Conor O'Shea

@CostOfLivingAct.

Head of Campaigns @Econchange. Ex @GenRentUK @RUSI_org @dfatirl @CRbuildpeace @TrustWorksG. Long-suffering Arsenal fan. Views my own.

[Conor O'Shea @Conor__OShea]

It was an absolute pleasure to represent @CostOfLivingAct at the @unisontheunion conference today in foggy Brighton, speaking on a panel about wealth taxes and what they could achieve, with
@PatMillsUK. Thanks for the invite and to the audience for a great conversation.

[New Economy Brief @NewEconomyBrief]

With 45% of private renters facing unaffordable housing costs, pressure is mounting for action on rents.

This week’s New Economy Brief investigates the case for rent controls, potential downsides, and what they could look like in the UK: https://t.co/UF7b84ysVr

[Cost of Living Action @CostOfLivingAct]

"As inflation stays high, bills and prices continue to rise, with households all over the country struggling to cope."

COLA's @Conor__OShea reacts to today's inflation stats.

[Cost of Living Action @CostOfLivingAct]

"54% (of Makerfield residents) supported introducing a new “wealth tax” on assets over £10m to fund the NHS, schools and other public services, while 28% were opposed to new taxes on wealth."

More support for the COLA platform from Makerfield.

https://t.co/kKNGIskKiN

[Cost of Living Action @CostOfLivingAct]

This crisis is sucking the joy out of life for millions of families, with small treats and presents – let alone holidays and foreign travel – a distant dream. Campaign coordinator @Conor__OShea is quoted in this piece in the @Independent.

https://t.co/XFWIJRRUld

@alb_toth

[Conor O'Shea @Conor__OShea]

The government needs to tackle the causes as well as the symptoms of our broken economy, so families can live comfortably and flourish – not just scrape by. People being unable to afford even a short break simply should not be the reality in a country as wealthy as the UK.

[Conor O'Shea @Conor__OShea]

Come and work with me!

If you are a brilliant consultant with campaigning and event management experience, or if you know someone who is, we'd love to hear from you.

https://t.co/1KDFD0eTsg

[Cost of Living Action @CostOfLivingAct]

This morning, the energy price cap has increased, meaning households will have around £200 added to their bills. This will strike fear into families across the country who cannot afford to see bills rise again.

Our response:

[Albert Toth @alb_toth]

Have you had to cancel or put off going on holiday due to rising costs and/or worries about flights? Would be great to chat to you for a story for @Independent. Get in touch here or via email (in bio)!

[Conor O'Shea @Conor__OShea]

A shame to see that eight years after I first wrote about the Myitsone dam project for @TrustWorksG, its spectre still looms large over a community that has been through so much.

[Hunter Marston @hmarston4]

I would not characterize #Myanmar's regime as "increasingly isolated." Several ASEAN states are pushing to normalize ties with Naypyitaw. But Myanmar still relies on China's support & energy. MAH may feel now is the right time to resume the Myitsone Dam. https://t.co/VKrqkVm4lW

[Arsenal @Arsenal]

The Arsenal. Your Premier League champions.

[Cost of Living Action @CostOfLivingAct]

Councils must now give 63 days notice before charging someone in arrears their full annual council tax debt, up from just 7 days.

The hard work of COLA partner @debtjustice and their group of people who have experienced debt made this happen!

https://t.co/Qbm8Ma09aZ

[Cost of Living Action @CostOfLivingAct]

This would be more like it!

It's great to see a prominent politician from the governing party back so much of the COLA platform, from rent control to fairness in social security.

Today's government should take some of Lord Blunkett's advice.

https://t.co/HXf84YlLCw

[Joseph Rowntree Foundation @jrf_uk]

🚨 NEW!

Our report out today concludes rent controls can ease the pressure on renters, without jeopardising the private rented sector. A rent control could:

- Make renters nearly £1200 a year better off by 2030
- Reduce the housing benefit bill by £600m

Here's how 👇

[Cost of Living Action @CostOfLivingAct]

Failure on the cost of living is the real issue underlying this week’s renewed bout of Westminster psychodrama. Yet the Prime Minister had nothing of substance to offer on the cost of living in his speech on Monday, and the King’s speech fell short on providing hope or detail.

[Cost of Living Action @CostOfLivingAct]

Labour MPs and the public disagree on the government's handling of the cost of living crisis, Cost of Living Action polling finds.

The public expects more on the cost of living, but MPs don't see how out of step they are with what we need.

@alb_toth

https://t.co/TGSj3tN5ru

[Generation Rent @genrentuk]

Each year, @SMKcampaigners celebrates the best campaigns and campaigners. We are thrilled to announce our campaign The Campaign for the Renters' Rights Act has been shortlisted for the SMK National Campaigner Awards 2026!

Read our campaign’s story here: https://t.co/2tXcj84Bjz

[The Autonomy Institute @Autonomy_Inst]

You can get an exclusive preview of @Autonomy_Inst & @jrf_uk research (out this Thursday) into booming landlord returns over the last decade – along with the scope for new rent controls – via @Victoria_Spratt's newsletter for the @theipaper 👇

https://t.co/zaKbb1nsdF

[Vicky Spratt @Victoria_Spratt]

Could rent control save renters £1,200 a year? And shave £600m off the annual Housing Benefit bill?

New research shared exclusively with me from @jrf_uk and @Autonomy_Inst seems to think so, and suggests mitigations to protect landlords with mortgages.

This week’s newsletter @theipaper

https://t.co/fFLE4nKSSe

[Cost of Living Action @CostOfLivingAct]

"The best thing to do politically is also the best thing to do economically."

Hannah Peaker is right. Direct intervention is the only way out of this cost of living crisis, and the government's only option.