Social Market Foundation
@smfthinktank.bsky.social
Britain’s leading cross-party think tank, with a mission to enable markets and government to work together to benefit society.
https://www.smf.co.uk/ | Also on LinkedIn and X (@SMFthinktank)
https://www.smf.co.uk/ | Also on LinkedIn and X (@SMFthinktank)
The SMF welcomes the overall increase in gambling tax and particularly the higher tax on the more harmful forms of gambling, such as online casinos.
We are pleased the government has listened to our case that the more harmful and addictive products should be taxed more highly.
We are pleased the government has listened to our case that the more harmful and addictive products should be taxed more highly.
November 26, 2025 at 1:26 PM
The SMF welcomes the overall increase in gambling tax and particularly the higher tax on the more harmful forms of gambling, such as online casinos.
We are pleased the government has listened to our case that the more harmful and addictive products should be taxed more highly.
We are pleased the government has listened to our case that the more harmful and addictive products should be taxed more highly.
Reposted by Social Market Foundation
"The Social Market Foundation (@smfthinktank.bsky.social) finds the UK retail landscape’s notices about risk amplify fears in the minds of people already predisposed to a methodical line over the zip up, zip down of the stock market"
www.ft.com/content/18d1...
www.ft.com/content/18d1...
Lessons from Japan’s investing drive for fellow cash-loving Britons
A national message about ‘asset building’ — and investing’s upside — has helped drive behaviour
www.ft.com
November 25, 2025 at 9:53 AM
"The Social Market Foundation (@smfthinktank.bsky.social) finds the UK retail landscape’s notices about risk amplify fears in the minds of people already predisposed to a methodical line over the zip up, zip down of the stock market"
www.ft.com/content/18d1...
www.ft.com/content/18d1...
Reposted by Social Market Foundation
📕 It's (finally) Budget day 🧵
Some of what we'll be looking out for from the Chancellor later today:
🎰 GAMBLING: Maybe the only policy popular with the public, Labour MPs and the bond markets is to raise taxes on online gambling (as suggested by @smfthinktank.bsky.social)...
Some of what we'll be looking out for from the Chancellor later today:
🎰 GAMBLING: Maybe the only policy popular with the public, Labour MPs and the bond markets is to raise taxes on online gambling (as suggested by @smfthinktank.bsky.social)...
November 26, 2025 at 11:34 AM
📕 It's (finally) Budget day 🧵
Some of what we'll be looking out for from the Chancellor later today:
🎰 GAMBLING: Maybe the only policy popular with the public, Labour MPs and the bond markets is to raise taxes on online gambling (as suggested by @smfthinktank.bsky.social)...
Some of what we'll be looking out for from the Chancellor later today:
🎰 GAMBLING: Maybe the only policy popular with the public, Labour MPs and the bond markets is to raise taxes on online gambling (as suggested by @smfthinktank.bsky.social)...
Today the Chancellor will deliver #Budget2025 - and she faces a difficult task.
We think there's ways she can raise revenue without raising Income Tax - whilst beggining to deliver the change voters want.
Read our full pre-Budget briefing:
buff.ly/wZb1S7a
We think there's ways she can raise revenue without raising Income Tax - whilst beggining to deliver the change voters want.
Read our full pre-Budget briefing:
buff.ly/wZb1S7a
November 26, 2025 at 8:00 AM
Today the Chancellor will deliver #Budget2025 - and she faces a difficult task.
We think there's ways she can raise revenue without raising Income Tax - whilst beggining to deliver the change voters want.
Read our full pre-Budget briefing:
buff.ly/wZb1S7a
We think there's ways she can raise revenue without raising Income Tax - whilst beggining to deliver the change voters want.
Read our full pre-Budget briefing:
buff.ly/wZb1S7a
The Triple Lock has done it's job.
But at a time of financial pressure, the Chancellor could replace it with a double lock in #Budget2025 - saving £2.6bn over the next five years, whilst protecting pensioners.
Read our pre-Budget briefing:
But at a time of financial pressure, the Chancellor could replace it with a double lock in #Budget2025 - saving £2.6bn over the next five years, whilst protecting pensioners.
Read our pre-Budget briefing:
The impossible Budget: Options and expectations for the Government's 'smorgasbord' - Social Market Foundation.
A series of measures that adhere to the need for fiscal discipline, whilst allowing the Government to set out an agenda for change
buff.ly
November 25, 2025 at 4:00 PM
The Triple Lock has done it's job.
But at a time of financial pressure, the Chancellor could replace it with a double lock in #Budget2025 - saving £2.6bn over the next five years, whilst protecting pensioners.
Read our pre-Budget briefing:
But at a time of financial pressure, the Chancellor could replace it with a double lock in #Budget2025 - saving £2.6bn over the next five years, whilst protecting pensioners.
Read our pre-Budget briefing:
In #Budget2025, the Chancellor could end the freeze on fuel duty - providing investment into improving our roads and air quality.
Read our thoughts on how the Gov't could end the freeze and make sure EV takeup is incentivised: buff.ly/VW6WUbF
Read our thoughts on how the Gov't could end the freeze and make sure EV takeup is incentivised: buff.ly/VW6WUbF
Will pay-per-mile raise Reeves money or drive people away from electric vehicles?
Need for new road taxes is clear – but there are concerns that pricing plan could stall transition away from petrol
buff.ly
November 25, 2025 at 3:00 PM
In #Budget2025, the Chancellor could end the freeze on fuel duty - providing investment into improving our roads and air quality.
Read our thoughts on how the Gov't could end the freeze and make sure EV takeup is incentivised: buff.ly/VW6WUbF
Read our thoughts on how the Gov't could end the freeze and make sure EV takeup is incentivised: buff.ly/VW6WUbF
Rough sleeping remains a persistent challenge.
In #Budget2025, the Chancellor could take action to tackle homelessness with a new Housing First scheme - that in the long run, would save taxpayers money.
Read how to radically reduce rough sleeping:
In #Budget2025, the Chancellor could take action to tackle homelessness with a new Housing First scheme - that in the long run, would save taxpayers money.
Read how to radically reduce rough sleeping:
Housing First: How to radically reduce rough sleeping this parliament
Some have argued that rough sleeping is unsolvable. The tried and tested Housing First model prooves this wrong.
buff.ly
November 25, 2025 at 2:30 PM
Rough sleeping remains a persistent challenge.
In #Budget2025, the Chancellor could take action to tackle homelessness with a new Housing First scheme - that in the long run, would save taxpayers money.
Read how to radically reduce rough sleeping:
In #Budget2025, the Chancellor could take action to tackle homelessness with a new Housing First scheme - that in the long run, would save taxpayers money.
Read how to radically reduce rough sleeping:
Rough sleeping remains a persistent challenge.
In #Budget2025, the Chancellor could take concrete action to tackle homelessness with a new Housing First scheme - that in the long run, would save taxpayers money.
Read our report on how to radically reduce rough sleeping:
In #Budget2025, the Chancellor could take concrete action to tackle homelessness with a new Housing First scheme - that in the long run, would save taxpayers money.
Read our report on how to radically reduce rough sleeping:
Housing First: How to radically reduce rough sleeping this parliament
Some have argued that rough sleeping is unsolvable. The tried and tested Housing First model prooves this wrong.
buff.ly
November 25, 2025 at 2:30 PM
Rough sleeping remains a persistent challenge.
In #Budget2025, the Chancellor could take concrete action to tackle homelessness with a new Housing First scheme - that in the long run, would save taxpayers money.
Read our report on how to radically reduce rough sleeping:
In #Budget2025, the Chancellor could take concrete action to tackle homelessness with a new Housing First scheme - that in the long run, would save taxpayers money.
Read our report on how to radically reduce rough sleeping:
In #Budget2025, the Chancellor could go further to boost personal finances, by simplifying the ISA investment scheme - providing a boost to the UK economy.
Read our report on how to get Britain investing:
Read our report on how to get Britain investing:
A nation of small investors: Increasing the proportion of British households actively investing
Britain is a nation of investors - we just don't know it. Here's how government could boost personal finances, and grow the economy.
buff.ly
November 25, 2025 at 2:00 PM
In #Budget2025, the Chancellor could go further to boost personal finances, by simplifying the ISA investment scheme - providing a boost to the UK economy.
Read our report on how to get Britain investing:
Read our report on how to get Britain investing:
Tomorrow's Budget presents an opportunity for the Government to raise much needed revenue, whilst taking action to tackle gambling harms.
That's why we're calling on the Chancellor to raise Remote Gambling Duty.
Read our latest report: buff.ly/OgxV7DJ
buff.ly/yJFDqJv
That's why we're calling on the Chancellor to raise Remote Gambling Duty.
Read our latest report: buff.ly/OgxV7DJ
buff.ly/yJFDqJv
MPs urge Reeves to raise gambling taxes despite ‘scaremongering’ from firms
Treasury select committee calls for higher duties on most addictive forms, such as high-street slots and online games
www.theguardian.com
November 25, 2025 at 12:27 PM
Tomorrow's Budget presents an opportunity for the Government to raise much needed revenue, whilst taking action to tackle gambling harms.
That's why we're calling on the Chancellor to raise Remote Gambling Duty.
Read our latest report: buff.ly/OgxV7DJ
buff.ly/yJFDqJv
That's why we're calling on the Chancellor to raise Remote Gambling Duty.
Read our latest report: buff.ly/OgxV7DJ
buff.ly/yJFDqJv
A sector is haunting Europe.
Questions persist in Whitehall around fuel duty, how to make sure EV takeup continues and making sure Gov't has the revenue to improve public transport and air quality.
@gideonsalutin.bsky.social investigates in his latest blog:
buff.ly/VW6WUbF
Questions persist in Whitehall around fuel duty, how to make sure EV takeup continues and making sure Gov't has the revenue to improve public transport and air quality.
@gideonsalutin.bsky.social investigates in his latest blog:
buff.ly/VW6WUbF
November 24, 2025 at 3:59 PM
A sector is haunting Europe.
Questions persist in Whitehall around fuel duty, how to make sure EV takeup continues and making sure Gov't has the revenue to improve public transport and air quality.
@gideonsalutin.bsky.social investigates in his latest blog:
buff.ly/VW6WUbF
Questions persist in Whitehall around fuel duty, how to make sure EV takeup continues and making sure Gov't has the revenue to improve public transport and air quality.
@gideonsalutin.bsky.social investigates in his latest blog:
buff.ly/VW6WUbF
Last week, @beckymontacute.bsky.social & @danihpayne.bsky.social attended the Sutton Trust's Higher Education Summit, where they spoke about how we can expand opportunity to everyone, no matter their background.
November 24, 2025 at 3:09 PM
Last week, @beckymontacute.bsky.social & @danihpayne.bsky.social attended the Sutton Trust's Higher Education Summit, where they spoke about how we can expand opportunity to everyone, no matter their background.
The Chancellor is in an unenviable position.
Can she be fiscally prudent whilst signalling Labour can offer change?
Read the SMFs pre-Budget briefing:
buff.ly/wZb1S7a
Can she be fiscally prudent whilst signalling Labour can offer change?
Read the SMFs pre-Budget briefing:
buff.ly/wZb1S7a
November 23, 2025 at 12:00 PM
The Chancellor is in an unenviable position.
Can she be fiscally prudent whilst signalling Labour can offer change?
Read the SMFs pre-Budget briefing:
buff.ly/wZb1S7a
Can she be fiscally prudent whilst signalling Labour can offer change?
Read the SMFs pre-Budget briefing:
buff.ly/wZb1S7a
The Chancellor is in an unenviable position.
But can she raise revenue without increasing income tax?
Read the SMF's pre-Budget briefing:
buff.ly/wZb1S7a
But can she raise revenue without increasing income tax?
Read the SMF's pre-Budget briefing:
buff.ly/wZb1S7a
November 22, 2025 at 12:00 PM
The Chancellor is in an unenviable position.
But can she raise revenue without increasing income tax?
Read the SMF's pre-Budget briefing:
buff.ly/wZb1S7a
But can she raise revenue without increasing income tax?
Read the SMF's pre-Budget briefing:
buff.ly/wZb1S7a
The nation is waiting in anticipation of the Chancellor's Budget next Wednesday
But what should she do to balance the books, and also signal that Labour is ready to deliver change?
Read our proposals for next week's Budget👇
buff.ly/wZb1S7a
But what should she do to balance the books, and also signal that Labour is ready to deliver change?
Read our proposals for next week's Budget👇
buff.ly/wZb1S7a
November 21, 2025 at 1:58 PM
The nation is waiting in anticipation of the Chancellor's Budget next Wednesday
But what should she do to balance the books, and also signal that Labour is ready to deliver change?
Read our proposals for next week's Budget👇
buff.ly/wZb1S7a
But what should she do to balance the books, and also signal that Labour is ready to deliver change?
Read our proposals for next week's Budget👇
buff.ly/wZb1S7a
We are calling on the Government to take further action to make the UK a nation of small investors by:
✅Investing in financial education in schools
✅Creating an AI-driven financial advice service
✅Simplify the ISA regime by merging different types into a single ISA
buff.ly/wGQmbSF
✅Investing in financial education in schools
✅Creating an AI-driven financial advice service
✅Simplify the ISA regime by merging different types into a single ISA
buff.ly/wGQmbSF
November 20, 2025 at 4:03 PM
We are calling on the Government to take further action to make the UK a nation of small investors by:
✅Investing in financial education in schools
✅Creating an AI-driven financial advice service
✅Simplify the ISA regime by merging different types into a single ISA
buff.ly/wGQmbSF
✅Investing in financial education in schools
✅Creating an AI-driven financial advice service
✅Simplify the ISA regime by merging different types into a single ISA
buff.ly/wGQmbSF
Evidence from Canada and Sweden shows that when savers are offered simple, accessible investment options, participation rises – and household finances become more resilient.
Our latest report sets out how the UK can learn from these examples.
buff.ly/wGQmbSF
Our latest report sets out how the UK can learn from these examples.
buff.ly/wGQmbSF
November 20, 2025 at 2:02 PM
Evidence from Canada and Sweden shows that when savers are offered simple, accessible investment options, participation rises – and household finances become more resilient.
Our latest report sets out how the UK can learn from these examples.
buff.ly/wGQmbSF
Our latest report sets out how the UK can learn from these examples.
buff.ly/wGQmbSF
A combination of limited financial education, risk aversion, and complex investment products – such as ISAs – discourages many from investing.
Our latest report sets out how we can make investing easier for households - and boost personal finances.
buff.ly/wGQmbSF
Our latest report sets out how we can make investing easier for households - and boost personal finances.
buff.ly/wGQmbSF
November 20, 2025 at 12:00 PM
A combination of limited financial education, risk aversion, and complex investment products – such as ISAs – discourages many from investing.
Our latest report sets out how we can make investing easier for households - and boost personal finances.
buff.ly/wGQmbSF
Our latest report sets out how we can make investing easier for households - and boost personal finances.
buff.ly/wGQmbSF
£430 billion is held in savings accounts above the recommended limit – meaning households are missing out on higher potential returns.
Our latest report sets out how we can boost personal finances:
buff.ly/wGQmbSF
Our latest report sets out how we can boost personal finances:
buff.ly/wGQmbSF
November 20, 2025 at 10:01 AM
£430 billion is held in savings accounts above the recommended limit – meaning households are missing out on higher potential returns.
Our latest report sets out how we can boost personal finances:
buff.ly/wGQmbSF
Our latest report sets out how we can boost personal finances:
buff.ly/wGQmbSF
Britain is a country of investors – they just don’t know it.
In our latest report, @gideonsalutin.bsky.social and John Asthana Gibson outline how we can strengthen the UK’s retail investment landscape – and deliver a much-needed boost to the wider economy.
buff.ly/wGQmbSF
In our latest report, @gideonsalutin.bsky.social and John Asthana Gibson outline how we can strengthen the UK’s retail investment landscape – and deliver a much-needed boost to the wider economy.
buff.ly/wGQmbSF
November 20, 2025 at 8:00 AM
Britain is a country of investors – they just don’t know it.
In our latest report, @gideonsalutin.bsky.social and John Asthana Gibson outline how we can strengthen the UK’s retail investment landscape – and deliver a much-needed boost to the wider economy.
buff.ly/wGQmbSF
In our latest report, @gideonsalutin.bsky.social and John Asthana Gibson outline how we can strengthen the UK’s retail investment landscape – and deliver a much-needed boost to the wider economy.
buff.ly/wGQmbSF
The Treasury will breathe a sigh of relief following the drop in inflation - but this does not change the fact that next week's Budget will present irreconsilable political and economic demands.
✍️Read @theobertram.bsky.social in @LBC.co.uk
buff.ly/85XIkL4
✍️Read @theobertram.bsky.social in @LBC.co.uk
buff.ly/85XIkL4
Today's inflation win can't hide the trouble ahead for Rachel Reeves | LBC
This good news does not change the fundamentals facing the Chancellor in her Budget, writes Theo Bertram
www.lbc.co.uk
November 19, 2025 at 5:33 PM
The Treasury will breathe a sigh of relief following the drop in inflation - but this does not change the fact that next week's Budget will present irreconsilable political and economic demands.
✍️Read @theobertram.bsky.social in @LBC.co.uk
buff.ly/85XIkL4
✍️Read @theobertram.bsky.social in @LBC.co.uk
buff.ly/85XIkL4
Our new report highlights the challenges of the UK’s investment landscape. But what’does the data say?
Only 8% of household wealth is held directly in UK investments. But this means savers are missing out on growing their savings – with a 20 year old worker, for example, missing out on £30,000.
Only 8% of household wealth is held directly in UK investments. But this means savers are missing out on growing their savings – with a 20 year old worker, for example, missing out on £30,000.
November 19, 2025 at 2:01 PM
Our new report highlights the challenges of the UK’s investment landscape. But what’does the data say?
Only 8% of household wealth is held directly in UK investments. But this means savers are missing out on growing their savings – with a 20 year old worker, for example, missing out on £30,000.
Only 8% of household wealth is held directly in UK investments. But this means savers are missing out on growing their savings – with a 20 year old worker, for example, missing out on £30,000.
We're pleased to see the Government's new Men's Mental Health Strategy recognises the health consequeces of gambling harm
Read the full reaction from @theobertram.bsky.social👇
buff.ly/1Y04VLu
Read the full reaction from @theobertram.bsky.social👇
buff.ly/1Y04VLu
November 19, 2025 at 12:21 PM
We're pleased to see the Government's new Men's Mental Health Strategy recognises the health consequeces of gambling harm
Read the full reaction from @theobertram.bsky.social👇
buff.ly/1Y04VLu
Read the full reaction from @theobertram.bsky.social👇
buff.ly/1Y04VLu
Reposted by Social Market Foundation
🔉NEW RESEARCH 🔉
New Social Market Foundation research, out today, finds £430 billion of Brits' savings (beyond that needed for emergencies) are stuck in cash - rather than being invested - where people could get much higher returns.
The report outlines how govt can help encourage investment 📈
New Social Market Foundation research, out today, finds £430 billion of Brits' savings (beyond that needed for emergencies) are stuck in cash - rather than being invested - where people could get much higher returns.
The report outlines how govt can help encourage investment 📈
Britain is a country of investors – they just don’t know it.
In our latest report, @gideonsalutin.bsky.social and John Asthana Gibson outline how we can strengthen the UK’s retail investment landscape – and deliver a much-needed boost to the wider economy.
In our latest report, @gideonsalutin.bsky.social and John Asthana Gibson outline how we can strengthen the UK’s retail investment landscape – and deliver a much-needed boost to the wider economy.
November 19, 2025 at 9:28 AM
🔉NEW RESEARCH 🔉
New Social Market Foundation research, out today, finds £430 billion of Brits' savings (beyond that needed for emergencies) are stuck in cash - rather than being invested - where people could get much higher returns.
The report outlines how govt can help encourage investment 📈
New Social Market Foundation research, out today, finds £430 billion of Brits' savings (beyond that needed for emergencies) are stuck in cash - rather than being invested - where people could get much higher returns.
The report outlines how govt can help encourage investment 📈
Britain is a country of investors – they just don’t know it.
In our latest report, @gideonsalutin.bsky.social and John Asthana Gibson outline how we can strengthen the UK’s retail investment landscape – and deliver a much-needed boost to the wider economy.
In our latest report, @gideonsalutin.bsky.social and John Asthana Gibson outline how we can strengthen the UK’s retail investment landscape – and deliver a much-needed boost to the wider economy.
November 19, 2025 at 9:00 AM
Britain is a country of investors – they just don’t know it.
In our latest report, @gideonsalutin.bsky.social and John Asthana Gibson outline how we can strengthen the UK’s retail investment landscape – and deliver a much-needed boost to the wider economy.
In our latest report, @gideonsalutin.bsky.social and John Asthana Gibson outline how we can strengthen the UK’s retail investment landscape – and deliver a much-needed boost to the wider economy.