The Social Market Foundation is Britain’s leading cross-party think-tank, standing proudly in the centre-ground of politics since 1989. We bring together people of all parties and none to develop evidence-based policies that support a fair society and a strong economy.
Publication
A level of uncertainty: How to resolve the debate over the future of Level 7 apprenticeships
While critics are keen to present the Government’s proposed shift away from funding Level 7 apprenticeships (equivalent to a Master’s degree) as worsening social mobility and employer flexibility, former government adviser Tom Richmond presents novel analysis that challenges these concerns – and puts forward a set of recommendations that prioritise the best interests of apprentices and taxpayers.
| Published: | 09 January 2025 |
|---|---|
| Author: | Tom Richmond |
Publication
How should regulators balance competition, economic growth and other political priorities?
Some business leaders fear competition policy and regulation are jeopardising the government’s economic growth mission. Former CMA Strategy Director and Downing Street Special Adviser Stuart Hudson explores whether there is a trade-off and, if so, how the tensions can be resolved.
| Published: | 16 December 2024 |
|---|---|
| Author: | Stuart Hudson |
Publication
Network failure: How the UK can meet its 5G ambitions
A “new deal for 5G” is needed to tackle the causes of the 5G infrastructure investment gap, and catapult the UK to the global frontier for 5G connectivity. This report sets out the complex challenges driving the investment gap in 5G and presents a package of complementary measures which, if implemented together, can deliver the high-quality 5G network the UK needs in order to reap extensive economic and social benefits.
| Published: | 11 December 2024 |
|---|---|
| Author(s): | Richard Hyde, John Asthana Gibson |
Media Release
Social Market Foundation responds to Labour government’s AI National Strategy
Sam Robinson, AI policy lead and senior researcher at Social Market Foundation, said: “The UK can be one of the top three world leaders on artificial intelligence and the government’s...
| Published: | 13 January 2025 |
|---|
Media Release
1 in 6 apprenticeships taken by university grads, at a cost of over £400m a year
Top education expert calls for banning graduates from accessing apprenticeships as they take up 1 in 6 courses, while apprenticeships aimed at non-graduates are collapse.
| Published: | 08 January 2025 |
|---|
Opportunity
New opportunity: Events Officer
We are currently looking to appoint an Events Officer to join our team. This is a full time, paid position. The deadline for applications is 9am Friday 17 January 2025.
| Published: | 16 December 2024 |
|---|
Hypothecated taxes are ubiquitous, unfortunately
Levies, charges, dedicated pots - we have a plethora of taxes that are ringfenced for particular purposes. In this blog, Research Director Aveek Bhattacharya, argues that despite its popularity - such ringfencing should be used more judiciously.
Turning the tide on nitazenes and other dangerous drugs
Drug-related deaths have reached record levels. Among the threats are nitazenes, a class of synthetic opioids up to 500 times more potent than heroin that is increasingly linked to fatal overdoses. In this blog, Jake Shepherd examines the urgent need for proactive measures to curb this escalating crisis and argues that the government has a crucial opportunity to rethink the UK’s approach to drug policy.
SMF Director, Theo Bertram, responds to the Labour government’s Plan for Change
Targets work. They set priorities, provide focus and raise ambition.