‘Happynomics’

Every Government has a focus of what it would like to achieve, the Thatcher Government’s focus for example, was to rebuild Britain’s economy, Blair’s was…. “education, education, education” to name a few.

On a more general scale a Government’s purpose should be to provide the best economic conditions for growth, and allow everyone to have the best life they possibly can.  These obviously overlap, and often one will drive the other, but there is a distinction.

The problem which occurs in dire economic times like these is Governments can get carried away with trying to drive the economy forwards.  Often this is at the expense of other areas, for example the environment.

Unfortunately, The National Planning Policy Framework which is due out this month is an example of the above.  Relaxing planning restrictions such as the laws governing building on Green Belts may drive economic growth, and provide much needed housing, but brings with it a plethora of negative externalities.

The ability of developers to build almost as they please in Green Belt towns and villages across the UK is a worrying prospect.  Cottages being overlooked by densely populated glass high rise, or natural beauty spots being turned into housing estates could become a reality.

Whilst trying not to sound like a watery, ‘flower power’ Liberal, this would undoubtedly destroy the character of these areas and destroy a way of life for some.  Some of these areas thrive economically because of their natural beauty or peaceful remoteness, so there is also an economic argument to be made.

Economics is important, but we should not let it over-ride everything else.  It is also strange why David Cameron has said he wants a ‘Happiness Index’ because he believes it to be important, yet his Government is going forwards with a policy which could be detrimental to happiness.