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.
Overspends on electricity subsidies highlight the need to manage uncertainty
Failure to manage the uncertain costs of low-carbon electricity subsidies could lead to an overspend
Is the Government’s refusal to publish the Brexit cabinet committee secrecy or incompetence?
Oliver Ilott says the public has a right to know the membership of all cabinet committees
Levelling the Brexit playing field for MPs
Government has pledged to give MPs the same access to Brexit negotiations as MEPs
Sturgeon sets Scotland on collision course with May’s Government
First Minister Nicola Sturgeon’s speech emphasised both her continued opposition to Brexit, especially a withdrawal from the Single Market, and also h
Parliament’s role in Brexit talks
David Davis and Theresa May are both clear that Parliament will not have a vote on the UK’s Brexit negotiating position
Come back Treasury, your country needs you…
Jill Rutter warns the Treasury is now looking marginalised – just when we really need it.
The Civil Service in 2016 – smaller, older, better gender balance
Gavin Freeguard, Adam Boon and Robert Adam find a smaller, older Civil Service, with improving gender balance
Theresa May’s speech: big on ambition – but can she really deliver?
The big theme of Theresa May’s first conference speech as Prime Minister was that ‘change is going to come’
New Zealand's reforms to improve policymaking
New Zealand's Prime Minister’s recent endorsement signals that reforms are on track, says public servant and guest blogger, Sally Washington.
Hinkley: the dubious value of the Value for Money assessment
Hinkley Point C has been given the green light. But Oliver Ilott says the Government’s ‘Value for Money assessment’ is simply not good enough