Browse Stat of the Nation by the issues that matter to you. These reading lists bring together analysis of the economy, migration, health and public services.
Articles reflect the figures and policy position at their publication date. Check the date when reading older analysis.
Economy & Bills
Understand the pressure on household budgets and the choices behind taxes, spending and borrowing.
Inflation Is Rising Again, But Higher Interest Rates Won’t Make Petrol Cheaper — the difference between energy shocks and wider inflation pressure.
Taxes Are Rising. Spending Is Rising Faster. — following the public finances beyond the headline.
The OBR’s Warning — Britain’s Tax & Spend Time Bomb — the longer-term pressures on government finances.
One of the Wettest Winters. Drought by Summer. What Went Wrong? — water bills, demand and infrastructure.
Migration
Follow the figures, policy choices and practical pressures behind the migration debate.
The Asylum Hotels Are Closing — But Is the Crisis Moving Onto Your Street? — what changes in accommodation policy mean.
One-In, One-Out Is Dead — Around £84m for Virtually No Net Reduction — a discussion of the scheme’s costs and outcomes.
625,000 UK Resident Visits To Pakistan — So Why Is It Britain’s Top Asylum Source? — examining two different sets of migration-related figures.
NHS & Health
Explore population health, demand for care and the interpretation of health statistics.
Britain Is Getting Sicker Younger — And the NHS Is Paying the Price — health and the pressure on services.
How the “Super Flu” Narrative Fell Apart Once the Numbers Came In — examining the data behind a seasonal health story.
Burnham Says Brexit Has Hurt Britain. Yet UK Growth Has Beaten Germany, France and Italy — includes the proposed National Care Service and what families would still pay.
Public Services & Institutions
Examine the relationship between funding, capacity and what the public receives.
Britain Is Cancelling the BBC — Another 539,000 Licences Disappear — the changing audience and funding model.
One of the Wettest Winters. Drought by Summer. What Went Wrong? — planning, resilience and water infrastructure.
The Worklessness Trap: 300,000 Households Where Work Has Never Existed — work, welfare and the questions behind the totals.
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