Monday, October 31, 2011

Unit 2: Unemployment data

Thanks to tutor2u for these latest updated charts

http://dl.dropbox.com/u/4368634/Economics/Unemployment%20_Charts_Nov2011.pdf

Monday, October 03, 2011

Unit 1: A fat tax in Denmark

For a long time, people combatting obesity have suggested a fat tax. The BBC reports Denmark has now led the way in intrducing such a tax

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-15140821

and possibly in the UK

http://uk.health.lifestyle.yahoo.net/uk-government-may-consider-a-fat-tax.htm

a) What is the market failure this tax will combat?
b) Use a diagram to explain how the tax should reduce the market failure
c) Discuss the extent to which this policy is likely to succeeed

Saturday, October 01, 2011

Unit 1: A ban on bulk buy booze discounts in Scotland

So says the BBC

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-15135000 video
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-15125064 article
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-15123533 article

a) To what extent is such a ban likely to reduce the negative externalities associated with excessive alcohol consumption

Unit 1: A charge for plastic bags

As ever, Wales is ahead of the game!

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-15129197

and the response of consumers

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-15137706

a) Why is such a charge on bags needed?
b) To what extent di you think this scheme islikely to decrease the consumption of plastic bags? Include a S&D diagram in your answer

Unit 1: More regulation on cigarette sales

This time, a ban on selling cigarettes from vending machines

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-15132529

a) As ever, the question is "Comment on the likely success of this policy in reducing the market failure arising from the cigarette market"