Nudge or tax? At last, some data

Tim Harford · 10 Sept 2026 · timharford.com ↗

2 korrents from this piece

Tim Harford did not write this page.

Every claim below was made in this piece, quoted word for word and numbered in the order the piece makes them, so you can read it there rather than take our word for it. The sentence above each quote is our reading of the claim, not their wording. Each quote was checked against a stored copy of the page at build time; where the two differ, the quote is the fact.

Our reading
Serious policy reform requires changing regulations or the tax system, not just behavioural nudges.

Their wordsI've also argued that while nudges can be quick, easy and effective, serious policy action usually requires a change to regulations or the tax system.
Our reading
Politicians often avoid the most beneficial policies because they lack the political courage or skill to introduce them.

Their wordsAll too often, politicians are turning their back on the most beneficial policies because they lack the political courage or the political skill to introduce them.