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IFS Zooms In: The Economy

by Institute for Fiscal Studies
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Latest episodes

  • Budget 2026: what should we expect?

    October 22, 2026 · 53 min

    What should we expect from the upcoming Budget? With energy prices rising, pressure on public services and government borrowing already high, the Chancellor faces some difficult choices. Recorded live at the British Library as part of the…

  • Is the Chancellor’s spending plan credible?

    October 15, 2026 · 55 min

    >>> Sign up to our live event: https://ifs.org.uk/events/ifs-zooms-live-look-ahead-budget The economic outlook has worsened since the spring. Inflation is expected to be higher for longer, borrowing costs have risen, and the conflict in…

  • Are renewables making electricity more expensive?

    October 8, 2026 · 54 min

    >>> Sign up to our live event: https://ifs.org.uk/events/ifs-zooms-live-look-ahead-budget Renewable energy is at the centre of the debate about Britain's high electricity prices. Some argue that wind and solar power are driving up costs…

  • 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…

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  • 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…

  • The tax and spending choices facing Andy Burnham

    July 16, 2026 · 49 min

    Andy Burnham is preparing to enter Downing Street, but he will inherit a government facing tight fiscal constraints and a series of difficult decisions. The public finances remain under pressure, debt interest spending is high, and…

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About the show

The IFS podcast about the UK economy, tax, public spending and living standards. Each week, IFS Director Helen Miller speaks to leading economists and researchers to explain the economic issues shaping the UK. Step beyond the headlines with in-depth, independent analysis from the experts at the Institute for Fiscal Studies. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.