In the 1997 Budget, the Labour government abolished a subsidy on Private Medical Insurance (PMI) which had been previously offered to those aged 60 or over. This led to an increase of nearly 30 per cent in the price of PMI for those affected. If fewer people take out insurance as a result of this reform, an interesting question is whether or not the additional NHS costs are outweighed by the savings to the exchequer from removing the subsidy. New IFS research shows that the government's decision to do away with tax subsidies for Private Medical Insurance (PMI) will have saved the government money despite the fact that some individuals choose to return to the NHS.

In a series of briefing notes, we look back at Labour\'s record over its recent term, covering the following areas: overall tax and spending, public services, living standards and inequality, fiscal reform affecting households and business taxes.

The Chancellor of the Exchequer claimed in his recent Budget speech that "business investment ... as a share of our economy" is "over 14 per cent, higher than at any time in forty years". An IFS briefing note released today, Wednesday 11th April, points out that, in fact, the share of GDP that was spent on business investment in 2000 was 12.3 per cent, up a little on the level of 11.5 per cent in 1997, but well down on the level of 14.1 per cent in 1989.

IFS analysis examines the recent pension reforms, looking especially at the proposed Pension Credit, its possible cost and distributional effects.

This Tax Law Review Committee discussion paper looks at the different tax treatment of employed and self-employed people, asking how the current system operated and what possible problems might be associated with it.

In the Green Budget we look at the state of the public finances and look back over this government's tax and spending record. We also discuss measures relating to companies, fuel and the environment and personal taxes and benefits.

New IFS research looks at how the new Integrated Child Credot might work, what the practical problems could be and who would expect to benefit from its introduction.

The government published its figures on inequality. We break down the figures to show changes over recent years.

An article in Fiscal Studies looks at public policy on funding the arts, the media and broadcasting.

In the light of recent spending announcements for the NHS, we look at the challenges facing the NHS if it is to deliver the improvements to justify this allocation of resources.