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.
Five things you should know before you vote in the local elections
Over the next five years, councillors will have to make tricky trade-offs, and manage tight financial situations.
Resigning was right, but repair needs to start now
Amber Rudd's resignation raises questions about the quality of advice to ministers at the Home Office as well as the coherence of immigration policy.
Hypothecated tax is no long-term solution for funding health and social care
A one-off tax to fund health and social care might solve the short-term problem but would do nothing more than kick the problem down the road.
Worrying FoI trends continue – the Information Commissioner can help
The Information Commissioner’s Office must continue to hold the Government’s feet to the fire for poor transparency.
What are the key lessons for government in crisis response?
Government needs to ensure local and voluntary resources are better engaged in every part of the country to respond to crises.
While the UK talks to itself, the EU has moved on
The longer the UK takes to work out what kind of Brexit it actually wants, the more likely we are to get left behind by the EU.
The Government should make its case for leaving a customs union – or change its mind
At this point, it appears that the Government can’t be sure of getting a deal involving leaving a customs union through Parliament.
We still need answers on Windrush
Current and former home secretaries must be held accountable for their policy design.
Capita’s collapse would be far messier than Carillion’s
While we don’t yet know whether Capita will fail, the mere risk should spur government action on this critical issue.
The Government cannot avoid Parliament forever on a customs union
The Prime Minister should start to use the UK Parliament to strengthen her bargaining position.