Working NotesVol. 1 — 2026

How Institutions Actually Work

Terry Cook. I spent thirty years redesigning how organisations work, then got elected to help run one. These days I write about AI, democracy and the everyday business of institutions — from a desk in Gloucestershire, usually after a walk.

1.0Contents

1.1

Since When Was Changing Tax a Crime?

"Tax raid" settles the argument before it starts. A better debate begins by refusing the frame and asking what tax is for.

TaxPolitical Language

1.2

The Rental Crisis Has Two Causes. We Only Talk About One.

Private renting collapsed once under rent control, then council housing collapsed after it. The real problem is treating a home as a commodity.

HousingPolitical Economy

1.3

The Tyranny of the Engaged

When 40% of the electorate stays silent, we don't record the will of the people. We record the will of the engaged. The case for compulsory voting.

DemocracyElectoral Reform