Independent UK economic research institute on taxation and public policy
The Timms Timms interim review has found Personal Independence Payment not fit for purpose and not working as intended. The government will pursue bold reforms in the final report this autumn, as spending on Pip rises and disability claims grow, especially among mental-health conditions.
A government-backed pensions commission has warned that millions of Britons are not saving enough for retirement, risking a sharp drop in living standards for tomorrow’s pensioners. The interim report highlights a gender gap and a looming balance between state, auto-enrolment and private savings. A final set of recommendations is due next year.
Defence ministers are negotiating funding for the Defence Investment Plan as the government considers how to meet targets for defence spending. The debate has moved from initial allocations to how to fund a sustained increase while balancing other public budgets.
Federal student‑loan regulations have changed this week under the One Big Beautiful Bill and court rulings. The Education Department has rolled out new repayment plans, temporary interest‑rate cuts for autopay enrollees, and lifetime borrowing caps for graduate and professional students, while a federal judge has paused the department's narrowed definition of "professional degree," temporarily preserving wider borrowing access for many advanced‑health and other programs. Notices are going out to millions of borrowers who must pick new plans.
The government has introduced a temporary VAT cut on children’s meals, cinema and attraction tickets to ease cost of living during the summer holidays. The measure, announced by the Chancellor, is designed to help families, with firms free to pass on the saving. The scheme runs until September 1 and covers parks, zoos, cinemas and restaurants.
Keir Starmer's defence investment plan has increased funding but critics warn it remains short of targets and is not fully funded, amid concerns about the strategy and regional impacts.
Analyses show waiting times for NHS treatment in Scotland have increased for some metrics while others are stable. Experts warn that meaningful progress will take time and a comprehensive workforce plan is needed as ministers return after summer recess.