Covid inquiry – live blog
IfG experts will be regularly posting in this live blog to track and react to the key developments of the second module of the Covid inquiry.
The Office for Students needs support to assert its independence
If ministers are serious about higher education, they should take on board the recommendations of the recent Lords inquiry into the OfS.
Access talks with the civil service
Access talks are meetings between the civil service and opposition parties, held in the run-up to a general election.
Local government section 114 (bankruptcy) notices
What is a section 114 notice, and why have councils been issuing more of them recently?
Selected features

Covid inquiry – live blog
IfG experts will be regularly posting in this live blog to track and react to the key developments of the second module of the Covid inquiry.

What do the public really think about British politics?
The Expert Factor team take a deep dive into the issues that could shape the next election – and explore what voters’ priorities are likely to be.

Performance Tracker 2023: Neighbourhood services
Neighbourhood services – libraries, road maintenance, and waste collection – entered the pandemic with reduced or changed amenities.
Latest commentary
See allThe Office for Students needs support to assert its independence
If ministers are serious about higher education, they should take on board the recommendations of the recent Lords inquiry into the OfS.
The government has abdicated responsibility for public services
Jeremy Hunt’s tax cuts have been funded by further tightening public service budgets.
The 2023 autumn statement marks a step forward on devolution – but the job is far from complete
Four new devolution deals shows promise for the government’s devolution agenda.
Simon Case's absence has left a growing gap in government
The government needs to be clearer about how it is organised while the cabinet secretary is on medical leave.
Inside Briefing podcast
Giles Winn, a former Treasury special adviser, joins the podcast team to reveal what really goes into planning a big fiscal statement.
Listen to the episode
Commission on the Centre of Government
How to radically improve the centre of government.
IfG Academy
We help those working in government to improve it, and those outside government to understand and engage with it.
Topics
Our work examines the core institutions, processes and cross-cutting themes of UK government.
Upcoming events
See allHow can devolution contribute to regional growth in England?
Jim McMahon MP, Shadow Minister for English Devolution and Local Government, joins us to discuss what ‘good’ devolution looks like.
Government 2024: IfG's annual conference
The IfG will bring together influential speakers and experts to explore the key questions for government in 2024.