Evidence for transformative policymaking (Statistics, microsimulation and public opinion to achieve change)

This textbook offers a unique, practical guide to using quantitative evidence for transformative policymaking in an era of crisis. Written by the Common Sense Policy Group at Northumbria University, it combines economic microsimulation, public opinion research and narrative persuasion to address Britain's deepest challenges: poverty, inequality, declining health and crumbling infrastructure.

Unlike traditional policy texts, this book equips readers to develop their own tax-benefit modelling, conduct sophisticated distributional analysis, assess health impacts of economic interventions and use adversarial co-production to persuade policymakers. Using open-source tools, datasets and hands-on exercises and cases studies, it demonstrates that radical policies like Basic Income are both affordable and popular when properly evidenced and communicated.

This enables readers to produce compelling evidence that can shift the ‘Overton Window’ and influence policymakers. It is essential reading for anyone seeking to rebuild Britain through evidence-based policy.