Comment

We summarise recent work on the economic impacts of domestic abuse, sexual assault and workplace harassment.

DWP’s improved methodology reduces official measures of income poverty, but we cannot yet conclude that new statistics are closer to ‘true’ poverty.

A plan bold in ambition, but lacking in fiscal credibility

English hospital services are in a relatively poor state - yet still look substantially better on many measures than those in Scotland and Wales

This comment analyses the government’s new youth employment package, which expands youth wage subsidies and introduces apprenticeship reforms.

Today’s new personal independence payment statistics show the number of new awards fell in 2025, but remains above pre-pandemic levels.

Conflict in the Middle East has pushed up energy prices. We examine how this compares to past shocks and the government's options going forward. 

An exploration of the imminent state pension age increase as the latest review continues

Reform UK's Welsh manifesto echoes Conservative proposals while leaving the spending cuts needed to fund its tax ambitions unspecified.

This comment explores how young workers are matched to firms in local labour markets in England, using the Longitudinal Education Outcomes dataset

IFS researchers respond to the Chancellor’s Spring Forecast, which was presented against an uncertain global backdrop with little new policy.

A tax-cutting manifesto lacking a credible plan for the accompanying spending cuts.

The Spring Forecast is unlikely to feature policy changes but could highlight risks to the public finances for the year ahead.

The government is today proposing a major set of reforms to English SEND funding, with more funding and support provided through mainstream schools.

ONS figures released today show borrowing in the first 10 months of the year is £15 billion below the same months last year.

We summarise new research that examines how the ban on new psychoactive substances affected drug availability and violence in prisons.

The government has announced changes to funding for English councils, and that it will compensate councils for 90% of historic SEND deficits.

Changes to English council funding over the next three years will help align funding with assessed needs – but challenges and issues remain.

Reform UK says it would cut income tax in Scotland if it wins the Scottish Parliament election in May.

Lifetime happiness trend changes as youth mental health suffers