# Reform Fairy The “Reform Fairy” was popularised by *[[The Economist]]* to mock a common fantasy in politics. When problems pile up, leaders promise “reform” — but never explain how, or who pays. The idea is that a magical reform will arrive, fix everything, and hurt no one. ## Entries **31/05/2023** – “[The Reform Fairy](https://www.economist.com/britain/2024/03/15/the-reform-fairy)” by [[Duncan Robinson]] (*The Economist*): Robinson describes the rise of the “Reform Fairy” as the right-wing counterpart to the “magic money tree.” Some argue we can’t afford to spend more on health, education, or social care — so reform must do all the work. But this dodges hard choices: where to invest, what to cut, and how to deliver better outcomes. **09/10/2023** – "[The Smarter State: Between the ‘Magic Money Tree’ and the ‘Reform Fairy’](https://www.ippr.org/research/publications/the-smarter-state)" by Harry Quilter-Pinner and Halima Khan from the [[Institute for Public Policy Research (IPPR)]]: This report criticizes both extremes — relying only on more money, or only on reform. It argues that better public services require both. Reform without funding is empty. Funding without reform is wasteful.