Paul Johnson

Public sector pension rules are a mess that helps neither workers nor the government. Fixing them could be a win-win.

Rachel Reeves should consider increasing the basic rate, just as Denis Healey did in 1975 

Corporation tax was introduced 60 years ago. Despite many predictions of its decline, it is now forecast to raise record amounts. 

The tortured maths behind the chancellor’s fiscal headroom suggest her ‘ironclad’ fiscal rules are having unintended consequences on real-world policy

At this online event IFS researchers will present their initial analysis of the Chancellor's Spring Statement.

What were the decisions and trade-offs made by Chancellor Reeves?

In response to deteriorating global economic conditions, Rachel Reeves chose to fine-tune her spending plans to continue to meet her fiscal rules. 

Rachel Reeves gives herself so little room for manoeuvre that she creates costly uncertainty when the choice is obvious: raise taxes or cut spending 

The bill aims to improve education and social care for children. But will it work?

The government’s decision to boost military funding out of international aid felt panicked. But this a watershed moment that needs a proper strategy.

Wealth concentration among baby boomers and stagnant earnings are driving the rise of the ‘Bank of Mum and Dad’, affecting social mobility.

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

We borrowed and spent more than other countries to respond to the pandemic and the sharp rise in energy prices two years later.

The OBR forecast will underpin the Chancellor’s decisions at the next Spring Forecast.

Confusion is built into our approach to net zero. We need to be more pragmatic about whether emissions will genuinely be new. 

We discuss the economic consequences of tariffs, why governments use them, and whether they actually achieve their intended goals.

"Shifting the performance of an entire economy requires a long-term, consistent and persistent direction." Paul Johnson writes for the Times.

The IFS is holding a day of talks on issues in public economics of interest to undergraduates in economics and related disciplines.

The launch of 2024/25 IFS Annual Report on Education Spending in England, funded by the Nuffield Foundation

A government with a big majority should have had the political will to do more than just set up another review.