Mike Brewer

@timleunig @EdwardJDavey The Fair Fuel Stabiliser! @rbrharrison's invention, I believe?

There is a very strong case for taxes on fuels - whether petrol or gas and electricity - varying inversely with the global price. Well done to @EdwardJDavey for putting this forward.

@rcolvile @lara_spirit It's just the solution to this usually ends up with people saying we are moving to a Big Brother style state

@MikeBrewerEcon @lara_spirit Yes, it’s not that there are huge holes in the data, it’s that the data available provides the frame through which policy decisions have to be made.

The most important and least appreciated limitation on government policy decisions is the state of its databases (via @lara_spirit)

@Frencheconomics Luckily, we have very few out-of-work benefits now, thanks to Universal Credit, which covers those in low-paid work too (NB I am not being sarcastic)

I completely understand the Chancellor’s reluctance to diminish her fiscal headroom with universal provision of energy support. She is right to note that Gilt markets would be intolerant of universal provision with large deadweight. But there will (almost certainly) need to be a passporting benefit/criteria which will generate a cliff edge, and potentially damaging impact on work incentives (if an out-of-work benefit is the passport). I wonder whether there are any offsetting policies that are accretive for UK tax revenue, improve the UK’s Balance of Payments, reduce Decommissioning liabilities, generate high paying jobs, and strengthen GBP that could collectively soften the blow?

🚨 New findings published today! 🚨 Graduates who grew up in deep poverty still earn £2,800 less than their peers 10 years on, even if they earn the same degree, and do the same job in the same firm. Read 'The long shadow' here 👉 buff.ly/5VfX2Fi

Short blog below based on a recent seminar on child poverty in Wales.

@paullewismoney But the alternative to a loan would be a graduate tax which would also reduce your net income. So I think the point is valid.

The other fib that was told about the Conservative student loan plan was that the debt though huge would not affect getting a mortgage. True, the debt itself doesn’t count against you but the 9% tax repayments reduce your net income which is used to assess affordability.

On Thursday, we'll get new data on the number of young people aged 16-24 who are NEET (not in education, employment or training). As it stands, there are close to one million NEETs in the the UK, and this number might risw further. Last year we looked at how to tackle this: buff.ly/RTIpCQt

Thinking of a career in think tanks? On Wednesday, we're hosting a webinar for undergraduates or those with similar experience interested in working in the sector. We'll have speakers from numerous organisations sharing their insight and experience. Register here 👉 buff.ly/a3cO0df

The World Inequality Report 2026 provides the most up-to-date picture of inequality worldwide. Join us as @lucas_chancel and @__RicardoGC examine these stark and persistent disparities. 🎟️ Attend in-person: buff.ly/TBmmM6E 💻️ Attend online: buff.ly/UpqPu2O

Working harder, getting nowhere? @MikeBrewerEcon walks you through the experience of Unsung Britain, in our latest Substack ⤵️ buff.ly/ANatmtg

@GeorgeRSimms Arguably they shouldn't have quoted him at all when the quote contained a major factual error?

A lesson in news writing here

How can living standards stagnate, while people are working more? @Mikebrewerecon explains ⤵️

Our major new book is out today, exploring the changing circumstances of the poorer half of Britain, and setting out a policy agenda. Read a summary of it all here resolutionfoundation.substack.com/p/unsung-brita…

🚨 Major NEW research published today 🚨 Our book Unsung Britain reveals that squeezed families now face waiting more than a lifetime for the doubling of living standards we used to enjoy every 40 years. Full findings here 👉 buff.ly/7WcqrbQ

🚨 We're publishing a book tomorrow! Unsung Britain combines analysis & policy with in-depth conversations to understand the needs of lower income families – and we're hosting a major conference. With keynotes from Andy Burnham @AndyBurnhamGM & Ken Murphy ➡️ buff.ly/2tG8LsY

A bit late, but here is my annual confirmation that I have donated royalties from my book on inequality - a low three-digit sum - to Shelter, Gingerbread and Trussell Trust. (I am amazed it's being bought, as it's all pre-pandemic, but happy that it is) amazon.co.uk/What-Know-Shou…

Me too!

The roll out of Universal Credit began way back in April 2013, but it will be completed this spring. As we approach this crucial milestone, now is a good opportunity to take fresh look at UC’s design and structure. Join the conversation ⤵️ buff.ly/n0rnSCY

People aged 65-74 have five times the wealth of those aged 25-34. So why do shop workers and cleaners pay full fare while pensioners ride free? A good question from Stephen Bleach... times-comment.com/bus