Latest Publications

Markets are the best way to create and distribute wealth, but they don’t always work well for all the people in them. We research ways that sensible interactions between the state and the private sector can maximise growth and fairness.

Latest Publications:

Publication

Capital concerns: Poverty in London and the role of business in helping tackle it

This report calls attention to the scale of in-work poverty in the UK and London today, what drives it, and the impact it has. It is a part of a wider project – created in partnership with Trust for London - to develop a new benchmark that helps businesses tackle in-work poverty.
Published: 23 January 2022
Author(s): Richard Hyde, Jake Shepherd
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Publication

The Retirement Housing Dividend: Exploring the case for an expansion of retirement housing in the UK

This provocation paper explores the case for an expansion of retirement housing in the UK. It demonstrates that specialist retirement housing brings with it a range of benefits to government, retirees and wider society. This “retirement housing dividend” should be quantified and considered by policymakers, and embedded into local strategies.
Published: 05 December 2021
Author: Scott Corfe
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Publication

Unlocking the potential of ethnic minority businesses: Tackling the barriers to success

The report analyses the specific barriers facing BAME businesses and entrepreneurs from reaching their full potential, by offering policy direction to government agencies on multiple levels, as well as prompting financial providers to alter their behaviour account for community and entrepreneur-specific needs.
Published: 23 November 2021
Author: Richard Hyde
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Publication

Did no one call the plumber? Analysis of the Heat and Buildings Strategy’s approach to skills and workers

This briefing paper analyses the Government’s recent Heat and Buildings Strategy, published last month, insofar that it provides clarity, direction and support for the workers who would deliver the decarbonisation of home heat and thus play a key role in the UK’s Net Zero plans.
Published: 18 November 2021
Author: Amy Norman
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Publication

Unlocking the gridlock: How a more democratic planning system can help fix the housing crisis

This publication examines the inadequacies of the current planning system in providing necessary levels and quality of housing, and urges that any reforms must focus on giving local residents authority over developments in their area - to help fix the housing crisis.
Published: 25 October 2021
Author: Social Market Foundation
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Publication

Raising the steaks: developing a market for alternative protein in the UK

This briefing paper considers whether the UK Government should support the development of alternative meat products as part of fulfilling its Net Zero ambitions.
Published: 06 September 2021
Author: Linus Pardoe
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Publication

Firing up the post-COVID economy: How to be “pro-business” in the 2020s

This briefing sets out why a social market-based pro-enterprise agenda is the strongest foundation for a successful and sustained post-Brexit and post-pandemic economy that is also able to weather the headwinds of technological change
Published: 08 June 2021
Author(s): Richard Hyde, Scott Corfe
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Publication

Banking and competition in the UK economy

This report explores the state of competition in the UK economy, and the extent to which supposedly competitive markets are delivering good outcomes for customers, with a particular focus on the retail banking sector. It sets out a range of policy recommendations for enhancing competition in the banking sector and the UK economy more broadly.
Published: 10 May 2021
Author(s): Scott Corfe, Aveek Bhattacharya, Richard Hyde
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Publication

Banking on building back better – How can a stakeholder economy help rebuild the UK after COVID-19?

This essay series, collected in partnership with the Chartered Banker Institute, re-evaluates the concept of the stakeholder economy in light of the economic and social shockwaves delivered by the Coronavirus pandemic.
Published: 16 March 2021
Author: Social Market Foundation
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