Commentary
The Institute publishes a series of 'Observations', which use our research to explain the facts behind topical policy debates. IFS staff also publish articles in a variety of national newspapers, blogs and specialist magazines to help inform the public debate.
For reports and academic publications, see our publications page.
Our press releases and public finance bulletins can be found on our News page.
Latest Observations
Observation
In a speech on Tuesday 9th October, the Secretary of State for International Development, Penny Mordaunt, touched upon a number of important issues taking centre stage in current debates on UK aid spending, including Brexit and the role of private sector investment. These two substantive issues are ...
Observation
Today the Social Metrics Commission has published its report on a new approach to poverty measurement in the UK. This observation summarises and discusses the work of the Commission and the conclusions that it reached.
Observation
The 2008 financial crisis precipitated what has proved to be a big and permanent hit to the size and structure of the UK economy. It affects our incomes and the tough choices we face today.
Recent newspaper articles
Newspaper article
The budget is less than two weeks away. Philip Hammond will have some good news to announce on the deficit. But mostly the challenges facing the UK public finances suggest that some very difficult choices will need to be made over the next few years.
Newspaper article
David Phillips, associate director at the Institute for Fiscal Studies, discusses the current health of local government finance, and the prospects of a 'fairer' funding formula helping improve the situation.
Newspaper article
It is hard to overstate just how big a change universal credit will be. It will create millions of winners and losers. Any poll tax moment, though, is most likely to occur for administrative reasons.