IFS Zooms In: The Economy

In this episode, we unpack the government's 2025 Spending Review with analysis from experts at the IFS. Paul is joined by Helen Miller and Ben Zaranko to discuss what the Chancellor’s plans mean for public services, government investment, and the broader economic outlook. Become a member: https://ifs.org.uk/individual-membershipFind out more: https://ifs.org.uk/podcasts-explainers-and-calculators/podcasts Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this intriguing discussion, Professor Meredith Crowley, an economics expert from the University of Cambridge, delves into the current trade wars and their potential to unravel globalization. She explores the rising tariffs and what they mean for international relationships, particularly between the US and China. Crowley also addresses the shift in global trade dynamics, emphasizing the complexity of supply chains. The conversation highlights the impact of U.S. trade policy changes and the necessity to rethink trade agreements in this new landscape.

It's been two months since the government first announced its plans to enact the largest welfare reforms for a generation, aiming 'to help sick and disabled people who can and have the potential to work into jobs’. Since then, there has been considerable debate about the consequences of these reforms. But why does the government want to implement reforms in the first place? How does the current system work? And what could the impact be for those receiving these benefits?In this episode, Helen is joined by Tom Waters, Associate Director at IFS, and David Finch, Assistant Director at the Health Foundation, to unpack the government’s proposals and explore what they mean for the future of health-related benefits.Become a member: https://ifs.org.uk/individual-membershipFind out more: https://ifs.org.uk/podcasts-explainers-and-calculators/podcasts Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week, we’re looking at corporation tax, which was introduced 60 years ago. Across the decades there have been no shortage of predictions that corporate tax revenues will decline, and yet the tax is forecast to raise record amounts in the coming years. To pick all of this apart, and to see how Donald Trump and tariffs play into the story, IFS Director Paul Johnson is joined by Amanda Tickel, Head of Tax & Trade Policy for Deloitte UK and Helen Miller, who is Deputy Director at The IFS and leads on our tax work. Become a member: https://ifs.org.uk/individual-membershipFind out more: https://ifs.org.uk/podcasts-explainers-and-calculators/podcasts Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week, we look at the Spring Statement. What were the decisions and trade-offs made by Chancellor Reeves? To pick this apart, IFS Director Paul Johnson is joined by IFS Associate Directors Ben Zaranko and Tom Waters.Become a member: https://ifs.org.uk/individual-membershipFind out more: https://ifs.org.uk/podcasts-explainers-and-calculators/podcasts Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week, we’re looking at The Schools Bill. The bill, which has the full title of The Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Bill 2024-25, covers children’s social care and education.  The aim of the bill, as stated on the House of Commons Library website, is to “improve the safeguarding of children and to raise educational standards”. We’re going to be focusing on the schools components.  To look at this, IFS Director Paul Johnson is joined by Laura McInerney and Luke Sibieta.  Laura was the founding editor of Schools Week and now co-runs Teacher Tapp, a regular online survey of teachers. Luke is a Research Fellow at The IFS specialising in Education. Become a member: https://ifs.org.uk/individual-membershipFind out more: https://ifs.org.uk/podcasts-explainers-and-calculators/podcasts Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this insightful discussion, Eliza Filby, a best-selling author of "Inheritocracy," and David Sturrock, a Senior Research Economist at the IFS, tackle the widening divide between baby boomers and younger generations. They explore how inheritance shapes social mobility, emphasizing the reliance of millennials and Gen Z on familial support for significant life milestones. The guests also dive into the implications of wealth concentration and the challenges of stagnant earnings, highlighting the urgent need for reforms to bridge the wealth gap and elevate opportunities for future generations.

As the OBR comes up with its forecast, which will underpin the Chancellor’s decisions at the Spring Forecast, one of the concerns may be that it tells her that she is not meeting her fiscal targets. That will require some action. Helping Paul explore this are Andy King and Gerard Lyons. Andy previously worked at the OBR and is now a Specialist Partner at Flint Global. Gerard has spent over thirty years in senior roles in the City and in public policy. He is currently Chief Economic Strategist at Netwealth. Become a member: https://ifs.org.uk/individual-membershipFind out more: https://ifs.org.uk/podcasts-explainers-and-calculators/podcasts Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Peter Levell, Deputy Research Director at the Institute for Fiscal Studies and a trade economics expert, joins the discussion on the role of tariffs. They explore tariffs as a tax on imports, examining their implications under recent trade policies and their diminishing role in revenue generation. The conversation touches on the complicated trade relationship between the UK and EU, the historical contexts of tariffs, and the balancing act between protecting domestic industries and the benefits of global trade.

Join Stuart Adam, a Senior Economist at IFS specializing in housing taxation, and Tim Leunig, an economist from the London School of Economics with a rich advisory background, as they delve into the UK housing market's struggles. They discuss how taxes like stamp duty and council tax impact affordability and market dynamics. The conversation highlights inequities in the tax system, challenges for landlords, and proposes reforms to address the ongoing housing crisis. Discover how these tax policies shape housing choices and the broader economic landscape.