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)
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Follow the people that help shape the work of Britain's leading cross-party think tank - with a mission to enable markets and government to work together to benefit society.
👉 Check out our starter pack of SMF researchers & associated Senior Fellows: go.bsky.app/Kpjs1G7
👉 Check out our starter pack of SMF researchers & associated Senior Fellows: go.bsky.app/Kpjs1G7
Inheritance is becoming an increasingly important driver of wealth inequality.
For IFoA, @jamiegollings.bsky.social sets out our proposal for a 'Citizens Advance' - a new idea to help less young people rely on the 'Bank of Mum and Dad'.
Read the full report:
actuaries.org.uk/think/
For IFoA, @jamiegollings.bsky.social sets out our proposal for a 'Citizens Advance' - a new idea to help less young people rely on the 'Bank of Mum and Dad'.
Read the full report:
actuaries.org.uk/think/
‘think’ thought leadership series | Institute and Faculty of Actuaries
This series takes a fresh, sometimes challenging, look at some of the issues facing the actuarial profession and society
actuaries.org.uk
January 28, 2026 at 5:48 PM
Inheritance is becoming an increasingly important driver of wealth inequality.
For IFoA, @jamiegollings.bsky.social sets out our proposal for a 'Citizens Advance' - a new idea to help less young people rely on the 'Bank of Mum and Dad'.
Read the full report:
actuaries.org.uk/think/
For IFoA, @jamiegollings.bsky.social sets out our proposal for a 'Citizens Advance' - a new idea to help less young people rely on the 'Bank of Mum and Dad'.
Read the full report:
actuaries.org.uk/think/
Did you know a plurality of full-time employees have only saved up to £20k for their retirement?
This is why we're calling for a pensions health check - ensuring people have the tools they need to save better.
Read the full report: buff.ly/WU3m9Zl
This is why we're calling for a pensions health check - ensuring people have the tools they need to save better.
Read the full report: buff.ly/WU3m9Zl
January 28, 2026 at 12:00 PM
Did you know a plurality of full-time employees have only saved up to £20k for their retirement?
This is why we're calling for a pensions health check - ensuring people have the tools they need to save better.
Read the full report: buff.ly/WU3m9Zl
This is why we're calling for a pensions health check - ensuring people have the tools they need to save better.
Read the full report: buff.ly/WU3m9Zl
Proposed free pension ‘health checks’ may help under-saving crisis
Read Vicky Shaw's write-up of our latest report, which calls on the Gov't to go further to ensure we all benefit from a more comfortable retirement
buff.ly/msEa17l
Read Vicky Shaw's write-up of our latest report, which calls on the Gov't to go further to ensure we all benefit from a more comfortable retirement
buff.ly/msEa17l
Proposed free pension ‘health checks’ may help under-saving crisis
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www.independent.co.uk
January 27, 2026 at 12:26 PM
Proposed free pension ‘health checks’ may help under-saving crisis
Read Vicky Shaw's write-up of our latest report, which calls on the Gov't to go further to ensure we all benefit from a more comfortable retirement
buff.ly/msEa17l
Read Vicky Shaw's write-up of our latest report, which calls on the Gov't to go further to ensure we all benefit from a more comfortable retirement
buff.ly/msEa17l
Reposted by Social Market Foundation
Someone who is 63 and not paid into a pension for 35 years, I support this message.
And my pension is an old style decent one! Got knows about the newer ones
And my pension is an old style decent one! Got knows about the newer ones
Do you know how much is in your pension? When was the last time time you checked? Do you know your own contribution levels? Or your employers?
New SMF research out today finds far too many of us are not on top of our pensions -
New SMF research out today finds far too many of us are not on top of our pensions -
🚨 OUT NOW: Two-fifths of workers don’t know how much their employer contributes to their pension pot
With government warning that only 9% are on track to retire comfortably, SMF is calling for a pensions health check
With government warning that only 9% are on track to retire comfortably, SMF is calling for a pensions health check
January 27, 2026 at 10:51 AM
Someone who is 63 and not paid into a pension for 35 years, I support this message.
And my pension is an old style decent one! Got knows about the newer ones
And my pension is an old style decent one! Got knows about the newer ones
Reposted by Social Market Foundation
Do you know how much is in your pension? When was the last time time you checked? Do you know your own contribution levels? Or your employers?
New SMF research out today finds far too many of us are not on top of our pensions -
New SMF research out today finds far too many of us are not on top of our pensions -
🚨 OUT NOW: Two-fifths of workers don’t know how much their employer contributes to their pension pot
With government warning that only 9% are on track to retire comfortably, SMF is calling for a pensions health check
With government warning that only 9% are on track to retire comfortably, SMF is calling for a pensions health check
January 27, 2026 at 9:27 AM
Do you know how much is in your pension? When was the last time time you checked? Do you know your own contribution levels? Or your employers?
New SMF research out today finds far too many of us are not on top of our pensions -
New SMF research out today finds far too many of us are not on top of our pensions -
🚨 OUT NOW: Two-fifths of workers don’t know how much their employer contributes to their pension pot
With government warning that only 9% are on track to retire comfortably, SMF is calling for a pensions health check
With government warning that only 9% are on track to retire comfortably, SMF is calling for a pensions health check
January 27, 2026 at 8:01 AM
🚨 OUT NOW: Two-fifths of workers don’t know how much their employer contributes to their pension pot
With government warning that only 9% are on track to retire comfortably, SMF is calling for a pensions health check
With government warning that only 9% are on track to retire comfortably, SMF is calling for a pensions health check
Have politicians prioritised pensioners at the expense of younger generations?
📻 Listen to our Research Director @beckymontacute.bsky.social speaking to @lbc.co.uk on the issue this weekend -
📻 Listen to our Research Director @beckymontacute.bsky.social speaking to @lbc.co.uk on the issue this weekend -
January 26, 2026 at 1:44 PM
Have politicians prioritised pensioners at the expense of younger generations?
📻 Listen to our Research Director @beckymontacute.bsky.social speaking to @lbc.co.uk on the issue this weekend -
📻 Listen to our Research Director @beckymontacute.bsky.social speaking to @lbc.co.uk on the issue this weekend -
As we anticipate the new Policing White Paper on Monday, here's a reminder of our report that set out the challenging state of policing in England & Wales.
Read the report: buff.ly/vFca6FF
Read the report: buff.ly/vFca6FF
January 24, 2026 at 12:00 PM
As we anticipate the new Policing White Paper on Monday, here's a reminder of our report that set out the challenging state of policing in England & Wales.
Read the report: buff.ly/vFca6FF
Read the report: buff.ly/vFca6FF
Our Head of AI @sam-rob.bsky.social argues 2026 is the time for delivery on Govts AI Action Plan, and the development of a vision for 'British AI', in his latest Substack.
Read Sam's thoughts ⬇️
buff.ly/sAn82Xn
Read Sam's thoughts ⬇️
buff.ly/sAn82Xn
First the plan, now the action
A look at what's ahead in 2026 for UK AI policy
aipragmatic.substack.com
January 23, 2026 at 4:29 PM
Our Head of AI @sam-rob.bsky.social argues 2026 is the time for delivery on Govts AI Action Plan, and the development of a vision for 'British AI', in his latest Substack.
Read Sam's thoughts ⬇️
buff.ly/sAn82Xn
Read Sam's thoughts ⬇️
buff.ly/sAn82Xn
Reposted by Social Market Foundation
This was really interesting to watch earlier this week - Westminster is catching up (albeit slowly) to the huge importance of video, particularly short form video - likely to be a major force by the next GE (/arguably is already)
Earlier this week we hosted an event on the rise of YouTube Shorts, Reels, and TikTok and how short-form video is changing political debate.
A big thank you to our speakers @gordonmckee.bsky.social, @danihpayne.bsky.social, Charles Kerr (YouTube), and Ava Evans (@politicsjoe.bsky.social).
A big thank you to our speakers @gordonmckee.bsky.social, @danihpayne.bsky.social, Charles Kerr (YouTube), and Ava Evans (@politicsjoe.bsky.social).
January 23, 2026 at 4:19 PM
This was really interesting to watch earlier this week - Westminster is catching up (albeit slowly) to the huge importance of video, particularly short form video - likely to be a major force by the next GE (/arguably is already)
Earlier this week we hosted an event on the rise of YouTube Shorts, Reels, and TikTok and how short-form video is changing political debate.
A big thank you to our speakers @gordonmckee.bsky.social, @danihpayne.bsky.social, Charles Kerr (YouTube), and Ava Evans (@politicsjoe.bsky.social).
A big thank you to our speakers @gordonmckee.bsky.social, @danihpayne.bsky.social, Charles Kerr (YouTube), and Ava Evans (@politicsjoe.bsky.social).
January 23, 2026 at 4:16 PM
Earlier this week we hosted an event on the rise of YouTube Shorts, Reels, and TikTok and how short-form video is changing political debate.
A big thank you to our speakers @gordonmckee.bsky.social, @danihpayne.bsky.social, Charles Kerr (YouTube), and Ava Evans (@politicsjoe.bsky.social).
A big thank you to our speakers @gordonmckee.bsky.social, @danihpayne.bsky.social, Charles Kerr (YouTube), and Ava Evans (@politicsjoe.bsky.social).
A huge thank you to everyone who joined us earlier this week for our event on social mobility, regional inequalities and young people not in employment, education or training (NEET)
January 22, 2026 at 9:33 AM
A huge thank you to everyone who joined us earlier this week for our event on social mobility, regional inequalities and young people not in employment, education or training (NEET)
Reposted by Social Market Foundation
Great event on regional inequalities and the NEET challenge hosted by @smfthinktank.bsky.social with Alan Milburn and lots of other great speakers, including one of our fantastic Sutton Trust alums!
January 20, 2026 at 4:04 PM
Great event on regional inequalities and the NEET challenge hosted by @smfthinktank.bsky.social with Alan Milburn and lots of other great speakers, including one of our fantastic Sutton Trust alums!
Reposted by Social Market Foundation
And in the afternoon to discuss 'Social mobility, regional inequalities and the NEET challenge with Alan Milburn'
with @smfthinktank.bsky.social @beckymontacute.bsky.social
www.smf.co.uk/events/socia...
with @smfthinktank.bsky.social @beckymontacute.bsky.social
www.smf.co.uk/events/socia...
Social mobility, regional inequalities and the NEET challenge with Alan Milburn - Social Market Foundation.
This event will respond to Alan Milburn’s newly launched review and call for a ‘movement’ to address the rising numbers of young people who are not in education, employment or training.
www.smf.co.uk
January 19, 2026 at 5:50 PM
And in the afternoon to discuss 'Social mobility, regional inequalities and the NEET challenge with Alan Milburn'
with @smfthinktank.bsky.social @beckymontacute.bsky.social
www.smf.co.uk/events/socia...
with @smfthinktank.bsky.social @beckymontacute.bsky.social
www.smf.co.uk/events/socia...
🚨NEW EVENT🚨
How do we tackle the UK’s NEET challenge and close regional gaps in opportunity?
Join us with Rt Hon Alan Milburn to discuss.
SIGN-UP: smf.co.uk/events/socia...
🗓Tue 20 Jan
⏰3:15pm
📍Westminster
How do we tackle the UK’s NEET challenge and close regional gaps in opportunity?
Join us with Rt Hon Alan Milburn to discuss.
SIGN-UP: smf.co.uk/events/socia...
🗓Tue 20 Jan
⏰3:15pm
📍Westminster
January 14, 2026 at 2:40 PM
🚨NEW EVENT🚨
How do we tackle the UK’s NEET challenge and close regional gaps in opportunity?
Join us with Rt Hon Alan Milburn to discuss.
SIGN-UP: smf.co.uk/events/socia...
🗓Tue 20 Jan
⏰3:15pm
📍Westminster
How do we tackle the UK’s NEET challenge and close regional gaps in opportunity?
Join us with Rt Hon Alan Milburn to discuss.
SIGN-UP: smf.co.uk/events/socia...
🗓Tue 20 Jan
⏰3:15pm
📍Westminster
Reposted by Social Market Foundation
Would you take £12.5k now in exchange for pushing back your state pension by a year?
I'm currently exploring the idea of a Citizens Advance, which Andrew Lewin MP, its originator, makes the case for in a great blog piece for Best for Britain
bestforbritain.substack.com/p/would-you-...
(1/2)
I'm currently exploring the idea of a Citizens Advance, which Andrew Lewin MP, its originator, makes the case for in a great blog piece for Best for Britain
bestforbritain.substack.com/p/would-you-...
(1/2)
Would you delay your pension to get on the housing ladder?
By Andrew Lewin MP
bestforbritain.substack.com
January 14, 2026 at 12:33 PM
Would you take £12.5k now in exchange for pushing back your state pension by a year?
I'm currently exploring the idea of a Citizens Advance, which Andrew Lewin MP, its originator, makes the case for in a great blog piece for Best for Britain
bestforbritain.substack.com/p/would-you-...
(1/2)
I'm currently exploring the idea of a Citizens Advance, which Andrew Lewin MP, its originator, makes the case for in a great blog piece for Best for Britain
bestforbritain.substack.com/p/would-you-...
(1/2)
Reposted by Social Market Foundation
@smfthinktank.bsky.social are doing a bunch of polling, qualitative research and economic modelling to understand who would take it up, what they'd do with it, and what the fiscal implications would be.
Get in touch if you have any thoughts or want to discuss. (2/2)
Get in touch if you have any thoughts or want to discuss. (2/2)
January 14, 2026 at 12:33 PM
@smfthinktank.bsky.social are doing a bunch of polling, qualitative research and economic modelling to understand who would take it up, what they'd do with it, and what the fiscal implications would be.
Get in touch if you have any thoughts or want to discuss. (2/2)
Get in touch if you have any thoughts or want to discuss. (2/2)
🚨NEW EVENT🚨
Join us on 20th Jan to discuss the power of short-form video, a crucial tool for driving political engagement and shaping public discourse.
🗣️
@gordonmckee.bsky.social
@danihpayne.bsky.social
YouTube's Charles Kerr
@theobertram.bsky.social
✍️ smf.co.uk/events/polit...
Join us on 20th Jan to discuss the power of short-form video, a crucial tool for driving political engagement and shaping public discourse.
🗣️
@gordonmckee.bsky.social
@danihpayne.bsky.social
YouTube's Charles Kerr
@theobertram.bsky.social
✍️ smf.co.uk/events/polit...
January 12, 2026 at 11:36 AM
🚨NEW EVENT🚨
Join us on 20th Jan to discuss the power of short-form video, a crucial tool for driving political engagement and shaping public discourse.
🗣️
@gordonmckee.bsky.social
@danihpayne.bsky.social
YouTube's Charles Kerr
@theobertram.bsky.social
✍️ smf.co.uk/events/polit...
Join us on 20th Jan to discuss the power of short-form video, a crucial tool for driving political engagement and shaping public discourse.
🗣️
@gordonmckee.bsky.social
@danihpayne.bsky.social
YouTube's Charles Kerr
@theobertram.bsky.social
✍️ smf.co.uk/events/polit...
Aaaaaand we're back!
Make sure you've signed up for Wonk Week - bringing the latest updates in wonk world and think tank land, straight to your inbox, each Monday morning.
✍️Sign-up: confirmsubscription.com/h/t/1A25AA45...
Make sure you've signed up for Wonk Week - bringing the latest updates in wonk world and think tank land, straight to your inbox, each Monday morning.
✍️Sign-up: confirmsubscription.com/h/t/1A25AA45...
January 12, 2026 at 10:15 AM
Aaaaaand we're back!
Make sure you've signed up for Wonk Week - bringing the latest updates in wonk world and think tank land, straight to your inbox, each Monday morning.
✍️Sign-up: confirmsubscription.com/h/t/1A25AA45...
Make sure you've signed up for Wonk Week - bringing the latest updates in wonk world and think tank land, straight to your inbox, each Monday morning.
✍️Sign-up: confirmsubscription.com/h/t/1A25AA45...
Reposted by Social Market Foundation
📻 It's been a bit of a day of radio interviews! Also on @bbc5live.bsky.social earlier to discuss falling birth rates and the challenges they pose to policymakers ⤵️
“There’s a need for a much more honest conversation about that choice.”
ICYMI @beckymontacute.bsky.social was on BBC 5 Live discussing the falling birth rate and its impact on the UK economy, and why policymakers need to be more upfront about future trade-offs.
ICYMI @beckymontacute.bsky.social was on BBC 5 Live discussing the falling birth rate and its impact on the UK economy, and why policymakers need to be more upfront about future trade-offs.
January 9, 2026 at 4:21 PM
📻 It's been a bit of a day of radio interviews! Also on @bbc5live.bsky.social earlier to discuss falling birth rates and the challenges they pose to policymakers ⤵️
“There’s a need for a much more honest conversation about that choice.”
ICYMI @beckymontacute.bsky.social was on BBC 5 Live discussing the falling birth rate and its impact on the UK economy, and why policymakers need to be more upfront about future trade-offs.
ICYMI @beckymontacute.bsky.social was on BBC 5 Live discussing the falling birth rate and its impact on the UK economy, and why policymakers need to be more upfront about future trade-offs.
January 9, 2026 at 3:45 PM
“There’s a need for a much more honest conversation about that choice.”
ICYMI @beckymontacute.bsky.social was on BBC 5 Live discussing the falling birth rate and its impact on the UK economy, and why policymakers need to be more upfront about future trade-offs.
ICYMI @beckymontacute.bsky.social was on BBC 5 Live discussing the falling birth rate and its impact on the UK economy, and why policymakers need to be more upfront about future trade-offs.
Reposted by Social Market Foundation
On @lbc.co.uk earlier to discuss the recent news that a Cambridge college is doing outreach to private schools to improve the "quality" of students.
I think it's an outdated understanding of student ability (not supported by evidence) and a waste of resource they should spent on access efforts.
I think it's an outdated understanding of student ability (not supported by evidence) and a waste of resource they should spent on access efforts.
January 9, 2026 at 2:01 PM
On @lbc.co.uk earlier to discuss the recent news that a Cambridge college is doing outreach to private schools to improve the "quality" of students.
I think it's an outdated understanding of student ability (not supported by evidence) and a waste of resource they should spent on access efforts.
I think it's an outdated understanding of student ability (not supported by evidence) and a waste of resource they should spent on access efforts.
Reposted by Social Market Foundation
Give the Social Market Foundation team a follow for the latest on education and social mobility, artificial intelligence, pensions, transport, housing and lots more!
Follow the people that help shape the work of Britain's leading cross-party think tank - with a mission to enable markets and government to work together to benefit society.
👉 Check out our starter pack of SMF researchers & associated Senior Fellows: go.bsky.app/Kpjs1G7
👉 Check out our starter pack of SMF researchers & associated Senior Fellows: go.bsky.app/Kpjs1G7
January 7, 2026 at 4:40 PM
Give the Social Market Foundation team a follow for the latest on education and social mobility, artificial intelligence, pensions, transport, housing and lots more!
Follow the people that help shape the work of Britain's leading cross-party think tank - with a mission to enable markets and government to work together to benefit society.
👉 Check out our starter pack of SMF researchers & associated Senior Fellows: go.bsky.app/Kpjs1G7
👉 Check out our starter pack of SMF researchers & associated Senior Fellows: go.bsky.app/Kpjs1G7
January 7, 2026 at 4:38 PM
Follow the people that help shape the work of Britain's leading cross-party think tank - with a mission to enable markets and government to work together to benefit society.
👉 Check out our starter pack of SMF researchers & associated Senior Fellows: go.bsky.app/Kpjs1G7
👉 Check out our starter pack of SMF researchers & associated Senior Fellows: go.bsky.app/Kpjs1G7
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 ⬇️