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.
Jeremy Hunt’s growth plan mixes welcome realism with speculative cakeism
The chancellor’s plan for growth is an evidence-based but policy-lite vision which may end up laying the groundwork for future governments.
The Zahawi row raises the case for temporary ministerial suspensions
A formal suspension mechanism for ministers could be useful but would have downsides.
The government needs to implement long-term policies that tackle obesity
Arguments over ‘cakegate’ should not distract from the government binning or delaying its key policies for tackling obesity.
Energy regulation requires trade-offs the regulator cannot make alone
Government must not cut Ofgem adrift in political seas.
Government is complicated – the IfG Academy can help you understand how it works
Understanding government is not always easy, either for people on the inside or those outside who want to influence it.
Zahawi and Johnson rows severely test Sunak's integrity drive
The prime minister is running out of time to show that he meant what he said about cleaning up government.
Politicians should recognise the value of policy stability
The key message to emerge from the IfG’s conference is the value of stability in the way government, policy and regulation work.
The Levelling Up Fund will not deliver on the government’s flagship agenda
The fund is another ineffective competitive funding pot that is neither large enough nor targeted enough to make a dent in regional inequalities.
The Skidmore review highlights the government’s silence on net zero
The review argues that seizing the opportunity of net zero will require a bolder approach from government.
The government’s strike strategy is damaging for public services
The government’s hard-line approach to strikes will exacerbate serious recruitment and retention problems.