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.
One rule for social mobility, another for sustainability
Government pronouncements on how they will ensure progress on social mobility and sustainability reveal mixed up thinking at the heart of government.
Why Community Budgets are worth watching
Community Budget pilots present an opportunity to demonstrate the much heralded decentralisation agenda in action.
The fiscal squeeze: now it gets real
Today marks the start of the government's financial year, and with it the point when our fiscal squeeze gets real.
Impermanent secretaries
As Nemat Shafik hands in her keys at the Department for International Development we reflect on Whitehall changes since the election.
A tale of two knights
Support for the two knights means Mancunians see little to gain from an elected mayor.
A tale of two Huttons
Does anyone realistically think that those in the FCO and MOD who are working on North Africa are working that bit harder?
Budget talk: An end to secrecy?
The Treasury's decision to pre-brief most of the good news in the Budget finally explodes the myth of the need for special rules for Budget making.
War Powers
Last night, MPs voted overwhelmingly in favour of military action in Libya.
How the most powerful mandarins spend their time
The 'external contact' chart from the Cabinet Office provides a fascinating insight into the different roles played by Cabinet secretary.
Japanese earthquake: tested to the limit
Japan has become the latest government to have their crisis management capability tested by extreme natural disaster.