OrganisationGB
Institute of Economic Affairs
A free-market think tank campaigning for lower public spending.
Last refreshed: 27 July 2026 · Appears in 1 active topic
Key Question
Why does a free-market think tank keep showing up in coverage of public finances?
Timeline for Institute of Economic Affairs
#1 22 Feb
Mentioned in: Emergency support now covers 36 councils
Is Britain Actually Broke?#1 31 Dec
Mentioned in: Triple lock now costs triple the forecast
Is Britain Actually Broke?Background
The Institute of Economic Affairs is a free-market think tank that campaigns for lower public spending and taxation. Its commentary featured in coverage of the state pension triple lock, which the OBR now costs at £15.5bn a year by 2029-30, against an original £5.2bn projection, roughly triple. It has also been cited in coverage of English councils' rising reliance on Exceptional Financial Support.
Common Questions
What is the Institute of Economic Affairs?
A free-market think tank that campaigns for lower public spending and taxation.
What does the Institute of Economic Affairs say about the triple lock?
It has featured in coverage criticising the triple lock's rising cost, now put at £15.5bn a year by 2029-30 against an original £5.2bn projection.Source: Lowdown reporting
When was the Institute of Economic Affairs founded?
The IEA was founded in 1955 and is one of the oldest free-market think tanks in Britain.Source: public record
Is the Institute of Economic Affairs a neutral research body?
No. It is a free-market, campaigning think tank that argues for lower public spending and taxation, not a neutral or independent research institute.Source: background