@tompope.bsky.social
Chief Economist @instituteforgov.bsky.social
@amberdellar.bsky.socialReposted by @tompope.bsky.socialNEW: Plans to reduce EHCPs look optimistic and Burnham's public service reforms still need a plan for schools
In our first IfG Performance Tracker chapter, funded by @nuffieldfoundation.org, we look at how the government is performing on its schools agenda [1/9]
@tompope.bsky.socialBut strong agree on the need for a tax strategy www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/publication/...
Part of the reason we have called for action now is that we think a coherent long-term strategy for public spend would probably mean more public service spend than currently pencilled in 2/2
@tompope.bsky.socialThis from @chrisgiles.ft.com is good and worth reading. giftarticle.ft.com/giftarticle/...
We @instituteforgovernment.org.uk don’t agree now is time for a steady-as-she-goes budget www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/comment/burn...
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@instituteforgovernment.org.ukReposted by @tompope.bsky.socialThe prime minister is right to reform the pensions triple lock.
But @tompope.bsky.social says Andy Burnham will need to be as bold at the budget if he is to fund new spending commitments www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/comment/burn...
@tompope.bsky.socialMy latest for @instituteforgovernment.org.uk applauds Andy Burnham for tackling the absurdity of the triple lock.
He will need to show more of the same boldness at the budget and beyond to properly fund his social care reform and other priorities
@jillongovt.bsky.socialReposted by @tompope.bsky.socialThe Treasury underestimated the impact of the triple lock was that they did not anticipate the seesaw between inflation and earnings. That is what has led to the big rise in spending and the pension growing well ahead of earnings. There are proposals around to ensure it grows with earnings.
@tompope.bsky.socialAs we've recommended, the government should take the steps necessary to reduce focus on fiscal rule specifics by setting out clearer objectives, explaining how rules flow from those, + retaining enough headroom so small OBR judgments aren't decisive
@tompope.bsky.socialUltimately I agree with where the committee has landed in its recommendations: now is not the time to radically change the remit of the OBR. It has simply become the latest bogeyman to take the blame for the UK's difficult fiscal position and government's difficulties in dealing with it
@tompope.bsky.socialThe report gives a good summary of the conflicting views on the OBR: it holds an influential position, its judgments are sometimes seen to be dictating policy, but its judgments only carry weight because of the fiscal rules and broader fiscal choices government has made
@tompope.bsky.socialI am only now getting round to reading the Treasury Select Committee report on the OBR. It's a good report that quotes our @instituteforgovernment.org.uk evidence in several places
A few thoughts:
@drbenpaxton.bsky.socialReposted by @tompope.bsky.socialNEW IfG report out today on how government should approach reforming health and disability benefits
The big takeaway: the system needs to better match people’s needs to the right support - through assessment reform, political leadership and more...
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/publication/...
@tompope.bsky.socialMy latest for @instituteforgovernment.org.uk is a reflection on what No.10 North and devo might mean for policy eco-systems outside London (and specifically in Manchester).
Reflections based on my 4 years living in Manchester working for a think tank
@tompope.bsky.socialReposted by @tompope.bsky.socialBurnham and Healey have finally acknowledged the scale of the fiscal challenge. Now they need a budget that meets that challenge.
It won't be easy, but the timid alternative is worse.
My latest for @instituteforgovernment.org.uk .
@instituteforgovernment.org.ukReposted by @tompope.bsky.socialIf the PM and chancellor are (finally) alive to the challenges facing them, then they must deliver a budget that meets them head on.
This means presenting a coherent strategy for fiscal policy for the rest of this parliament and beyond www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/comment/burn...
@instituteforgovernment.org.ukReposted by @tompope.bsky.socialBurnham and Healey must avoid the budget mistakes of Starmer and Reeves
A precarious fiscal inheritance is not a surprise. The chancellor should take difficult decisions at the budget rather than ducking tough choices.
New from @tompope.bsky.social www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/comment/burn...
@instituteforgovernment.org.ukReposted by @tompope.bsky.socialLABOUR PARTY CONFERENCE 2026 | How can Labour build an affordable welfare system that supports sick and disabled people? Join us in Liverpool on Monday 28 September at 12:00 with @meghillier.bsky.social, Alan Milburn, @drbenpaxton.bsky.social, @katesummers.bsky.social and @tompope.bsky.social
@tompope.bsky.socialBurnham and Healey have finally acknowledged the scale of the fiscal challenge. Now they need a budget that meets that challenge.
It won't be easy, but the timid alternative is worse.
My latest for @instituteforgovernment.org.uk .
@jillongovt.bsky.socialReposted by @tompope.bsky.socialInteresting piece from @dan-goss.bsky.social for @demos-uk.bsky.social on the need for a DOGE for tax .... www.arguably.uk/p/why-burnha...
@instituteforgovernment.org.ukReposted by @tompope.bsky.socialHow can the PM make his devolution agenda succeed?
📺🎧 Watch or listen as @lukeraikes.bsky.social @jenwilliamsft.bsky.social @tompope.bsky.social @drhannahwhite.bsky.social discuss Andy Burnham's plans to lead the “biggest rebalancing of power” www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/event/andy-b...
@instituteforgovernment.org.ukReposted by @tompope.bsky.socialMayors in England are set to get powers to impose tourist taxes.
Last year @tompope.bsky.social and @jillongovt.bsky.social argued that Angela Rayner was right to call for mayors to levy tourist taxes, and the Treasury is guilty of control freakery www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/comment/rach...