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.

Should the Chancellor raise capital gains tax?

podcast

We explore why CGT reform is necessary and how changes could make the tax system fairer, more efficient and more growth-friendly.

9 October 2024

How can government reduce child poverty?

podcast

We're exploring why there's been an increase in child poverty since 2010 and options the government has to reduce this.

3 October 2024

Are people saving enough into their pensions?

podcast

Automatic enrolment has been successful in getting more people into workplace pensions, but are they saving enough?

20 September 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.

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

Childcare and the early years: what are the new entitlements and how will they be delivered?

explainer

IFS Associate Director Christine Farquharson explains.

1 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 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