The IFS has developed and maintained a detailed our tax and benefit simulator (TAXBEN). Over the years this has allowed us to produce detailed and timely analysis of the impact of the various parties’ tax and benefit plans on household incomes and effective tax rates. Combined with rigorous analysis of the economic desirability of the various reforms, this makes us an authoritative commentator on policy proposals.

IFS analysis of the Conservatives plans to raise National Insurance thresholds, freeze council tax and “recognise marriage in the tax system”, was heavily covered during the election campaign in both the print and broadcast media. Our findings were also quoted in the Leaders debates.