With growth seemingly elusive, many remain skeptical about strategies pursuing it. But by the OBR’s own analysis, Labour’s plans deliver growth in the long-run – so why won’t Starmer-Reeves make a clearer case for their approach? Director Theo Bertram explores.

For the first time in fifteen years, fuel duty is set to rise. The Chancellor is planning to raise the rates paid on petrol and diesel fuel by as much as 7p in this month’s budget, under the context of tight public finances and strained services. Doing so is a no-brainer.

In this ‘Ask the Expert’ interview, academic and writer Alex Niven discusses the lasting impact of deindustrialisation on the North of England. Questioning whether the government’s recent devolution commitments will deliver meaningful change for marginalised regions, he advocates for more radical reforms.

In this blog, Patrick Hurley MP urges the Labour government to fulfil its promise of a decade of national renewal, by marrying up a positive approach to seaside heritage with a modern approach to commerce and kick-starting flagging town economies.

By exploring the evolution of Conservative thought in SMF papers, Theo Bertram sets out the challenge for the next leader - to be able to adapt free-market principles to deliver a societal vision that works for all.

In this blog, Director Theo Bertram sets out why the government shouldn't give into pressure against its decision to means-test the Winter Fuel Payment. Though the measure was introduced by the last Labour government, the circumstances are very different and do not warrant a universal payment.

Poor prison conditions are drawing considerable political attention. This has prompted the new government to introduce emergency measures, while campaigners push for wider reforms. In this latest ‘Ask the Expert’ interview, Jake Shepherd speaks with Pia Sinha of the Prison Reform Trust to explore the key challenges facing prisons.

Too many 16-18 year olds are falling out of the education and skills system, and in this guest blog, CEO of the Careers & Enterprise Company Oli de Botton explains how early intervention can help.

Increasing public uptake of electric vehicles is critical to decarbonising transport. In this blog, SMF Senior Researcher Gideon Salutin shows that success depends on expanding the UK’s chargepoint infrastructure to address drivers’ concerns preventing them from switching to EVs.