Niamh Regan

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Articles

We need a new approach to water bills - a rising block tariff would be transformative

2 weeks ago | politicshome.com | Alan White |Niamh Regan |Sam Robinson

We need a new approach to water bills – a rising block tariff would be transformative Our water system is at a tipping point. Water infrastructure is in urgent need of an upgrade to address the dual pressures of record demand and a volatile climate. The prospect looms of more hosepipe bans and even supply shortfalls as early as 2036 if we don’t act to reduce demand and invest in infrastructure.
The shape of a social tariff

Jan 16, 2025 | smf.co.uk | Sam Robinson |Niamh Regan

Published: 16 January 2025 As households struggle to afford their water bills, social tariffs have a crucial role to play in ensuring that water is affordable for everyone who needs it. While social tariffs are in place already, their design and eligibility is largely left to companies to decide – resulting in worrying postcode lotteries and poor targeting. This briefing lays out some options for unified social tariff design.
Laying the foundations: How to support SMEs to take on apprentices in skilled trades

Dec 5, 2024 | smf.co.uk | Niamh Regan |Jake Shepherd

Published: 05 December 2024 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.
Here's how to get Gen Z interested in their pensions

May 18, 2024 | cityam.com | Niamh Regan

Saturday 18 May 2024 5:36 am Here’s how to get Gen Z interested in their pensions Allowing employees to choose their pension provider and consolidate their contributions into one pot is popular with Gen Z who frequently move jobs and could help them be more financially secure in the future, Says Niamh O ReganBy and large, people choose their own financial products.
Changing times for English local government

May 15, 2024 | lgiu.org | Richard Hyde |Niamh Regan

In light of the tumultuous times facing local government in England, the Social Market Foundation has conducted research on the current state of leadership and management in local government across the country. This article unpacks the research findings. These are tumultuous times for local government in England.
Up for grabs? Public attitudes on the pensions 'pot-for-life' proposal

Apr 26, 2024 | smf.co.uk | Niamh Regan

The SMF recently published proposals for ‘member choice’ over pensions, whereby individuals can direct their contributions to a scheme of their choice. Meanwhile, the government is consulting on related proposals for a ‘lifetime provider’ model. This paper presents evidence on public attitudes to these proposals, drawing on a survey of workers, and two expert roundtable discussions on the topic.
Affordable living: Alternatives to the traditional homeownership model

Apr 11, 2024 | smf.co.uk | Niamh Regan

Publication Beyond the comfort zone: How can planning reform boost housing supply and affordability? Publication Let down: Rental regulations, subsidies and tenants’ rights across the English-speaking world Publication Home economics: Financial policies to increase homeownership
Life beyond bars: Learning for life after prison

Apr 5, 2024 | smf.co.uk | Niamh Regan

Education is central to prisoner rehabilitation, but take-up of it has been in decline and is still not back at even pre-pandemic levels. This paper discusses the current state of education in prisons, and why it is failing to deliver on its aims of supporting employment and reducing reoffending. KEY POINTSEducation is a key rehabilitation strategy, but it is not going well. Education is central to prisoner rehabilitation.
Let down: Rental regulations, subsidies and tenants’ rights across the English-speaking world

Apr 4, 2024 | smf.co.uk | Niamh Regan

The UK’s private rental sector has grown since the 1990s, but long term renting is still not an attractive option for many due to high costs and limited renters’ rights. In this report, the third in our ongoing series, we present lessons for the UK from across the English-speaking world. KEY POINTSThe private rented sector contracted from the 1920s to the early 1990s, but has since grown, doubling from less than one in ten households in 1990 to just under one in five today.
Despite throwing money at the problem, people still aren’t buying heat pumps

Mar 8, 2024 | smf.co.uk | Niamh Regan

Publication Insulating Britain: Examining the barriers and motivations to decarbonising our homes Publication Supply change: Seizing opportunity in the UK heat pump supply chain Publication We can’t keep heating like this: A fairer deal for heat networks