The challenge of fiscal sustainability

Understand this issue

Election Special: The big issues politicians haven't spoken about

podcast

What are the manifestos missing? What are the big challenges facing us? And what information should voters be aware of as they head to the polls?

25 June 2024

Election Special: Your questions answered

podcast

In the final run up to the election, we answer your questions about everything from borrowing to AI to the part that luck plays in the economy.

27 June 2024

Cuts to council services likely unless cost pressures abate – even with the biggest council tax increases for 20 years

press release

Cuts to some council services are likely unless spending pressures abate, even with big increases in council tax and especially in more deprived areas

21 June 2024

Policy analysis

How would the parties’ tax and spending plans affect Scotland and Wales?

report

This ‘explainer’ looks at how the parties’ proposals would affect Scotland and Wales, covering tax, spending, public finances and the constitution.

28 June 2024

How should we interpret parties’ public spending pledges this election?

comment

Parties have pledged lots of ‘fully costed’ spending policies but these tell us little about the actual funding each public service might receive.

23 June 2024

Main parties’ manifestos tell us little about the funding individual public services would actually receive

press release

Labour and the Conservatives' manifestos are continuing a conspiracy of silence when it comes to public service spending plans.

23 June 2024

Academic research

6th World Bank/IFS/ODI Public Finance Conference | Driving Progress: Public Finance and Structural Transformation

conference 26 September 2024

We invite researchers from both academic and policy institutions to submit a paper or an extended abstract of two or more pages by April.

The unintended consequences of infrastructure development

working paper

Focusing on the period from 2005 to 2015 in Peru, I investigate the social costs imposed by poor implementation of public infrastructure.

8 May 2024

Call for papers: 5th World Bank/IFS/ODI Research Conference

announcement

Submissions are open until 15th May for the 5th World Bank/IFS/ODI Research Conference on the "Political Economy of Public Finances".

3 April 2023