IFS Zooms In: The Economy

Ranking history

About the show

Latest episodes

• Has the triple lock been fixed?

  September 30, 2026 · 29 min

  >>> Sign up to our live event: https://ifs.org.uk/events/ifs-zooms-live-look-ahead-budget The government has announced a major change to the state pension triple lock. The new system will continue to protect pensions against inflation and…

• Do disability benefits need reform?

  September 24, 2026 · 42 min

  >>> Sign up to our live event: https://ifs.org.uk/events/ifs-zooms-live-look-ahead-budget The number of people receiving disability benefits has risen sharply in recent years, pushing up government spending and prompting renewed debate…

• What would it take to fix social care?

  September 17, 2026 · 44 min

  Social care reform has challenged successive governments for decades. Now, the government wants to create a national care service and has launched a new push to find a long-term solution. But how does social care actually work? Who…

• How does immigration affect the public finances?

  September 10, 2026 · 49 min

  Immigration is one of the most debated issues in British politics. But what impact does it actually have on the economy and the public finances? We speak to Madeleine Sumption, Director of the Migration Observatory at the University of…

• Land value tax: the perfect tax?

  September 4, 2026 · 53 min

  Land value tax has long been popular with economists. Unlike most taxes, it doesn’t discourage people from working, investing or building - and in theory it can raise money without distorting economic decisions. So why don’t we use it…

• Are business rates 'killing the high street'?

  August 27, 2026 · 49 min

  Business rates have long been blamed for the decline of Britain’s high streets. Shops and pubs face large bills, while online retailers can operate from cheaper out-of-town warehouses. So surely cutting business rates would help? Not…

• Who really benefits from university?

  August 6, 2026 · 41 min

  More young people than ever are going to university, but the financial stakes have also risen. Many graduates begin their careers with around £50,000 of student debt and could make repayments for up to 40 years. While some degrees deliver…

• Are people saving enough for retirement?

  July 31, 2026 · 51 min

  The government has launched a new Pensions Commission, raising the prospect of significant changes to how people save for retirement. Are people currently saving enough? Should minimum workplace pension contributions rise? And what should…