Podcasts, explainers and calculators

Latest podcasts

Go beyond the 24-hour news cycle and get objective, independent analysis from the researchers behind the work. Hosted by Institute for Fiscal Studies Director, Paul Johnson. Tune in every other Wednesday.

How can we make government more productive?

podcast

How can the public sector do more with less? We explore productivity trends, government reform and lessons from private sector innovation.

3 December 2024

Inheritance tax rises and the Budget: who's affected?

podcast

We discuss how inheritance tax actually changed in the budget, who will be affected and whether it was a good idea.

15 November 2024

How big are the UK's demographic challenges?

podcast

With birth rates at record lows, we ask what the implications are for the UK and how it might impact the public finances.

8 November 2024

See all our podcasts here

Latest explainers

Explainers give clear, short overviews of topics. These come in a variety of formats including video, audio and text.

Autumn Budget 2024 explained

explainer

IFS Director Paul Johnson explains the Autumn 2024 Budget in 90 seconds.

30 October 2024

Funding pressure on the asylum system explained

explainer

What is the £6.4 billion unfunded spending pressure on the asylum system? IFS Senior Research Economist Ben Zaranko explains.

29 August 2024

Rachel Reeves' spending audit explained

explainer

IFS Director Paul Johnson responds to Rachel Reeves' spending audit in 90 seconds.

29 July 2024

See all explainers

Calculators and tools

Be the Chancellor

Our interactive tool lets you be the Chancellor. Change spending plans, set tax policies and see how your choices impact borrowing and debt.

How do special educational needs vary across areas?

calculator

Use this interactive tool to explore how special educational needs prevalence, funding, and spending vary across local authorities over time.

10 December 2024

How have local house prices and house building changed across England?

calculator

See how house prices and house building have changed in your area, and compare how responsive building has been to prices in areas across England.

22 November 2024

How to reduce child poverty: compare the policy options

calculator

Use these charts to compare policies for reducing child poverty and to examine how child poverty rates have changed over time across different groups.

3 October 2024