, blurred work-life boundaries, and the erosion of stability for workers. The hosts examine bold...

In this episode, Olivia and James delve into the systemic challenges that quietly erode the financial stability and national resilience of Britain’s most vulnerable citizens. They explore the concept of the hidden tax of being poor , a term that captures the disproportionate burdens faced by those in economic hardship—burdens buried within everyday systems rather than overt policies. From punitive...

In this episode, Olivia and James dive into the hidden financial crisis undermining the NHS, focusing on the long-term fallout of Private Finance Initiative (PFI) contracts. Introduced in the 1990s as a way to build infrastructure without upfront debt, PFI has instead created a staggering £199 billion in future payments across public services, with £61 billion specifically tied to NHS facilities....

For generations, retirement in Britain was seen as a guaranteed reward for a lifetime of work—a stable pension ensuring dignity in later life. But what happens when that promise begins to crumble? In this episode, Olivia and James explore the quiet transformation of the UK’s pension system, from the security of Defined Benefit schemes (where employers ensured lifelong income) to the uncertainty of...

In this episode of The Curious Potential , hosts Olivia and James tackle a pressing question: How do stark pay disparities between UK CEOs and everyday workers impact national stability and prosperity? With the average FTSE 100 CEO earning 109 times more than their employees—compared to Japan’s far more balanced ratio of 16 to 1 —the conversation explores the broader implications of these gaps. Dr...

In this episode, we explore the growing challenge of housing affordability in the UK, particularly in London, where the dream of living in the place you grew up feels increasingly out of reach. The discussion delves into the rising costs of urban living, the long-term effects of historical policies, and how these factors threaten the stability of families, the vibrancy of communities, and the resi...

Why is life harder than it should be? We navigate rising costs, endless work, and communities shifting beyond control. Public Purview uncovers the systems behind these struggles—and how people are redesigning them. From worker-owned businesses to towns reviving neighborhoods through collaboration, we find practical solutions in plain sight. No jargon or blame—just fresh ways to rethink work, housi...