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 government is right to rebalance funding towards disadvantaged councils
Stuart Hoddinott welcomes the new local government finance settlement's announcement that more money will go to disadvantaged councils.
The UK can't improve its Brexit deal without EU agreement
Brexit is back, but Jill Rutter says it is not clear that the EU is in the market for reducing the economic damage caused by the Johnson-Frost deal
Croydon Council’s struggle to balance the books
Latest financial statement should be a warning to other strapped councils – and to the government, says Matthew Fright
The Home Office should publish its evaluation plan for the Rwanda scheme
The Home Office should publish its evaluation plan before the first flight takes off.
Ministerial maternity leave should not mean appointing inexperienced replacements
When Rishi Sunak decides who will cover for Michelle Donelan, he should bear in mind who has relevant expertise and experience.
Steve Barclay should be wary of trying to directly manage the NHS
Ministers are once again going to try to manage the NHS, but Nicholas Timmins warns that this may not be a good development
Five things we’ve learned about the Brown Commission on the UK’s future
A team of IfG experts weigh up the key recommendations set out in the Gordon Brown's Commission on the UK's Future report.
Better use of data is needed for better energy support policies
The energy crisis has exposed the Treasury’s failure to use data to shape policy, a gap which needs fixing across government.
Pressure is growing on Sunak to properly reform standards
The prime minister needs to set out his plan for how he will tackle the issue that bedevilled his predecessor.
Migration policy is an early test for Rishi Sunak's competent government claims
Rishi Sunak is now under pressure to set out a serious response to the latest migration figures.