Resolution Foundation

Established in 2005, the Resolution Foundation operates as an independent British think tank dedicated to addressing economic inequality. The organization focuses its research and policy recommendations on improving the standard of living for the 15 million people in the UK who fall into low- to middle-income brackets. Unlike broader economic groups that often prioritize aggregate national growth or high-level fiscal theory, this group targets the specific financial pressures facing families struggling to keep up with rising costs.

The team produces detailed reports on wages, housing, and public services to influence government decisions. Their work aims to provide practical solutions rather than just highlighting problems. By analyzing data from various sectors, they offer insights into how policy changes affect everyday people. This approach has made them a key voice in discussions about social mobility and economic fairness in modern Britain.

Torsten Bell serves as the Chief Executive Officer, directing a team of researchers who produce quarterly macroeconomic outlooks. The foundation maintains a strong digital presence with active channels on X, YouTube, and Substack. Its analysis is frequently cited by politicians and journalists, making it a standard reference point for discussions on the UK's fiscal health and social welfare. [edit]

The Resolution Foundation exists to improve the living standards of low- to middle-income households in the United Kingdom. It seeks to achieve this through rigorous, evidence-based policy recommendations regarding wages, housing, public services, and social mobility. The organization aims to fill the gap where research often focused on the wealthy or the very poor, leaving the squeezed middle under-analyzed. [edit]

The Resolution Foundation launched in 2005 to address a specific gap in the UK's economic landscape. At the time, much of the available research concentrated on either the wealthy or those in extreme poverty, leaving the financial struggles of the 'squeezed middle' largely unexamined. The founders created the institution to provide rigorous, data-driven analysis that offered practical solutions rather than merely highlighting problems.

Over the years, the organization has grown into a critical commentator on UK economic policy. It established itself as a go-to source for understanding the widening gap between wages and inflation. The think tank regularly publishes influential series like the Macroeconomic Policy Outlook, which provides forecasts and analysis of the UK economy.

Recent years have seen the foundation take a leading role in framing the narrative around the cost-of-living crisis. In late 2026, their analysis suggested that a UK productivity upgrade offered hope for the Chancellor. Earlier that year, they published findings indicating that UK productivity was growing faster than official figures suggested. These reports have drawn significant attention from major media outlets and influenced political discourse regarding tax reform and social housing investment. [edit]