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.
Government redesigns like Rishi Sunak’s would be helped by consistency across Whitehall
One of the reasons ‘machinery of government’ changes are so disruptive is that departmental systems are conflicting and incompatible.
Suella Braverman should notice the Independent Monitoring Authority’s worth
The government should be grateful to the Independent Monitoring Authority for saving it from a fiasco over EU citizens with pre-settled status
David Davis’s frustrations with the civil service overlooks where problems really exist
Ministers who blame civil servants for problems are overlooking their power to shape how they work with officials.
Bird flu is another warning to improve the UK’s resilience
The government must take the new strain of H5N1 extremely seriously.
Rishi Sunak's new departments must work together to succeed
Giles Wilkes assesses the thinking behind Sunak’s decisions – and whether or not the restructuring can succeed.
The levelling up white paper one year on: progress on devolution but big tests to come
The next month will be a crucial test of the government’s ability to deliver the levelling up white paper’s devolution vision.
The government must urgently make clear who is responsible for children seeking asylum
The Department for Education must urgently clarify who is responsible for unaccompanied asylum-seeking children.
Collapsing civil service pay undermines the government’s ability to deliver
Why the civil service strike demonstrates the risks of the government’s attempt to hold down pay.
Jeremy Hunt’s growth plan mixes welcome realism with speculative cakeism
The chancellor’s plan for growth is an evidence-based but policy-lite vision which may end up laying the groundwork for future governments.
The Zahawi row raises the case for temporary ministerial suspensions
A formal suspension mechanism for ministers could be useful but would have downsides.