Government finances and spending

How does immigration affect the UK economy and public finances? We examine migration trends, fiscal impacts and what they could mean for the Budget.

How does the Office for Budget Responsibility incorporate migration into its forecasts of the public finances, and how could this be improved?

The Scottish Fiscal Commission confirms higher funding this year but warns about a tough fiscal outlook. 

Around £790 million extra funding has become available this year, but painful trade-offs will be required in 2027–28 and beyond.

The Reform UK proposals represent a substantially different vision of what the benefit system should be doing.

A response by the IFS’s David Phillips and João Sousa so the Scottish Finance Committee’s pre-Budget inquiry.

A response by the IFS’s David Phillips and João Sousa so the Scottish Public Service Reform Committee’s pre-Budget inquiry.

GERS 2025–26 shows Scotland’s underlying net fiscal deficit improving but still much higher than the UK as a whole

An assigned share of tax revenues will mean local areas share more in the rewards of growth – but also brings risks.

New ONS data show that higher-than-expected inflation pushed up government spending more than revenues between April and June.

How will a temporary cut to VAT on household electricity bills affect households, the tax system and the public finances?

Andy Burnham enters Downing Street with no shortage of ambition.

Andy Burnham faces difficult choices over tax, borrowing and public spending. How much room will the new Prime Minister have to act?

Could devolution boost UK growth, or would it widen regional divides? We ask what shifting power from Westminster would really mean.

The government's Defence Investment Plan adds £3.8 billion a year, but how it will be funded and the path to 3.5% by 2035 remain key challenges.

Britain faces high debt, high borrowing costs, rising taxes and stretched public services. We explain the fiscal reality facing any government.

Scottish Government funding likely to fall in 2027–28, meaning manifesto pledges could force spending cuts or increases to devolved taxes.

Why UK electricity prices are so high, how renewables affect costs, and what government can do to protect households from shocks.

The delay announced today will have a one-off cost to the exchequer of about £200 million

The new Plaid Cymru government faces a difficult fiscal outlook – and the need to find common ground with other parties.