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 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.
Rishi Sunak’s standards problems have not gone away
The PM ended 2022 by appointing a new independent adviser, but that does not mean all the issues around ethical standards have been solved.
Scrapping Windrush pledges would be a big mistake for Suella Braverman’s Home Office
If the home secretary abandons key Windrush reforms, the Home Office will be closing down instead of opening up and its performance will suffer.
Keir Starmer sets out a vision – but taking back control will require details
If Starmer wants to be seen as a PM in waiting, then he will need to convince the public that he can develop the policies to realise this vision.
Rishi Sunak's five promises duck big challenges for government
Dr Hannah White argues that the PM has set himself a deliberately low bar – while ducking challenges that need addressing.
2022: The Institute for Government’s Year in Review
Dr Hannah White looks back on a year which stretched British government to its limits.
Hiding behind the pay review bodies will not help end the strikes
Ministers are wrong to suggest that the independent pay review bodies dictate public sector pay settlements.
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.