Social Market Foundation

The Social Market Foundation (SMF) is a British public policy think-tank based in Westminster, London. It was set up by supporters of David Owen after the Social Democratic Party (SDP) was disbanded in the late 1980s. It aims to promote and produce policies supporting the “social market”. This was the concept of the SMF’s first publication.

History

Founded in 1989, the organisation was cited as ‘John Major's favourite thinktank’ and two former directors (Rick Nye and Daniel Finkelstein) left to work for the Conservative Party.

In 2001, Robert, Lord Skidelsky was replaced as chair by David, Lord Lipsey. Since that time, the SMF has moved closer to the Labour Party and has since been regarded as a left of centre think tank.^{[citation needed]} It was associated with some of the policies of Tony Blair's New Labour, particularly issues of public service reform.^{[citation needed]}

In September 2010, Mary Ann Sieghart, the political and social affairs journalist, took over as Chair.

Policy goals

The SMF’s remit is to focus on domestic public policy, particularly the public services and welfare. The majority of publications are therefore focused on issues concerning education, health care and employment. However it also produces publications on wide-ranging subjects such as road-pricing, casinos and energy policy.

See also

List of UK think tanks

External links

• Official website
• The Social Market Foundation, Charity Commission, charity number 1000971