🚨SPEAKERS ANNOUNCED🚨 On Wednesday 11 Feb, our panel will discuss how to fix our broken SEND system: @beckymontacute.bsky.social @alistrathern.bsky.social @charleyo.bsky.social @anyasizer.bsky.social @danihpayne.bsky.social See more here: www.smf.co.uk/events/fixin...

🚨SPEAKERS ANNOUNCED🚨 On Wednesday, our panel will discuss how to fix our broken SEND system: @becymontacute.bsky.social @alistrathern.bsky.social Charlotte O'Regan @anyasizer.bsky.social @danihpayne.bsky.social See more here: buff.ly/sL5f2e9

Did you know the amount of non-emergency savings held in cash or low-interest accounts is worth £430 billion? At our upcoming panel event, we'll be discussing how to get these savings better invested to spur economic growth. Register here: [email protected]

Gov't is right to focus onto Further Education - but how could it do so effectively? For the @newstatesman1913.bsky.social, @danihpayne.bsky.social writes that creating higher-level pathways for the economy we actually have – not the jobs we nostalgically imagine – is critical. buff.ly/is6s0og

A 🧵on the data from @danihpayne.bsky.social @beckymontacute.bsky.social's latest report In the last decade, the proportion of SEND students has risen by 44%. This has been accompanied with additional cost pressures, leading to a £4bn increase in spending in the same period.

I generally try and avoid analysing the SEND system - it plays waaaay too big a role in my life. BUT I think this is a sensible take on SEND reform. Improving SEND provision in mainstream schools, while reducing but not abolishing EHCPs feels right to me. Also good to see teachers’ views in there

🚨 New research 🚨 We wanted to look at the realistic options for SEND reform, asking teachers where they would focus if there was no additional funding. Given the debate so far on limiting EHCPs and moving focus has been very negative, we were surprised to find over half of teachers back it ⤵️

England's SEND system is widely recognised as broken. As teachers and parents await the Government’s SEND review, @danihpayne.bsky.social @beckymontacute.bsky.social’s latest briefing explores what trade-offs may be needed to fix the system.

🚨NEW EVENT🚨 A major mission for the Government is economic growth - but with just 8% of household wealth in equity investments, now is the time to have a proper plan for growth through investment. Register here: [email protected]

Can the SEND system be fixed? Join us next week to discuss the options facing government ahead of expected SEND reforms. RSVP here: [email protected]

What's the best way to use AI?🤔 Rich Waterworth explores how generative AI is being used in filmmaking - and whether it enhances or hinders the creative sector. Read Rich's blog: buff.ly/EPwMV29

🚨NEW EVENT🚨 The UK's SEND system is widely recognised as broken - so what can we do to fix it? Join us next Wednesday to discuss the future of what is likely to be a defining issue in UK politics for the next decade. RSVP here: [email protected]

67% of full-time workers surveyed said they would take up a pensions health check if offered by their employer. Read the full report on how a pensions health check could make sure we're all better off in later life: buff.ly/WU3m9Zl

67% of full-time workers surveyed agreed a pensions health check could be useful - and make them more confident about retirement. Read the full report setting out our proposals: buff.ly/WU3m9Zl

According to the Gov't, just 9% of people have enough saved in pensions to have a comfortable retirement. We think a pensions health check could help ensure more people are better prepared for later life. Read the full report: buff.ly/WU3m9Zl

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/

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

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

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

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 -

🚨 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

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 -

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

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

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 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)

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!

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...

🚨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

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)

@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)

🚨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...

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...

📻 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.

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.

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

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.

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

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

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

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

Police leadership on brink as investigation times triple 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

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

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

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 🧵