Public services
We examine the performance of public services and make proposals about how they can improve.
Public sector workforce
Labour’s agreement on junior doctor pay is a good first step for renewed staff relations
Despite a reset in tone, the government faces tough negotiations ahead on public sector pay.
Pay review bodies
Pay review bodies are independent panels that gather evidence and then provide government with advice each year on pay for many public sector workers.
Fixing public services: Priorities for the new Labour government
The government’s status quo spending plans from April 2025 onwards will likely mean that all services other than general practice, hospitals and schools could be performing worse in 2027/28 than in 2019.
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Capital investment
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Capital spending in public services
Crumbling schools, hospitals and prisons need a new capital spending plan to turn performance around.
Forcing the NHS to reallocate capital spending is a false economy
The Sunak government is still choosing short-term fixes over long-term solutions.
Why does the UK underinvest in public service infrastructure – and how can the problem be fixed?
Lord O'Donnell, former Cabinet Secretary, joined us to discuss why the UK has set relatively low capital budgets.
The NHS productivity puzzle
The NHS crisis will only be solved with capital investment, increasing management capacity and staff retention – not just more doctors and nurses.
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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.
Darzi’s NHS diagnosis is largely right – now the government needs to act
The Darzi report creates opportunity and risk for Keir Starmer and the government.
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Improving public services
'Austerity' in public services: lessons from the 2010s
Jeremy Hunt is right to delay his fiscal statement – but should not rush into a new austerity programme.
Outcome delivery plans
Keeping outcome delivery plans will help Liz Truss achieve her government's goals.
Using targets to improve public services
Government targets in public services may do more harm than good.
Recent events
What role can prevention play in boosting public service productivity?
Sir Chris Whitty joins our panel event to discuss the government's public service reform plans.
Productivity Pitches #4: Local government
Productivity Pitches highlights outstanding examples of innovation across public services.
IfG at the Conservative Party Conference 2024
A series of fringe events on industrial strategy, devolution, public services, net zero and more.
Our public services team
Nick Davies
Programme Director
Five things we learned from the Conservative Party Conference 2024
Stuart Hoddinott
Senior Researcher
Darzi’s NHS diagnosis is largely right – now the government needs to act
Cassia Rowland
Senior Researcher
Overflowing prisons are just one aspect of deep dysfunction across our failing criminal justice system
Thomas Pope
Deputy Chief Economist
Capital spending in public services
Philip Nye
Senior Data Scientist