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.
Universal Credit: the Government still isn’t listening to bad news
The Department for Work and Pension's response to the NAO’s report rejects outright some of its key findings and seeks to assert that all is well.
Government plugs gaps in prison service staff
New civil service staff numbers show increases at the Prison and Probation Service, and spending on Brexit staff continuing to grow.
Meaningful vote amendment to EU Withdrawal Bill is the one to watch
The ‘meaningful vote’ amendment is where the Government may face its most significant defeat.
Three areas the Government has fudged on the 'backstop'
While the UK's 'backstop' for the Irish border may initially seem like a victory for the Brexiteers, it leaves three big issues outstanding.
Creating a more equal society requires political drive from the very top
The disruption caused by turnover at the top suggests the equalities agenda isn’t at the heart of the government’s mission.
A missed chance to reassure that Whitehall has Brexit covered
The Government's latest Single Departmental Plans offer a fairer reflection of the impact of Brexit on departments’ work – but not by much.
Too many priorities mean no priorities
Ministers need to be clear about their priorities so that the next set of Single Departmental Plans are not just shopping lists of nice-to-haves.
Taking part in future EU budget talks is good for the UK
This is an opportunity to move financial talks beyond the exit bill, and one which the Government should seize.
Is 'government by direction' creeping up on us?
'Technical directions' should not become the norm when it comes to making spending decisions.
Government can use GDPR to be more proactive about data
New data protection regulations offer government an opportunity to think again about how it can use data effectively.