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.
Metro mayors are a good start
New metro mayors mark another (very) small step in the devolution process – but this should be far from the end of the journey.
Home Secretary is a tough job – but it’s not impossible
As the new Home Secretary, Sajid Javid inherits some difficult issues, but he can still be effective.
The Government’s customs proposals do not solve the problem
If the Government wants to avoid a border in Ireland and keep lorries moving freely through Kent, it needs to deal with regulatory checks as well.
Five things you should know before you vote in the local elections
Over the next five years, councillors will have to make tricky trade-offs, and manage tight financial situations.
Resigning was right, but repair needs to start now
Amber Rudd's resignation raises questions about the quality of advice to ministers at the Home Office as well as the coherence of immigration policy.
Hypothecated tax is no long-term solution for funding health and social care
A one-off tax to fund health and social care might solve the short-term problem but would do nothing more than kick the problem down the road.
Worrying FoI trends continue – the Information Commissioner can help
The Information Commissioner’s Office must continue to hold the Government’s feet to the fire for poor transparency.
What are the key lessons for government in crisis response?
Government needs to ensure local and voluntary resources are better engaged in every part of the country to respond to crises.
While the UK talks to itself, the EU has moved on
The longer the UK takes to work out what kind of Brexit it actually wants, the more likely we are to get left behind by the EU.
The Government should make its case for leaving a customs union – or change its mind
At this point, it appears that the Government can’t be sure of getting a deal involving leaving a customs union through Parliament.