This Ask the Expert talk given by Dr Maria Abreu was a textbook example of how academic expertise can illuminate complex problems of public policy.

In our latest ESRC-sponsored Ask The Expert seminar, Patrick Williams, Senior Lecturer in Criminology at Manchester Metropolitan University, presented his analysis of the Lammy Review of Black and Minority Ethnic representation in the Criminal Justice System, and the durability of racialised disproportionality throughout the Criminal Justice System of England and Wales.

There is speculation that the Chancellor may allow local authorities to raise council tax by 2% to help fund social care as part of the Spending Review. It looks neat, but how would this policy play out?

Salary transparency is on the move, but it’s multi-faceted and not everyone is convinced of its merits. But the evidence is there to support it and, with any luck, the Government pilot announced on International Women’s Day is just the beginning.

The GP crisis long predated COVID-19. During the pandemic, despite being ideally placed, primary care was bypassed at every stage; triage, test and trace, vaccination boosters. In this essay, Simon Hodes paints a detailed picture of the myriad pressures placed on the GPs service, showing the necessity of greater attention and investment into it.

A few weeks back, our chief economist Aveek Bhattacharya suggested that the Government should respond to rising household costs – in particular higher energy prices – with a ‘cost-of living-bonus’. The scheme the Treasury decided to go with is decidedly different. Drawing on modelling by Policy Engine UK, Bhattacharya compares the two plans, finding that the SMF's proposal is better targeted and reduces poverty more than the Government's scheme.

The SMF hosted a speech and discussion with Jonathan Ashworth MP, Shadow Secretary of State for Work and Pensions on the 11 July 2023. This is the speech in full, with Jonathan sharing his vision for the future of the DWP.