Latest Publications
We publish research reports and briefing papers under the following five main categories. Click a category below or use the search box to find what you are looking for.
Publication
Towns Vitality Roadmap: A new policy framework for the UK’s towns
Towns are the backbone of our economy, the heart of our communities, and the engine of job creation. Yet, they often face significant challenges, including funding allocation, skills challenges, infrastructure issues and digital adoption. In a time of economic uncertainty, rising living costs, and productivity challenges, it is crucial to create the right conditions for towns, helping them to thrive and grow.
| Published: | 19 September 2023 |
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| Author(s): | Aveek Bhattacharya, Sam Robinson |
Publication
The view from the ground: Building a greater understanding of the impact of fraud and how the public view what policymakers should do about it
The UK is experiencing an epidemic of fraud, yet the threat of it has remained neglected in political debates about crime, with insufficient research into the problem. This report investigates the extent of fraud, its economic and psychological impact on victims, and sheds new light on the public’s attitudes towards key debates on fraud policy.
| Published: | 14 September 2023 |
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| Author(s): | Richard Hyde, Peter Wilson |
Publication
Chewing it over: Public attitudes to alternative proteins and meat reduction
Whereas vegetarianism and veganism were once relatively fringe, interest in reducing meat consumption – whether on animal welfare, health or environmental grounds – is on the rise. This report, the second of three in a series on the impact of alternative proteins on animals, investigates public attitudes towards meat reduction and the role of alternative proteins in these societal shifts.
| Published: | 05 September 2023 |
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| Author(s): | Aveek Bhattacharya, Christopher Bryant, Abby Couture |
Publication
A bitter taste? Exploring the political constraints on public health policies
This is the second of three papers exploring tobacco, alcohol, obesity and gambling policy. It explores the political opportunities and constraints around action on these issues, based on a review of polling evidence and interviews with policymakers involved in implementing major public health policies.
| Published: | 28 August 2023 |
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| Author(s): | Aveek Bhattacharya, Khazna Chami |
Publication
Social tariffs and the cost of living: Assessing the case for social tariffs as a mechanism to ensure access to essentials
As the cost of living crisis intensifies, there are growing concerns that the market is unable to provide affordable access to essential goods and services. This interim report investigates the depths of the affordability crisis and the case for social tariffs – discounts on products sold in free markets granted to disadvantaged consumers – as a means of helping those most in need during the current crisis, and beyond.
| Published: | 17 August 2023 |
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| Author(s): | Sam Robinson, John Asthana Gibson |
Publication
One year on from the Inflation Reduction Act: International responses to the IRA
The success of the US Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) has triggered significant changes in international trade and manufacturing, as other OECD governments have sought to imitate its approach. This briefing surveys international responses to the IRA to identify how the can UK take advantage of the opportunities in this new economic regime.
| Published: | 16 August 2023 |
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| Author: | Gideon Salutin |
Publication
Atlantic Aspirations: What does the US get for being a third richer than the UK?
Many have bemoaned the UK’s relatively low income compared to the US. This paper dives into consumption patterns in both countries to see how far this gap translates into a genuinely higher standard of living for Americans, and what the drivers of the difference in living standards are.
| Published: | 09 August 2023 |
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| Author: | John Handley |
Publication
Strong foundations: The value of regenerating social housing – and how we can pay for it
The UK’s social housing stock is in need of regeneration, as many homes do not meet the Government’s Decent Homes Standard and fall short of its energy efficiency target of an EPC C rating. This report models the benefits of investment in social housing regeneration, for the wellbeing of inhabitants, the environment and for local economies.
| Published: | 04 August 2023 |
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| Author(s): | Shreya Nanda, John Asthana Gibson |
Publication
Towards better science: More innovative and robust academic research
The productivity of scientists has been stalling, risking economic growth with it. This briefing explores ways in which government policy can address two great challenges facing academic science: falling research productivity and the trustworthiness of its findings.
| Published: | 31 July 2023 |
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| Author: | Will Henshall |