Public services
We examine the performance of public services and make proposals about how they can improve.
Public Services Performance Tracker 2025
The government has large ambitions for public services. But with patchy progress since the election, it needs to get a grip to make a success of its reforms and deliver promised improvements. Read our annual stocktake on the state of nine key services.
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Our recent comments
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Improving public services
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Capital investment
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Why does the UK underinvest in public service infrastructure – and how can the problem be fixed?
16:00 — 17:00Explore by public service
Health and care
Our research assesses the performance of health and care services and how to improve them.
Criminal justice
Our research assesses the performance of criminal justice services and how to improve them.
Schools
Our research assesses the performance of education services and how to improve them.
Local government
Our research assesses the performance of local government services and how to improve them.
IfG public services conference
A special one-day conference to discuss the cross-cutting issues facing public services with speakers including Michael Gove, Lord Timpson and Lord Blunkett.
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Public sector workforce
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Upcoming and recent events
In conversation with Rt Hon James Murray MP, Chief Secretary to the Treasury: How will the government boost public service productivity?
12:30 — 13:30The Chief Secretary to the Treasury sets out the next steps in the government’s public service productivity drive.
How can the government make a success of the abolition of NHS England?
12:30 — 13:30This webinar explored the risks and opportunities associated with abolishing NHS England.
How can changes to NHS structures help deliver the 10 Year Health Plan?
12:30 — 13:30This is the third of a three-part series on implementing the 10 Year Health Plan.
Our public services team
Nick Davies
Programme Director
Abolished to perfection? Building a better centre for the NHS
Stuart Hoddinott
Associate Director
The government is delivering a radical rebalancing of funding towards more deprived councils
Cassia Rowland
Senior Researcher
A new national police force is the right move, but the case for merging local forces is much weaker
Philip Nye
Senior Data Scientist
Austerity postponed? The impact of Labour’s first budget on public services
Amber Dellar
Researcher
How can the government join up the delivery of its SEND reforms?
Maria Laura La Corte
Research Assistant