Explainers
Our explainers cover key subjects relating to our work, setting out key facts and figures and answering the most important questions about government.
Explore our explainers
The Rwanda Act: what next in the courts?
What are the possible legal challenges to the government's Rwanda asylum plan?
MPs standing down at the next general election
How many MPs are standing down at the next election, and why?
Metro mayors and the 2024 mayoral elections
On 2 May 2024, voting will take place for 10 metro mayors across England. How will this process work?
Public service productivity
What is public service productivity and how is it measured?
2023 boundary changes
What is happening to constituency boundaries, and why? How are they changing? How are MPs affected?
Local elections 2024: District, borough and unitary councils
On 2 May voters across England will elect more than 2,500 councillors
Ministerial directions
Ministerial directions are formal instructions telling departments to proceed with a spending proposal, despite objection from permanent secretaries.
Local elections 2024: Police and crime commissioners
On 2 May 2024, elections are taking place for 37 police and crime commissioners (PCCs).
Local elections 2024: Mayor of York and North Yorkshire
Who are the candidates for York and North Yorkshire mayor? What powers will the new mayor hold?
Local elections 2024: Mayor of South Yorkshire
On 2 May 2024, voters in South Yorkshire elect their metro mayor.