Public finance

At this online event IFS researchers will present their initial analysis of the Chancellor's Spring Forecast.

Rachel Reeves gives herself so little room for manoeuvre that she creates costly uncertainty when the choice is obvious: raise taxes or cut spending 

At this online event IFS researchers discussed what has changed since the Autumn, and what this means for the Chancellor's Spring Forecast.

What are the Chancellor’s options if – and it is very much an if – the upcoming Spring Forecast puts her on track to miss her fiscal targets?

This report analyses the Scottish Government’s Budget for 2025–26, with chapters on tax strategy, school spending, public sector pay and more.

New data shows borrowing for this year running higher than forecast at last October’s Budget.

Public spending on defence in the UK has decreased significantly in the past 70 years, while health spending has increased.

Scotland’s schools are relatively well funded. Falling pupil rolls and workforce planning represent both challenges and opportunities going forwards. 

In-year top-ups mean big increases in Scottish NHS spending this year – but that means plans for 2025–26 now look relatively less generous.

How do changes in UK government revenues over time compare with what has been seen in other advanced countries?

Rising interest rates could put the government on track to miss its fiscal rules. What are the Chancellor’s options? 

If a recent rise in borrowing costs proved persistent, it will make it even harder for the Chancellor to continue to meet her main fiscal rule. 

This IFS Pensions Review report sets out issues with the current means-tested benefit system for those approaching the state pension age and beyond. 

A new, up-to-date system for allocating funding between councils is vital, and reforms must align with the broader vision for local government.

At this online webinar IFS researchers presented their initial response to new Chancellor Rachel Reeves' first Budget.

Forecast debt interest spending has once again been revised up.

Increases in taxes and borrowing are not costless and the spending plans after 2025-26 are unlikely to survive contact with reality.

The Chancellor has chosen to borrow for a large top-up to day-to-day spending in the near term, but spending plans are set to tighten after.

On the new measure (PSNFL) debt is set to fall from 2027-28, but only just, rather than more decisively as under the previous forecast.

This report sets out the financial state of colleges in England since 2010 and analyses the key future challenges they face.