IFS Zooms In: The Economy

The End of the Peace Dividend? UK Defence in a Changing World

The UK has promised to raise defence spending to levels not seen since the 1980s. That means tens of billions more pounds each year, with big implications for the armed forces, the economy, and the public finances.In this episode, Helen speaks to Matthew Savill (RUSI) and Max Warner (IFS) about what defence spending actually pays for, how it has changed over time, and what the government’s new commitments could mean for growth and future military capabilities.Become a member: https://ifs.org.uk/individual-membershipFind out more: https://ifs.org.uk/podcasts-explainers-and-calculators/podcasts Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Are the Kids OK? Your Questions Answered (Episode 5)

This week, we turn the tables and put your questions to the experts.From childcare and early years, to schools, apprenticeships, and family life — listeners sent in brilliant questions on the challenges facing children and young people today.Helen Miller is joined by Christine Farquharson and guests Carey Oppenheim, Sam Freedman, Philip Augar, and Anne Longfield to discuss:- Should mothers be supported to stay at home rather than return to work?- Has YouTube made teaching harder for schools?- How can we encourage more firms to offer apprenticeships and sponsorships?- What are the consequences of declining physical activity and play?👉 Share your thoughts in the comments, and don’t forget to subscribe for more evidence-based discussions from IFS Zooms In.Become a member: https://ifs.org.uk/individual-membershipFind out more: https://ifs.org.uk/podcasts-explainers-and-calculators/podcasts Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Are The Kids OK? Family Life (Episode 4)

Nearly a third of children in the UK live in relative poverty, and rising numbers face material deprivation. The government’s Opportunity Mission pledges that every child should grow up in a safe, loving home and that families should be able to afford the essentials — but how close are we to that goal?In this episode of IFS Zooms In, Helen Miller is joined by Christine Farquharson (IFS) and Baroness Anne Longfield (Centre for Young Lives; former Children’s Commissioner for England) to explore:- How family structures are changing and what that means for children- The impact of child poverty and financial insecurity- Why children’s social care is under growing pressure- What early intervention could do to improve outcomes👉 Don’t forget to subscribe for the final Q+A episode, where we put your questions to the experts.Become a member: https://ifs.org.uk/individual-membershipFind out more: https://ifs.org.uk/podcasts-explainers-and-calculators/podcasts Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Are The Kids OK? The College Years (Episode 3)

What happens after GCSEs, and how well does England’s education system support young people as they move into adulthood?The government’s Opportunity Mission sets out to “build skills for opportunity and growth,” aiming to give every young person a pathway that’s right for them. In practice, that means navigating a system divided between academic routes, like A levels and university, and technical or vocational routes, often delivered through further education colleges.In this episode of IFS Zooms In, Helen Miller is joined by Christine Farquharson (Associate Director, IFS) and Sir Philip Augar (Chair of the government’s 2019 review of post-18 education and funding) to explore the strengths and challenges of post-16 education in England. They discuss GCSE attainment, the divide between higher and further education, funding pressures, and what a skills system fit for the future might look like.📩 We want your questions for our final Q&A episode! Send them – voice notes welcome – to podcasts@ifs.org.uk.🎧 Subscribe for the full Are the kids ok? mini-series: just search IFS Zooms In in your podcast app.Become a member: https://ifs.org.uk/individual-membershipFind out more: https://ifs.org.uk/podcasts-explainers-and-calculators/podcasts Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Are The Kids OK? The School Years (Episode 2)

Are England’s school-aged children thriving – or are too many being left behind?The government’s Opportunity Mission promises to end the link between a child’s background and their future. But with rising absences, a growing mental health crisis, and a SEND system under strain, how close are we to that goal?In this episode of IFS Zooms In, Helen Miller is joined by Christine Farquharson (Associate Director, IFS) and Sam Freedman (Institute for Government, Ark Schools) to explore:What’s driving improvements in average attainmentWhy so many children are still struggling to keep upThe challenges in special educational needs and disabilities (SEND)How COVID has shaped education, attendance, and well-beingWhat reforms could ensure every child has the chance to succeed📩 We want your questions for our final Q&A episode! Send them – voice notes welcome – to podcast@ifs.org.uk or comment on the episode.🎧 Subscribe for the full Are the Kids OK? mini-series: just search IFS Zooms In in your podcast app.Become a member: https://ifs.org.uk/individual-membershipFind out more: https://ifs.org.uk/podcasts-explainers-and-calculators/podcasts Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.