Research and analysis

The next few years are going to be very tight for school budgets and forecasting anything more than a real-terms freeze is highly optimistic.

New childcare entitlements have proven popular – meaning spending from 2026 onwards could be £1 billion higher than originally forecast.

We take a closer look at the Spending Review and what the policies mean for public services, investment and the wider economy. 

Find our analysis, events and more surrounding the 2025 Spending Review here.

Which public services are the relative winners and losers from Rachel Reeves’ multi-year 2025 Spending Review?

IFS Director Paul Johnson responds to the Chancellor's Spending Review. 

What exactly happens during a spending review? Senior IFS Research Economist Max Warner explains here in 60 seconds.

Will the government announce more spending on the NHS in the Spending Review? Senior IFS Research Economist Max Warner explains here in 60 seconds.

Are public services facing cuts in the Spending Review? Senior IFS Research Economist Max Warner explains here in 60 seconds.

What will the government announce on investment spending in the Spending Review? Senior IFS Research Economist Max Warner explains here in 60 seconds.

What is happening with defence spending during The Spending Review? Senior IFS Research Economist Max Warner explains here in 60 seconds.

The income threshold below which pensioners will be eligible for the winter fuel payment (WFP) is set to rise.

Rachel Reeves is to allocate between competing priorities with her spending review, and a 2.5 per cent rise for health could mean cuts elsewhere

The Crown Court case backlog has doubled since 2019 and continues to grow. We explore whether falling productivity is part of the reason why. 

Expanded access to free school meals will benefit 1.7 million children in the long run, but existing transitional protections limit effects next year.

Rising tariffs and trade wars are reshaping global trade. Is this the end of globalisation—and what does it mean for the UK and the world economy?

Spending Review 2025 will set detailed departmental budgets for most of this parliament. We examine the key choices facing the government.

This report explores options for incorporating administrative records on graduate earnings into the OfS’ regulation of higher education in England.