The shape of things to come

After almost a decade of austerity, both main political parties want to expand the size of the state – be it new hospitals or renationalised utility companies. But while both main parties want a bigger state, there is far less consensus over what the state should do or what services it should prioritise, let alone how an expansion should be paid for.

With an election coming soon, and new manifesto pledges being written, the size and shape of the British state is about to change. Understanding how the state has evolved in recent decades, and what the future might hold for it, are therefore big questions for our democracy.

This Autumn, the Resolution Foundation is hosting a trilogy of events to explore the size and shape of the state, followed by deep dives into the tax system and the welfare state. Each report and event will explore how the functions of the state might change, depending on who wins the next election. At the first event at its Westminster offices on 4 November, the Resolution Foundation will present new research on the changing shape of the state, followed by an expert panel discussion and an audience Q&A.