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.
A longer Brexit transition is a prize worth pocketing
An extension to the transition period won’t solve the Irish backstop problem, but an extra 12 months is still an offer worth having.
Can Cox change the Commons?
Too many MPs feel there is only a downside to tightening up the bullying and harassment procedures to which they are subject.
Extra money alone will not tackle rough sleeping
The Prime Minister should make rough sleeping a priority for the whole of government.
Let us hope these emergency cash injections for social care are coming to an end
Councils need confidence about future funding to invest prudently, but cash injections are stop-gap solutions.
The UK still isn’t ready for a no deal Brexit
There are still many outstanding issues the Government needs to address before the UK can be ready for a no deal Brexit.
Public bodies and departments’ Code of Good Practice could help – if they were aware of it
The Cabinet Office's blueprint for joint working cannot have impact if leaders of public bodies don’t know about it.
McDonnell is right to talk about Treasury reform
He is right to raise those questions, but the implications of some of what he says could represent a step backwards for effective government.
The data you need to run a government
Many departments do not even know what data they collect on the services for which they are responsible.
The short-term economic impact of a no deal Brexit matters too
A no deal Brexit could be disruptive in the short term unless softened by a number of side deals.
Saving the Union from Brexit will require bold thinking about the constitution
Te UK and Scottish Governments are divided by a deep gulf in their understanding of the constitution.