Also a shining example of complex tax explained simply. HMT should add it to the induction pack for new joiners - a tad easier read than Mirrlees! Kudos to the authors @arunadvani.bsky.social @andy-summers.bsky.social @danneidle.bsky.social and all the rest.

Yes! Time is my favourite

Recruitment has begun for a new National Statistician (£200k). Important role as the strategic head of the UK statistical system. There is less operational work as there is now a Perm Sec for ONS. So they are seeking an ‘internationally recognised leader in statistics’
www.saxbam.com/appointment/...

Levies on energy bills are a stealth tax that have more than doubled in real terms since 2015. They serve a crucial purpose but need more scrutiny.

Shifting some of the government taxes on bills to other taxes would leave 3/4 families better off, with middle income families saving £40 and the poorest households £110.

Energy bills are up 25% in real terms since Russia invaded Ukraine, and have been outpacing inflation for many decades. They are at the heart of the cost of living crisis where rising household bills are hardest for lower income families to bear.

Battleships. Top game choice.

This matters because one important question about the government announcement on a jobs guarantee this week is who it will be available too including is it only for those on benefits or for anyone out of work.

Ha! I also worked for Osborne in 2012 so I know how hard it is politically to address those anomalies. Main frustration is with the whole political debate - we can't have an excellent free health service and an ageing population without asking some broad swathe of the population to contribute more.

Full report here www.resolutionfoundation.org/publications...

Poverty rate data from the IFS: ifs.org.uk/living-stand...

Comparative international pension data from the OECD: stat.link/v8jpaz

Post-2010 policy impact from Resolution Foundation: www.resolutionfoundation.org/app/uploads/...

ENDS