Background While the government projects a retention increase of 2,500 teachers by 2028 , the sector remains in a ‘supply crisis‘. Despite additional payments, 1 in 3 teachers continue to leave the state-funded sector within their first five years. Early career teacher (ECT) retention is a concern, and the government is expecting this to improve. … [Read more…]
Abstract This paper investigates how socioeconomic disadvantage and ethnicity intersect to shape school absence patterns in England. Using the Department for Education’s (DfE) 2024/25 Pupil Absence in Schools in England dataset, the analysis compares overall, persistent, and severe absence rates by ethnicity and Free School Meal (FSM) eligibility. Results show that White FSM-eligible pupils have … [Read more…]
1. Executive summary This paper proposes up-rating the State Pension each April by the average of the three UK inflation measures (CPI, CPIH and RPI) for the previous September, rather than by the triple lock (the highest of earnings growth, CPI inflation or 2.5%). Using official outturns for the last five up-ratings (effective April 2020–2024), … [Read more…]
Executive SummaryThis proposal outlines a policy change permitting local authorities to levy council tax at a reduced rate (e.g., 10-30% of standard rates) on properties wholly occupied by full-time students. This aims to create a fairer, more sustainable funding mechanism for local services strained by student populations, without imposing an undue financial burden on students. … [Read more…]
Objective To safeguard UK economic interests by ensuring large companies align with national priorities—such as job retention, domestic reinvestment, and intellectual property protection—through the appointment of a non-executive government advisor to their boards. Background The UK has seen critical companies like ARM Holdings (acquired by SoftBank in 2016) and Cadbury (purchased by Kraft in 2010) … [Read more…]
Recently, I found myself nodding vigorously to a news segment where angry residents of Venice were waving banners, chanting about “overtourism” while trying not to get run over by a gondola full of Instagram influencers. I was right there with them—fist clenched in solidarity, espresso in hand, murmuring something deep like “Yes, tourism is ruining … [Read more…]
1. Executive Summary This proposal recommends withdrawing the State Pension from individuals who pay the 45% additional rate of income tax (those earning over £125,140 per year). The estimated net savings of £1.5–2 billion per year would be reallocated to secure and expand the Winter Fuel Payment for vulnerable pensioners. This reform would improve fiscal … [Read more…]
Background & IssueThe First-Past-the-Post (FPTP) system is increasingly criticised for distorting representation. In the 2019 general election, the winning party secured a majority of seats with just 43.6% of the vote (Electoral Reform Society, 2020), leaving millions feeling unrepresented. Low voter turnout – 67.3% in 2019 (UK Parliament, 2020) – further erodes democratic legitimacy. Meanwhile, … [Read more…]
Background & Issue Many public sector services, such as probation, education, and healthcare, are under immense pressure to deliver improved outcomes. However, staff often lack the resources to enhance their effectiveness. For example: Traditional funding models do not always reward positive results, which can lead to inefficiencies and missed opportunities for improvement. Proposed Policy Solution … [Read more…]