Dr. Nick Ridpath

Conflict in the Middle East has pushed up energy prices. We examine how this compares to past shocks and the government's options going forward. 

IFS researchers respond to the Chancellor’s Spring Forecast, which was presented against an uncertain global backdrop with little new policy.

The Spring Forecast is unlikely to feature policy changes but could highlight risks to the public finances for the year ahead.

ONS figures released today show borrowing in the first 10 months of the year is £15 billion below the same months last year.

Education spending in England is at a crossroads: tight budgets, escalating pressures, and shifting demographics.

This annual report compares spending across different stages of education in England and analyses the pressures and choices facing policymakers.

At this online webinar IFS researchers presented their initial response to Chancellor Rachel Reeves' Autumn Budget.

IFS researchers provide a response to the new economic forecast and major policy announcements contained in the 2025 Budget.

New figures from the ONS show that borrowing is overshooting the official forecast for the first seven months of the year by £9.9 billion. 

IFS comments on statistics showing the level of borrowing over the first half of the financial year.

The IFS Green Budget assessed the state of the UK economy and the government’s fiscal position ahead of the Autumn Budget.

The Chancellor almost certainly has a fiscal repair job on her hands at the Budget on 26 November.

The Chancellor's second Budget will be a tricky one. The fiscal outlook has deteriorated, raising the prospect of spending cuts or further tax rises. 

We set out the challenges facing the Chancellor from a changing economic and policy outlook, and explore options to stabilise policy going forwards.

Over the long run, Sure Start’s financial benefits could be twice as high as its costs

An evaluation of Sure Start’s impacts on education, health, absences, special educational needs, crime and social care, plus a cost–benefit analysis.

Public finance data out today show that borrowing overshot the official forecast made at last month's Spring Statement by £15 billion.

At this online event IFS researchers presented findings on the effect of the rollout of the Education Maintenance Allowance in England.

The Education Maintenance Allowance (EMA) failed to achieve its ultimate aims of improving educational attainment and labour market outcomes.