Policy area: Health

Reports

Liberalism liberated

This report from UK think tank Bright Blue discusses revitalising a traditional and richer liberalism for a better Britain. Liberals need to fight their critics and contortionists. But liberalism desperately needs a reset too: in its philosophical foundations, in its policymaking and in the leaders who represent it. In particular, the publication argues that liberals...

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Growing up hungry

This report from UK think tank the Social Market Foundation measures UK child food insecurity in 2026. Since the SMF last looked at child food insecurity, the economic landscape has shifted considerably. There have been seismic global conflicts, major domestic political and policy changes, spanning four prime ministers. This research provides an updated view of...

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May 2026 Understanding Scotland Economy Tracker

This report from UK think tank the David Hume Institute explores the results of their quarterly survey data collected just after the Scottish Parliament election. The findings of the first Understanding Scotland Economy Tracker since the Scottish Parliament Election bring into focus the scale of the challenge facing the new MSPs. Despite growing confidence in...

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Health data research service (HDRS) digital ecosystem analysis

This report from UK think tank Nesta provides an evidence-based assessment of the technical and clinical digital infrastructure underpinning the UK’s health data assets. The new Health Data Research Service (HDRS) can create the technical infrastructure, operational capacity and governance processes to join these capabilities into a coherent national system. As a once-in-a-generation opportunity to...

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The use of AI in UK healthcare

This report from UK think tank the Policy Institute examines public perceptions and healthcare priorities. AI is creating a significant shift in how people access healthcare, yet public attitudes to the technology remain deeply divided, according to a major new study by King's Health Partners, Responsible AI UK and the Policy Institute at King's College...

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Environmental sustainability in the NHS

This report from UK think tank The King's Fund examines a new approach to national leadership and accountability. This report argues that environmental sustainability is no longer a peripheral issue for the NHS but a central requirement for its future viability. Climate change is described as the greatest health risk of the 21st century, while...

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Beyond caring: a new funding model for later-life social care

This report from UK think tank Re-State calls for a new Later Life Care Fund to replace England's failing model for funding for older people's social care. New research from Re:State sets out the case for a fundamental overhaul of how later-life social care is funded in England, arguing that the current model is unfair,...

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Harm, hardship, and the price of inaction

This report from UK think tank the Social Market Foundation examines the costs of Scotland’s drug crisis. Scotland has a drug problem. The issue is likely to be a key one in the upcoming Scottish elections. Questions of the costs of potential interventions, and how worthwhile they are, will be central to decisions made on...

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Public satisfaction with the NHS and social care in 2025 (BSA)

This report from UK think tank The King's Fund examines the results from the British Social Attitudes survey. This report presents findings from the 2025 British Social Attitudes survey on public satisfaction with the NHS and social care, jointly sponsored by The King’s Fund and the Nuffield Trust. After several years of decline, overall satisfaction...

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The future of patient voice

This report from UK think tank The King's Fund examines the future of patient and public voice in England. This report examines the future of patient and public voice in England in light of the government’s decision to abolish Healthwatch England and the network of local Healthwatch organisations. It sets out what can be learned...

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Family Hubs pregnancy grant pilot – Interim report and early lessons

This report from UK think tank Nesta presents early insights into the programme's implementation and the experience of participants so far. About the pilot In April 2025, Camden Council began piloting the Family Hubs Pregnancy Grant. This is an offer of £500 to low-income pregnant people. Parents are notified of the grant and given simple...

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Mind the gaps – why restrictions on less healthy food and drink advertising fall short

This report from UK think tank Nesta explores the changing face of food and drink advertising. Obesity is a critical public health challenge in the UK, with two-thirds of adults now living with excess weight, and levels of childhood obesity in the UK among the highest in Europe. In January 2026, the government implemented new statutory restrictions on...

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Evaluating the impact of nature-based therapy on veterans

This report from UK think tank PBE evaluates the impact of nature-based therapy on veterans. Veterans have some of the lowest levels of wellbeing, with around 160,000 self-reporting deep dissatisfaction with their lives. They may struggle with chronic health conditions, common mental health disorders and the anxiety which can come with unemployment and the feeling that their lives lack purpose....

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Not my priority; how the public sees social care (and what can be done about it)

This report from UK think tank The King's Fund explores why public opinion and attitudes towards social care are a key barrier to change. Without adult social care support, a full life would be impossible for many people. It helps people carry out basic tasks such as washing, dressing and eating but also, for some...

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The system and the cell

This report from UK think tank the Social Market Foundation provides a high-level overview of the key health challenges in British prisons today. Good prisoner health is not only a moral issue but it can also deliver wider benefits, including improved public health and reduced reoffending. Drawing on research and insights from academics at The...

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Related Events

23 June 2026

Location: Westminster, London

Think tank: The Work Foundation

Work and Health Summit 2026

This event hosted by UK think tank the Work Foundation discusses supporting more people to stay in and return to work. Delivering healthy work in uncertain times The UK continues to face a complex web of health and employment challenges. Nearly 2.8 million people are now out of the labour market due to ill health...

25 June 2026

Location: The King's Fund, 11-13 Cavendish Square, London W1G 0AN

Think tank: The King's Fund

Who’s listening now? The future of patient voice in the NHS

This event hosted by UK think tank the King's Fund explores the risks and opportunities for patient voice as Healthwatch faces abolition. Overview The King’s Fund hosts a June event on NHS reforms, exploring risks and opportunities for patient voice as Healthwatch faces abolition. This is a defining moment for patient voice in the NHS....