This report from UK think tank the Institute for Policy Research examines how the Opportunity Areas programme affected young people’s hopes for their future lives. Over the last 15 years the UK has seen a downward trend in young people’s optimism about their futures, particularly among those living in England’s regions. The UK is already...

This report from UK think tank PBE makes the business case for a Civil Society Evidence Organisation. Civil society is one of the UK’s greatest assets, yet too often, it is held back by structural barriers that prevent it operating at full potential. That is why we are calling for the co-creation of a Civil...

This report from UK think tank the Social Market Foundation discusses how to radically reduce rough sleeping this parliament. Some have argued that rough sleeping is an intractible problem. This briefing sets out the case for why this is not the case and that by using a Housing First model, government can begin a journey...

This report from UK think tank the Jobs Foundation shows how businesses are creating the vital 'rungs' that help people climb into stable employment. The Government’s Get Britain Working white paper is a big step in the right direction towards helping to create the two million jobs our economy needs to keep these ladders open...

This report from UK think tank the Institute for Policy Research examines the evolution of nursery prices in England in the wake of 2024 childcare reform. A major expansion of free childcare entitlement in England is currently underway. The policy has significantly expanded the number of parents who are eligible to receive childcare, as well...

This report from UK think tank PBE examines the economic benefits of mentoring LGBTQ+ young people. There is still limited understanding of what works, and what does not, when supporting LGBTQ+ young people’s mental health. While the problem is increasingly acknowledged, the evidence base around effective interventions remains limited. Our report builds the evidence on...

This report from UK think tank PBE provides new evidence of the long-term economic benefits of investing early in children’s mental health. Wellbeing boosts life chances. When children feel mentally well, they do better at school, build stronger relationships and reach their life-long potential. This report provides new evidence and analysis of the long-term economic...

This report from UK think tank the Social Market Foundation looks at policies to boost the retirement savings of the self-employed. The low share of self-employed workers saving into private pensions and problematic saving behaviours amongst many who are, is leading to concerns that large numbers of self-employed workers are on track for inadequate retirement...

This report from UK think tank the Social Market Foundation examines how gambling tax reform can raise revenue for the government and save British horse racing. As the Government considers reshaping the way it taxes remote gambling, this report makes a compelling case against harmonising duties across betting and gaming. Instead, it argues for a...

This report from UK think tank PolicyWISE proactively engages the public in actions to boost health and wellbeing for the short and longer term. Take Five to Age Well (Take Five) policy brief is aimed at policy makers from all four nations. This is a public health campaign and research project that proactively engages the...

This report from UK think tank the Resolution Foundation explores how to incentivise employers to create more opportunities for disabled workers. Improving employment outcomes for disabled people is essential not just for raising living standards across Britain, but for supporting economic growth, reducing inactivity due to ill health, and curbing health-related benefit spending. While policy...

This report from UK think tank PBE explores the economic contribution of civic society. Civil society and volunteering are widely recognised as important generators of social value. From food banks to cancer research, local sports teams or youth clubs, it’s clear that civil society provides vital services, makes our communities stronger and boosts our wellbeing....

This report from UK think tank the Institute for Policy Research presents evidence from the raising of the participation age (RPA) in England. Implemented ten years ago in England, the Raising of the Participation Age (RPA) placed a duty on young people to remain in learning (although not confined to staying on at school) until...

This report from UK think tank the Social Market Foundation sets out the challenges faced when delivering higher skills provision. The Government is ambitious to improve economic growth, but in an area that will be key for that to succeed – skills training – their approach has been muddled. This report sets out the challenges...

This report from UK think tank the Centre for Social Justice builds on their landmark report, to offer a new plan to all political parties. Few issues are as explosive in British politics as welfare reform. But just as the smell of cordite following the blazing row over winter fuel payments is wafting away, an...