This report from UK think tank the Adam Smith Institute provides a plan for 'full fat' freeports. Some academic economists are sceptical of the ability of freeports to add value to the British economy, arguing that they primarily divert (rather than create) economic activity; Policymakers need not risk this being the case—freeports offer an exciting...

This report from UK think tank the Adam Smith Institute looks at reforming HM Treasury. This report proposes a number of reforms to improve the efficiency and value for money of HM Treasury. This paper is part of the Adam Smith Institute’s “Reforming the Civil Service” series. The Treasury has responsibility for a number of...

This report from UK think tank Chatham House looks at structural economic change, inequality and the depoliticization of economic policymaking. Understanding contemporary challenges to democracy in Europe requires looking beyond the rise of ‘populism’. Instead, it requires acknowledging a multiplicity of threats to democracy, in particular those arising from the structure of European economies and...

This report from UK think tank the Centre for Social Justice looks at protecting vulnerable households from the inflations crisis. It has become increasingly obvious that the cost of living crisis is going to get worse before it gets better. With energy bills to hit £3,549 in October and forecast to exceed £5,380 in January,...

This report from UK think tank the Institute for Government looks at what the government can do to address rising energy bills. Big increases in energy bills mean that UK households are set to face a very difficult winter. Annualised bills for a typical household are currently £1,971, already 50% higher than in March, but...

This report from UK think tank the Adam Smith Institute looks at the economic effects of corporate tax reform in the UK. This report argues that reversing the corporation tax hike and replacing the super-deduction would have significant positive impacts on growth, investment and wages. In 2023, the UK’s corporate income tax rate is scheduled...

This report from UK think tank Demos looks at localising power to level up towns. In an ongoing period of political change, it is imperative that addressing regional inequalities stays firmly on the political agenda. The challenge of supporting people to thrive within the towns they come from is not going away. There is an...

This report from UK think tank the Resolution Foundation looks at differences in wealth across groups to understand wealth inequality in the UK. The defining economic challenge for UK families at the moment is the cost of living crisis, rising inflation threatens living standards in the UK as real incomes fall. Owning wealth helps protect...

This report from UK think tank the Institute of Welsh Affairs argues that businesses in Wales need clarity and flexibility to help make Levelling Up a success. Over six months on from the release of our first paper, What Does Levelling Up Mean for Wales?, the rollout of the UK Government’s Levelling Up agenda has increased...

This report from UK think tank Centre for Cities looks at the places at the sharp end of the cost of living crisis. The burden of the cost of living crisis is being felt in every corner of the UK. Nationally, the picture is clear, but much less is known about how the rising cost...

This report from UK think tank Resolution Foundation looks at navigating a route to a fairer and more prosperous Britain. The UK has great strengths, but is over a decade into a period of stagnation. The toxic combination of slow growth and high inequality was posing challenges for low-to-middle income Britain’s living standards even before...

This report from UK think tank IPPR argues that surging profits by some companies could be a contributing factor to rising prices. While inflation is primarily being driven by global factors, this joint IPPR and Common Wealth report argues that surging profits by some companies could be a contributing factor to rising prices. Contrary to...

This report from UK think tank the Centre for Social Justice looks at a roadmap for lifelong financial learning. At the time of writing, the public’s number one concern is the rising cost of living. And rightly so. Soaring prices in energy, food and fuel have led to the largest squeeze on incomes since the...

This report from UK think tank the Institute for Government looks at Government’s big decision on how to share the pain. The government cannot insulate all households from the economic slowdown needed to bring inflation under control. Instead the big decision facing ministers is how to share the economic pain. With the Office for Budget...

This report from UK think tank the Centre for Policy Studies looks at the mood of the investment community into doing business in the UK. We interviewed more than 100 founders, funders, CEOs, entrepreneurs and other senior figures, in the biggest focus group of its kind to date. Their comments to the CPS, provided on...