Government finances and spending

Rachel Reeves needs to deliver a clear statement of intent for the remainder of this government’s time in office

We’re look at some of the challenges facing the Chancellor and what she can learn from previous Budgets.

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

We explore the options the Chancellor has in the forthcoming Budget.

The chancellor should focus on the tax base and close loopholes to make the system fairer

David Phillips says that even if chancellor Rachel Reeves manages to avoid making cuts, councils will still need a laser-like focus on efficiency

The new Chancellor faces a difficult fiscal inheritance. Her choices on tax and spending at this first Budget could define the rest of the parliament.

All the analysis from our IFS Green Budget 2024, funded by the Nuffield Foundation and in partnership with Citi.

We examine the challenges facing public services and the Chancellor’s public spending options at the forthcoming Budget and Spending Reviews.

We describe the fiscal outlook and set out the unenviable but important choices – which could define the parliament – confronting Rachel Reeves.

David Phillips gave this presentation on local government finances to the House of Commons Library Social Policy training day in October 2024.

David Phillips gave this presentation at the IRRV annual conference in October 2024.

Changing the measure of debt could free up billions for investment, but it’s not a risk-free move

The government is reportedly considering a change to the debt rule to allow for more borrowing for investment. We consider some of the options.

Over a fifth of government spending goes on pay. We examine recruitment and retention challenges which mean that pressures could mount going forward.

How do post-COVID claimants of health-related benefits compare with pre-COVID claimants? Where in the UK are they? How do other countries compare?

David Phillips gave this presentation on local government finances to Office for Local Government (OfLoG) staff in September 2024.

David Phillips gave this presentation on local government finances at a Pixel Financial Management conference in September 2024.