Comment

Council tax support's chequered history reveals the fundamental trade-offs of devolving benefits to local authorities.

We summarise the breadth of inequalities in the UK, their interconnected nature, and why policymakers need to carefully navigate trade-offs.  

All parties’ plans would add to the fiscal challenges facing the next Scottish Government – albeit to very different extents

But any strategy for boosting the economy that ignores the social consequences is dangerous

This comment compares the political parties’ main proposals for schools in Wales at the upcoming 2026 Welsh elections.

While their visions differ, all parties’ plans would add to the fiscal challenges facing the next Welsh Government – albeit to very different extents

The government has decided to abolish Carbon Price Support. This is a welcome development in the taxation of carbon emissions.

There have been increasing calls for reform of Plan 2 student loans, but there are no easy options for the Chancellor.

A manifesto pledging a bigger welfare state with or without independence, but which fails to properly confront the fiscal implications of its plans

We examine the effect of the UK’s ‘Help to Buy’ schemes on housing affordability using a new approach to uncover effects for different households.

A manifesto with big tax and bigger spending increases – and a mixed bag of tax reforms.

A focus on improving existing services rather than new entitlements or tax cuts

We summarise new research that examines the impact of police efforts in Barcelona to ‘sweep’ many suspected gang members at once. 

A manifesto with more support for families with children, but important question marks over how to fund its giveaways.

A plan for big tax cuts that is costed on paper, but which may not survive contact with reality.

A manifesto with a vision for a bigger state but no detail on how to pay for it.

A cap on maximum interest rates will see less interest added to the Plan 2 student loan balances of higher-earning graduates from September 2026.  

Changes to universal credit this April will have a significant impact on the incomes of millions of people.

The state pension age is being increased from 66 to 67. What is the rationale for this and what might its effects be?

A manifesto with more spending for priorities, but which also increases the chance of cuts to some other areas.