Independent UK think tank with centre-right roots
Prime Minister Burnham is pushing a package to give councils power to curb vape and betting shops on high streets, scrap the “aim to permit” rule, and tighten planning rules. The plan targets dramatic decline in town centres and seeks to restore community spaces.
Recent British Social Attitudes data show a rise in people who question the worth of university study, with 34% saying it is not worth the time and money in 2025, up from 14% in 2005. The share believing graduates will be better off has fallen to 36%. The survey highlights concerns over fees, debt, and the labour market, while still noting that degree holders are more likely to be employed and earn more on average.
Labour's leadership contest is shaping how welfare reform is framed. Milburn has argued the government should pursue reform focused on work incentives rather than pure cost cutting, and has held talks with Andy Burnham who is seen as open to revisiting welfare policies during this parliament.