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The OECD assessment and recommendations on the main economic challenges faced by the United Kingdom are available by clicking on each chapter heading below.

Macroeconomic developments, prospects and policy challenges
How is the macro economy performing? What are the main challenges for the UK economy?

Reducing the risk of instability from the housing market
What is the risk of instability from the housing market? Should monetary policy be tightened? What supply-side measures could be recommended?

The fiscal challenge: Complying with the fiscal rules while raising standards in health and education
Will be the fiscal rules be met? Should public spending be slowed or revenues be raised? Can performance targets be better supported by funding incentives?

Of special interest:  Activity-based funding, incentives and waiting times in health care  (pdf-format)

Policies to enhance potential growth
How can long-term growth be raised? How can skills be raised to reduce the productivity gap? Could graduate contributions fund higher education? Where is more public investment needed?.

Of special interest: Graduate contributions (tuition fees) for higher education   (pdf-format)

OECD Observer article: Study now, pay later  (pdf-format)

Product market competition and economic performance
What is the scope for improving competition? Are market power and planning restrictions impeding the retail sector? Could more entry help pharmacies? Could telephone prices fall further? Are railways in good shape now?

See also ECO Working Paper 433: Product market competition and economic performance in the United Kingdom

Some aspects of sustainable development
Is the pension system financially sustainable, and does it ensure income adequacy for the retired? How could sustainable growth and the climate change strategy be achieved more efficiently?

A printer-friendly Policy Brief  (pdf format) may also be downloaded.  The Policy Brief contains the OECD assessment and recommendations, but does not include all of the charts available from the above pages.

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The full edition of the OECD Economic Survey for the United Kingdom is available from:

• SourceOECD for subscribing institutions and many libraries;
• Government officials with OLISnet accounts;
• OECD Online Bookshop for non subscribers;
• password-protected Web site for accredited journalists.