Incisive commentary from the IfG’s expert team on issues facing government and key ministerial decisions.
From analysis of key political events such as budgets and party conferences to snap responses to unexpected developments such as government reshuffles, our writers set out their views and analyse what government gets right, what it gets wrong, and what it can do better.
The job of costing opposition policies should be removed from ministerial influence
Opposition policy costings should be overseen by the OBR.
House of Lords report provides clear direction for regulatory reform
'Who watches the watchdogs?' represents the latest contribution to an ongoing debate about how regulators should better be held to account.
Labour's £28bn green pledge was a distraction – but it needs to convince on commitment and delivery
The focus should turn to the deliverability of Labour’s energy plans.
The UK needs to regain its status as a pioneer in government transparency
Ministers should recognise that being transparent is good for government.
Northern Ireland deal highlights the DUP's trust problem with UK government
The DUP has been burnt by its Brexit experiences.
Brexit border risks loom for government during an election year
The Brexit anniversary may not bring much to celebrate for Rishi Sunak.
What the IfG’s Government 2024 conference revealed
Key takeaways from the IfG's annual conference.
SEND spending needs reform to stop local authorities going bust
Deficits in local authority education budgets need to be urgently addressed.
Magical thinking about government needs a dose of reality
UK government needs to reform itself, and we cannot wait until 2025 to begin.
'Orthodoxy' is not the issue: the Treasury’s outsized power creates problems for government
Excessive power, rather than ‘orthodox’ thinking, is the main problem with the Treasury.