Recent
Surveys
Devolution and UK Policy Alternatives
Conducted at the same time as Andy Burnham became Prime Minister, the July 2026 CfM-NIESR survey asked panel members for their views whether policies aimed at lower-performing regions are likely to boost aggregate UK productivity. Views on this were mixed, with members downplaying the productivity-raising potential of greater devolution relative to alternative policy approaches.
Assessing the Effects of Brexit
The June 2026 CfM-NIESR survey asked the members of its panel for their views on the economic consequences of restricted UK–EU labour mobility for the UK's medium-term outlook, and on the potential gains from closer UK–EU integration short of EU membership. Two thirds thought closer UK-EU economic integration should be a central priority of the UK government’s growth strategy.
Gilt Yields, Fiscal and Political Uncertainty
The May 2026 CfM-NIESR survey asked the members of its panel for their views on the role of political risk in the rise of long-term gilt yields, as well as the policies that would help to bring the long-term yields down. A large majority thought that rising gilt yields reflected the higher political and fiscal policy uncertainty, with a more credible medium-term fiscal consolidation plan helping to bring borrowing costs down.
War Bonds Not The Solution to Financing Increased Defence Spending
The April 2026 CfM-NIESR survey asked the members of its panel for their views on how to finance the increase in defence spending across both the UK and Euro Area. The UK panel favoured higher taxes and/or lower spending, with the EU panel favouring higher borrowing. Neither panel thought that "war bonds" was a cost effective solution.
The Effects of Higher Energy Prices
The March 2026 CfM-NIESR survey asked the members of its panel for their views on the macroeconomic impacts of the conflict in the Middle East; in particular, its likely effects on inflation and growth with the UK and Euro Area, as well as the implications for monetary policy. Panellists anticipated the negative effects would be more keenly felt in the UK than the Euro Area, with a mixed response regarding how monetary policy should react.
Rising UK Unemployment
The February 2026 CfM-NIESR survey asked the members of its panel about the UK labour market, including the extent that government policy changes can explain the rise in youth unemployment. Half of the panel thought that government policies were a very important factor behind the rise, with a more mixed response relating to whether the wider increase in unemployment was structural or cyclical.
The Economic Costs of Persistent Geopolitical Threats
The January 2026 CfM-NIESR survey asked the members of its panel to assess the economic costs of persistent geopolitical threats, and the viability of the financial and diplomatic strategies available to the EU and the UK. Nearly all the panel thought the costs were either moderate or large, with these being felt primarily through policy uncertainty and economic and financial fragmentation.