A new government takes office in 2024. What will it inherit? What's the state of Britain after these years of political mayhem, incompetence in high office and scarring austerity? And where do we go from here?

The Only Way Is Up presents a ready reckoner. As the new government sets out to repair the damage, rebuild trust and once again make social progress, ministers will take on a heavy burden. Combining the latest data with expert interviews from the health, policing, children's services, housing, transport, criminal justice and education sectors, Polly Toynbee and David Walker have compiled an essential guide to the state of the nation.