Social Market Foundation
@smfthinktank.bsky.social
Britain’s leading cross-party think tank, with a mission to enable markets and government to work together to benefit society.
https://www.smf.co.uk/ | Also on LinkedIn and X (@SMFthinktank)
https://www.smf.co.uk/ | Also on LinkedIn and X (@SMFthinktank)
Reposted by Social Market Foundation
A new year reminder we're (@smfthinktank.bsky.social and @suttontrust.bsky.social) looking for case studies of successful relationships between schools and early years provision - that can be a nursery inside of a school, or local providers with strong links ⬇️
January 5, 2026 at 11:31 AM
A new year reminder we're (@smfthinktank.bsky.social and @suttontrust.bsky.social) looking for case studies of successful relationships between schools and early years provision - that can be a nursery inside of a school, or local providers with strong links ⬇️
New Zealand is a warning for government's pay-per-mile plans for EVs...
...but Iceland shows the way.
Speaking to @telegraph.co.uk, SMF's @gideonsalutin.bsky.social explains what factors made Iceland's approach a success in keeping EVs sales momentum, while adding to government revenue.
...but Iceland shows the way.
Speaking to @telegraph.co.uk, SMF's @gideonsalutin.bsky.social explains what factors made Iceland's approach a success in keeping EVs sales momentum, while adding to government revenue.
January 5, 2026 at 9:48 AM
New Zealand is a warning for government's pay-per-mile plans for EVs...
...but Iceland shows the way.
Speaking to @telegraph.co.uk, SMF's @gideonsalutin.bsky.social explains what factors made Iceland's approach a success in keeping EVs sales momentum, while adding to government revenue.
...but Iceland shows the way.
Speaking to @telegraph.co.uk, SMF's @gideonsalutin.bsky.social explains what factors made Iceland's approach a success in keeping EVs sales momentum, while adding to government revenue.
It's good to see Gov't recognise the need to provide more work opportunities to care leavers.
We've previously highlighted the need for specific support for this group: buff.ly/VaolQdk
We've previously highlighted the need for specific support for this group: buff.ly/VaolQdk
Young care leavers in England to get free prescriptions, dental and eye services
Those under-25 to receive help while a pilot will trial paid internships in NHS and a guaranteed interview scheme
buff.ly
December 29, 2025 at 2:20 PM
It's good to see Gov't recognise the need to provide more work opportunities to care leavers.
We've previously highlighted the need for specific support for this group: buff.ly/VaolQdk
We've previously highlighted the need for specific support for this group: buff.ly/VaolQdk
Should the kids of train drivers (some of whom will soon be on upto £80k a year) be given access to schemes designed to help young people from working class homes?
📻👇ICYMI, SMF Research Director @beckymontacute.bsky.social speaks to LBC’s @tomswarbrick.bsky.social
📻👇ICYMI, SMF Research Director @beckymontacute.bsky.social speaks to LBC’s @tomswarbrick.bsky.social
December 23, 2025 at 5:10 PM
Should the kids of train drivers (some of whom will soon be on upto £80k a year) be given access to schemes designed to help young people from working class homes?
📻👇ICYMI, SMF Research Director @beckymontacute.bsky.social speaks to LBC’s @tomswarbrick.bsky.social
📻👇ICYMI, SMF Research Director @beckymontacute.bsky.social speaks to LBC’s @tomswarbrick.bsky.social
We welcome much of the Animal Welfare Strategy, which pushes forward on many Labour manifesto commitments.
Gov't must now focus on doing more on animal welfare enforcement.
Read the full reaction from @jamiegollings.bsky.social:
buff.ly/EHxYcY7
Gov't must now focus on doing more on animal welfare enforcement.
Read the full reaction from @jamiegollings.bsky.social:
buff.ly/EHxYcY7
December 23, 2025 at 1:37 PM
We welcome much of the Animal Welfare Strategy, which pushes forward on many Labour manifesto commitments.
Gov't must now focus on doing more on animal welfare enforcement.
Read the full reaction from @jamiegollings.bsky.social:
buff.ly/EHxYcY7
Gov't must now focus on doing more on animal welfare enforcement.
Read the full reaction from @jamiegollings.bsky.social:
buff.ly/EHxYcY7
Alun Francis is right to say there needs to be an 'overarching narrative' to achieve social mobility.
That's why we called on Gov't to set out a Social Mobility Strategy fit for the next decade
Read our work: buff.ly/dOZ1tpx
That's why we called on Gov't to set out a Social Mobility Strategy fit for the next decade
Read our work: buff.ly/dOZ1tpx
Starmer lacks coherent social mobility plan, top government adviser says - BBC News
The chair of the Social Mobility Commission has called on the prime minister to set out a clearer strategy.
buff.ly
December 22, 2025 at 3:03 PM
Alun Francis is right to say there needs to be an 'overarching narrative' to achieve social mobility.
That's why we called on Gov't to set out a Social Mobility Strategy fit for the next decade
Read our work: buff.ly/dOZ1tpx
That's why we called on Gov't to set out a Social Mobility Strategy fit for the next decade
Read our work: buff.ly/dOZ1tpx
Police leadership on brink as investigation times triple
Read Aaron Newbury's write-up of our latest report in the @express.co.uk
Read Aaron Newbury's write-up of our latest report in the @express.co.uk
Police leadership on brink as investigation times triple
Investigation times have surged 193% as charge rates plummet, sparking warnings of a "failing model" and leadership crisis in the police.
buff.ly
December 19, 2025 at 1:01 PM
Police leadership on brink as investigation times triple
Read Aaron Newbury's write-up of our latest report in the @express.co.uk
Read Aaron Newbury's write-up of our latest report in the @express.co.uk
Policing in England & Wales face systemic challenges – meaning increasingly prevalent crimes like fraud and cybercrime are not seeing repercussions.
Read Richard Hyde & Niamh O Regan’s latest report on the state of policing:
buff.ly/up5i4p0
Read Richard Hyde & Niamh O Regan’s latest report on the state of policing:
buff.ly/up5i4p0
December 19, 2025 at 11:01 AM
Policing in England & Wales face systemic challenges – meaning increasingly prevalent crimes like fraud and cybercrime are not seeing repercussions.
Read Richard Hyde & Niamh O Regan’s latest report on the state of policing:
buff.ly/up5i4p0
Read Richard Hyde & Niamh O Regan’s latest report on the state of policing:
buff.ly/up5i4p0
Over the last decade, there has been a 58% decline in the rate of charging for crimes.
In our latest report, we uncover the systemic challenges faced in English & Welsh policing.
Read the full report:
buff.ly/up5i4p0
In our latest report, we uncover the systemic challenges faced in English & Welsh policing.
Read the full report:
buff.ly/up5i4p0
December 19, 2025 at 8:01 AM
Over the last decade, there has been a 58% decline in the rate of charging for crimes.
In our latest report, we uncover the systemic challenges faced in English & Welsh policing.
Read the full report:
buff.ly/up5i4p0
In our latest report, we uncover the systemic challenges faced in English & Welsh policing.
Read the full report:
buff.ly/up5i4p0
Chris Philp MP highlights the importance of our latest report to move the dial on policing, and make sure we’re all safer.
Read the Shadow Home Secretary’s foreword
buff.ly/up5i4p0
Read the Shadow Home Secretary’s foreword
buff.ly/up5i4p0
December 18, 2025 at 4:01 PM
Chris Philp MP highlights the importance of our latest report to move the dial on policing, and make sure we’re all safer.
Read the Shadow Home Secretary’s foreword
buff.ly/up5i4p0
Read the Shadow Home Secretary’s foreword
buff.ly/up5i4p0
Our latest report breaks down the data behind the state of policing in England and Wales🚓– Across multiple metrics, it finds that outcomes have worsened over the last decade.
A thread of key policing stats 🧵
A thread of key policing stats 🧵
December 18, 2025 at 12:01 PM
Our latest report breaks down the data behind the state of policing in England and Wales🚓– Across multiple metrics, it finds that outcomes have worsened over the last decade.
A thread of key policing stats 🧵
A thread of key policing stats 🧵
As the government cuts energy-efficiency schemes, it must ensure retrofit supply chains and jobs are protected.
Read Niamh O Regan's reflections on the latest updates in energy policy in @insidehousing.bsky.social
Read Niamh O Regan's reflections on the latest updates in energy policy in @insidehousing.bsky.social
As the government cuts energy-efficiency schemes, it must ensure retrofit supply chains and jobs are protected
The policy change leaves the energy-efficiency industry in limbo, uncertain of what its future looks like, writes Niamh O Regan of the Social Market Foundation
buff.ly
December 18, 2025 at 10:55 AM
As the government cuts energy-efficiency schemes, it must ensure retrofit supply chains and jobs are protected.
Read Niamh O Regan's reflections on the latest updates in energy policy in @insidehousing.bsky.social
Read Niamh O Regan's reflections on the latest updates in energy policy in @insidehousing.bsky.social
Policing in England & Wales faces systemic challenges.
In their latest report, Richard Hyde & Niamh O Regan uncover real failings – including a large increase in the amount of time investigations take.
Read the full report:
buff.ly/up5i4p0
In their latest report, Richard Hyde & Niamh O Regan uncover real failings – including a large increase in the amount of time investigations take.
Read the full report:
buff.ly/up5i4p0
December 18, 2025 at 8:00 AM
Policing in England & Wales faces systemic challenges.
In their latest report, Richard Hyde & Niamh O Regan uncover real failings – including a large increase in the amount of time investigations take.
Read the full report:
buff.ly/up5i4p0
In their latest report, Richard Hyde & Niamh O Regan uncover real failings – including a large increase in the amount of time investigations take.
Read the full report:
buff.ly/up5i4p0
Yesterday's announcement on the NPPF represents a step forward in the fight for a better planning system.
But more needs to be done to ensure Gov't meets its housing targets.
Read @gideonsalutin.bsky.social's full comments below:
buff.ly/x1LrDzd
But more needs to be done to ensure Gov't meets its housing targets.
Read @gideonsalutin.bsky.social's full comments below:
buff.ly/x1LrDzd
December 17, 2025 at 5:04 PM
Yesterday's announcement on the NPPF represents a step forward in the fight for a better planning system.
But more needs to be done to ensure Gov't meets its housing targets.
Read @gideonsalutin.bsky.social's full comments below:
buff.ly/x1LrDzd
But more needs to be done to ensure Gov't meets its housing targets.
Read @gideonsalutin.bsky.social's full comments below:
buff.ly/x1LrDzd
For @lsepoliticsblog.bsky.social, Richard Hyde argues that unless a more holistic approach is taken towards treating the ills of the criminal justice system, proposed Gov't changes could backfire and cause even more issues down the line.
Read more:
buff.ly/DuDBIyN
Read more:
buff.ly/DuDBIyN
Limiting jury trials won’t save the criminal justice system | British Politics and Policy at LSE
The Government has announced plans to limit the use of juries as a way of reducing the backlog of cases in the Crown Courts. But only a more holistic approach could save the criminal justice system.
blogs.lse.ac.uk
December 11, 2025 at 3:36 PM
For @lsepoliticsblog.bsky.social, Richard Hyde argues that unless a more holistic approach is taken towards treating the ills of the criminal justice system, proposed Gov't changes could backfire and cause even more issues down the line.
Read more:
buff.ly/DuDBIyN
Read more:
buff.ly/DuDBIyN
Reposted by Social Market Foundation
Limiting jury trials won’t save the criminal justice system, by Richard Hyde of the @smfthinktank.bsky.social.
blogs.lse.ac.uk/politicsandp...
blogs.lse.ac.uk/politicsandp...
Limiting jury trials won’t save the criminal justice system | British Politics and Policy at LSE
The Government has announced plans to limit the use of juries as a way of reducing the backlog of cases in the Crown Courts. But only a more holistic approach could save the criminal justice system.
blogs.lse.ac.uk
December 11, 2025 at 2:50 PM
Limiting jury trials won’t save the criminal justice system, by Richard Hyde of the @smfthinktank.bsky.social.
blogs.lse.ac.uk/politicsandp...
blogs.lse.ac.uk/politicsandp...
More research into the impact of HE policy changes and what they might achieve could help ease widespread concerns about the burden regulations pose to English universities.
Read @timeshighered.bsky.social's write-up of our latest briefing.
Read @timeshighered.bsky.social's write-up of our latest briefing.
Lack of evaluation of HE regulations ‘creating one-sided debate’
Research into impact of higher education policy changes hard to find and not always utilised by politicians, report finds
buff.ly
December 8, 2025 at 4:00 PM
More research into the impact of HE policy changes and what they might achieve could help ease widespread concerns about the burden regulations pose to English universities.
Read @timeshighered.bsky.social's write-up of our latest briefing.
Read @timeshighered.bsky.social's write-up of our latest briefing.
Higher education is often lauded as education’s ‘jewel in the crown’ – but there are no shortage of criticisms about the sector.
Nicola Dandridge writes for the SMF about the role of evaluation, and how best to encourage long-term, evidence-based policy.
Read the full briefing:
buff.ly/Ak4THUm
Nicola Dandridge writes for the SMF about the role of evaluation, and how best to encourage long-term, evidence-based policy.
Read the full briefing:
buff.ly/Ak4THUm
How do we know if it works?: Evaluating higher education regulation
Higher education has no shortage of criticisms. Is better evaluation the key to evidence-based change that lasts?
www.smf.co.uk
December 8, 2025 at 11:22 AM
Higher education is often lauded as education’s ‘jewel in the crown’ – but there are no shortage of criticisms about the sector.
Nicola Dandridge writes for the SMF about the role of evaluation, and how best to encourage long-term, evidence-based policy.
Read the full briefing:
buff.ly/Ak4THUm
Nicola Dandridge writes for the SMF about the role of evaluation, and how best to encourage long-term, evidence-based policy.
Read the full briefing:
buff.ly/Ak4THUm
Reposted by Social Market Foundation
We're looking for case studies! 📢
The @suttontrust.bsky.social and @smfthinktank.bsky.social are researching school based nurseries - and we're looking far and wide for schools and early years settings with strong partnerships....
The @suttontrust.bsky.social and @smfthinktank.bsky.social are researching school based nurseries - and we're looking far and wide for schools and early years settings with strong partnerships....
December 5, 2025 at 5:04 PM
We're looking for case studies! 📢
The @suttontrust.bsky.social and @smfthinktank.bsky.social are researching school based nurseries - and we're looking far and wide for schools and early years settings with strong partnerships....
The @suttontrust.bsky.social and @smfthinktank.bsky.social are researching school based nurseries - and we're looking far and wide for schools and early years settings with strong partnerships....
This government has made opportunity and social mobility a major focus - but so far, their time in government has seen the early years gap widen.
In her latest article, @beckymontacute.bsky.social sets out how Gov't must focus on low-income children.
buff.ly/UxyYd91
In her latest article, @beckymontacute.bsky.social sets out how Gov't must focus on low-income children.
buff.ly/UxyYd91
‘School readiness is rising – but so is the gap between poorer kids and their peers’ – LabourList
This government has made opportunity and social mobility a major focus, aiming to “break down barriers to opportunity” and “give children the best start in…
labourlist.org
December 4, 2025 at 10:59 AM
This government has made opportunity and social mobility a major focus - but so far, their time in government has seen the early years gap widen.
In her latest article, @beckymontacute.bsky.social sets out how Gov't must focus on low-income children.
buff.ly/UxyYd91
In her latest article, @beckymontacute.bsky.social sets out how Gov't must focus on low-income children.
buff.ly/UxyYd91
Smart Data has the potential to begin reversing the poverty premium - but without Gov't action, low-income households may see no lowering of their bills.
Read the write-up of our latest report in @politicshome.bsky.social
buff.ly/5IvtiO4
Read the write-up of our latest report in @politicshome.bsky.social
buff.ly/5IvtiO4
Expand Smart Data To Help Poorer Households Cut Their Bills, Says Think Tank
A leading think tank has warned that poorer households are at risk of missing out on savings on their energy bills without government action on 'sm...
www.politicshome.com
December 3, 2025 at 4:52 PM
Smart Data has the potential to begin reversing the poverty premium - but without Gov't action, low-income households may see no lowering of their bills.
Read the write-up of our latest report in @politicshome.bsky.social
buff.ly/5IvtiO4
Read the write-up of our latest report in @politicshome.bsky.social
buff.ly/5IvtiO4
Reposted by Social Market Foundation
📝 New report 📝
SMF research out today looks at the potential benefits, but also the risks, of the roll out of Smart Data for consumers 📊
The only active use of Smart Data in the UK now is the Open Banking scheme - introduced to increase competition in the provision of retail banking services...
SMF research out today looks at the potential benefits, but also the risks, of the roll out of Smart Data for consumers 📊
The only active use of Smart Data in the UK now is the Open Banking scheme - introduced to increase competition in the provision of retail banking services...
Smart Data could be the key to helping low-income households lower their costs.
Our latest report sets out to understand why low-income households are at high risk of missing out.
Our latest report sets out to understand why low-income households are at high risk of missing out.
December 3, 2025 at 9:26 AM
📝 New report 📝
SMF research out today looks at the potential benefits, but also the risks, of the roll out of Smart Data for consumers 📊
The only active use of Smart Data in the UK now is the Open Banking scheme - introduced to increase competition in the provision of retail banking services...
SMF research out today looks at the potential benefits, but also the risks, of the roll out of Smart Data for consumers 📊
The only active use of Smart Data in the UK now is the Open Banking scheme - introduced to increase competition in the provision of retail banking services...
Smart Data could be the key to helping low-income households lower their costs.
Our latest report sets out to understand why low-income households are at high risk of missing out.
Our latest report sets out to understand why low-income households are at high risk of missing out.
December 3, 2025 at 9:00 AM
Smart Data could be the key to helping low-income households lower their costs.
Our latest report sets out to understand why low-income households are at high risk of missing out.
Our latest report sets out to understand why low-income households are at high risk of missing out.
Reposted by Social Market Foundation
Here's data on the early years attainment gap over time (including today's new data) - the government have framed their early years strategy as offering "the best start in life", regardless of background - but their policies (30 hour offer not being available to many poorer families....
November 27, 2025 at 2:36 PM
Here's data on the early years attainment gap over time (including today's new data) - the government have framed their early years strategy as offering "the best start in life", regardless of background - but their policies (30 hour offer not being available to many poorer families....
ISAs🏦
John Asthana Gibson welcomed moves for Brits to invest more - but argued moves in #Budget2025 to cut the ISA cash limit was the wrong way to do so.
John Asthana Gibson welcomed moves for Brits to invest more - but argued moves in #Budget2025 to cut the ISA cash limit was the wrong way to do so.
November 26, 2025 at 6:00 PM
ISAs🏦
John Asthana Gibson welcomed moves for Brits to invest more - but argued moves in #Budget2025 to cut the ISA cash limit was the wrong way to do so.
John Asthana Gibson welcomed moves for Brits to invest more - but argued moves in #Budget2025 to cut the ISA cash limit was the wrong way to do so.