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.
Hitting the 20,000 police officer target won’t fix the criminal justice sector’s problems
Hitting its police officer recruitment target is impressive, but wider problems need addressing.
The successes and failures of the Treasury's Covid response
The Treasury’s secretive approach to working with other departments hindered aspects of the government's Covid pandemic response.
Rishi Sunak’s response to Dominic Raab’s resignation won’t improve ministerial-civil service relations
Rishi Sunak has missed an opportunity to reinforce standards in government.
Raab’s resignation should lead to reform of the complaints process against ministers
The review of complaints against the former justice secretary exposes deep flaws in how the government deals with poor ministerial behaviour.
Ministers’ fear of nanny statism is constraining effective government action on obesity
Political squeamishness and incoherent policymaking are preventing progress against the government’s obesity targets, argues Sophie Metcalfe.
The government needs to rethink its approach to public services strikes
Rishi Sunak needs to draw a line under a failed approach to settling strikes and reconsider what pay deals the government can offer.
How to devolve English government
Consensus is emerging about the case for English devolution, but the scale of the challenge needs to be addressed in central government.
Funding changes signal an end to the government’s ambitious social care reform package
Stuart Hoddinott says the government’s latest announcement is short-sighted, stores up problems, and leaves a key manifesto pledge unfulfilled.
Brexit means borders – as coach travellers at Dover are discovering
Jill Rutter argues taking back control of our borders is why British travellers now face hold ups at Dover.
Green day: more detail but big questions remain
A bevy of climate and net zero strategies are impressive in parts but fail to show the UK has a plan for green industries, argues Tom Sasse