Our video this morning is short.
If you want more from me, have a look at this video, which is me in discussion with the editor of the British Medical Journal on the BMJ's YouTube channel. It was recorded about ten days ago, but came out late last week.
I do not have a transcript:
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Interestingly, on the CPI vs CPIH vs RPI discussion, the index values for CPI and CPIH, rebased at 100 in 2015, are basically the same now (139.9 CPIH and 140.1 CPI for December 2025). In fact, if you look at most past periods, CPIH and CPI have been broadly the same on average, so choosing one over the other might not have a significant difference in the longer term, if the past is any guide (albeit it might in the shorter term due to cyclical elements).
RPI is consistently higher due to the formula effect. It has been referred to as “flawed” and is changing to align with CPIH from 2030, so any “formula effect premium” will disappear completely in four years. Whether the motivation for that change was entirely statistical, rather than (say) a convenient way of reducing costs, is another matter.
Accepted.
But note RPI is used for student debt calculations, for example.
Yes, conveniently picking the higher measure when it relates to government income (vs the lower measure when it comes to government costs).
Health spend per capita is lower in the UK than in other comparable countries .
It also provides less per 100,000 population.
See OECD Health outlook
Thumbs up! I like that you chose statins as an example of rent. Have forwarded link.