The Social Market Foundation is Britain’s leading cross-party think-tank, standing proudly in the centre-ground of politics since 1989. We bring together people of all parties and none to develop evidence-based policies that support a fair society and a strong economy.
Publication
Network failure: How the UK can meet its 5G ambitions
A “new deal for 5G” is needed to tackle the causes of the 5G infrastructure investment gap, and catapult the UK to the global frontier for 5G connectivity. This report sets out the complex challenges driving the investment gap in 5G and presents a package of complementary measures which, if implemented together, can deliver the high-quality 5G network the UK needs in order to reap extensive economic and social benefits.
| Published: | 11 December 2024 |
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| Author(s): | Richard Hyde, John Asthana Gibson |
Publication
Laying the foundations: How to support SMEs to take on apprentices in skilled trades
This report explores the key enablers and barriers for SMEs in taking on more young apprentices in skilled trade roles, including green jobs. It presents new panel data on the attitudes of trades firms, incorporating insights from interviews with skilled trade workers. Additionally, it discusses policy solutions to support these businesses in effectively increasing their apprentice intake.
| Published: | 05 December 2024 |
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| Author(s): | Niamh O Regan, Jake Shepherd |
Publication
Care and Learning in Higher Education: How society and universities can support care experienced and estranged students to succeed
There is growing recognition that society’s obligations to care experienced and estranged young people involves getting more of them successfully through higher education. However, the promise of support often doesn't match reality. This report explores the gaps in support for care experienced and estranged students, and suggests actionable ways to ensure that support is more consistently available.
| Published: | 02 December 2024 |
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| Author(s): | Aveek Bhattacharya, Dani Payne |
Media Release
Social Market Foundation responds to Plan for Change milestones
Social Market Foundation responds to Plan for Change milestones, see reactions below:
| Published: | 05 December 2024 |
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Media Release
Invest in higher education for care experienced and estranged students, says major new report
Report recommends reintroduction of student grants and universities receiving at least £1,000 per care leaver or estranged student, per study year
| Published: | 01 December 2024 |
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Media Release
‘Beat the 8 AM GP rush, get AI to book GP appointments’ think tank finds
AI could help allocate over 90% of GP appointments and reduce caller volume, helping solve the ‘8 AM rush’ crisis
| Published: | 26 November 2024 |
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Hypothecated taxes are ubiquitous, unfortunately
Levies, charges, dedicated pots - we have a plethora of taxes that are ringfenced for particular purposes. In this blog, Research Director Aveek Bhattacharya, argues that despite its popularity - such ringfencing should be used more judiciously.
Turning the tide on nitazenes and other dangerous drugs
Drug-related deaths have reached record levels. Among the threats are nitazenes, a class of synthetic opioids up to 500 times more potent than heroin that is increasingly linked to fatal overdoses. In this blog, Jake Shepherd examines the urgent need for proactive measures to curb this escalating crisis and argues that the government has a crucial opportunity to rethink the UK’s approach to drug policy.
SMF Director, Theo Bertram, responds to the Labour government’s Plan for Change
Targets work. They set priorities, provide focus and raise ambition.