In January 2020, the UK government formally announced its intention to create a number of Freeports across the UK, with the aim of promoting job creation and regeneration, boosting trade, investment and innovation, and supporting the 'levelling up' agenda. The Freeports offer various tax and...

In January 2020, the UK government formally announced its intention to create a number of Freeports across the UK, with the aim of promoting job creation and regeneration, boosting trade, investment and innovation, and supporting the 'levelling up' agenda. The Freeports offer various tax and...

If the result of the referendum on 23 June leads to the UK leaving the EU, there will be impacts on the UK public finances. This report aims to set out the possible impacts, focusing particularly on the short run, given that the Chancellor wishes to achieve a budget balance by the end of this...

The public health and economic effects of the COVID-19 crisis are creating a perfect storm for councils' finances, simultaneously increasing spending and reducing incomes. For example, personal protective equipment (PPE) and social distancing requirements have increased unit costs for a range of...

UK business investment is the lowest in the G7 and among the lowest in the developed world. Tax has a role to play in shaping investment incentives, and the UK's corporate tax system is one of extremes. While the rate of corporation tax (19%) is exceptionally low, UK investment allowances are...

UK business investment is the lowest in the G7 and among the lowest in the developed world. Tax has a role to play in shaping investment incentives, and the UK's corporate tax system is one of extremes. While the rate of corporation tax (19%) is exceptionally low, UK investment allowances are...

The reason why both earnings growth and inflation matter for the state pension is the pensions 'triple lock'. In place since 2011 (except for a one-year temporary suspension in 2022), under the triple lock the state pension rises in line with the highest of CPI inflation, average earnings growth...

This report makes the case for a new review of the pension system in the UK. There are a number of key challenges facing future generations of pensioners that threaten their living standards in retirement and which, without policy action, mean many are likely to face substantial financial...