Latest Publications
We publish research reports and briefing papers under the following five main categories. Click a category below or use the search box to find what you are looking for.
Publication
Justice without bars: Expanding community sentencing to reduce reoffending
This briefing explores the potential of community sentencing to reduce recidivism rates, improve rehabilitation outcomes, and address prison overcrowding.
| Published: | 28 January 2025 |
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| Author: | Jake Shepherd |
Publication
Whose energy transition is it anyway? The case of clean heat
Given ambitious net zero targets, the UK cannot afford to face a stronger 'greenlash'. In this report, we seek to understand the British public’s level of trust in the net zero transition and in heat pumps in particular, how engaged they feel in the process and by policymakers.
| Published: | 23 January 2025 |
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| Author(s): | Niamh O Regan, Jamie Gollings |
Publication
Saving apprenticeships: A policy primer
In this report, Baroness Alison Wolf highlights the calls for the new Growth and Skills Levy to focus on young people, have greater local involvement, and distinguish between apprenticeships and workplace upskilling. The report outlines short- and long-term strategies for creating a skills system that adequately encourages genuine apprenticeships.
| Published: | 17 January 2025 |
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| Author: | Professor Baroness Alison Wolf DBE |
Publication
The shape of a social tariff
As households struggle to afford their water bills, social tariffs have a crucial role to play in ensuring that water is affordable for everyone who needs it. While social tariffs are in place already, their design and eligibility is largely left to water companies to decide – resulting in worrying postcode lotteries and poor targeting. This briefing lays out some options for unified social tariff design.
| Published: | 16 January 2025 |
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| Author(s): | Sam Robinson, Niamh O Regan |
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 |
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| 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 |
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| 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 |
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| Author(s): | Richard Hyde, John Asthana Gibson |
Publication
Laying the foundations: How to support SMEs to take on apprentices in skilled trades
This report explores the key enablers and barriers for SMEs in taking on more young apprentices in skilled trade roles, including green jobs. It presents new panel data on the attitudes of trades firms, incorporating insights from interviews with skilled trade workers. Additionally, it discusses policy solutions to support these businesses in effectively increasing their apprentice intake.
| Published: | 05 December 2024 |
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| Author(s): | Niamh O Regan, Jake Shepherd |
Publication
Care and Learning in Higher Education: How society and universities can support care experienced and estranged students to succeed
There is growing recognition that society’s obligations to care experienced and estranged young people involves getting more of them successfully through higher education. However, the promise of support often doesn't match reality. This report explores the gaps in support for care experienced and estranged students, and suggests actionable ways to ensure that support is more consistently available.
| Published: | 02 December 2024 |
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| Author(s): | Aveek Bhattacharya, Dani Payne |