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.
The way the Government has announced its plans for the NHS makes those plans harder to achieve
The Prime Minister has made the job of persuading the public that tax rises - or looser fiscal targets - will be needed much more difficult.
For the NHS anniversary, the PM has given us a big glittery box full of question marks
The Government’s plan for a 3.4% increase in NHS spending is welcome as far as it goes but we need more detail.
The battle for control of Brexit
The pitched battle over the ‘meaningful vote’ amendment is a battle between two Conservative factions to get the Brexit they want.
‘Meaningful vote’ on Brexit: a second showdown is likely
The Lords would be justified in sending back their amendments for proper consideration in the Commons.
Three questions the Government needs to answer about NHS funding
The Government must answer three questions if it is to put the health system on a sustainable financial footing.
Universal Credit: the Government still isn’t listening to bad news
The Department for Work and Pension's response to the NAO’s report rejects outright some of its key findings and seeks to assert that all is well.
Government plugs gaps in prison service staff
New civil service staff numbers show increases at the Prison and Probation Service, and spending on Brexit staff continuing to grow.
Meaningful vote amendment to EU Withdrawal Bill is the one to watch
The ‘meaningful vote’ amendment is where the Government may face its most significant defeat.
Three areas the Government has fudged on the 'backstop'
While the UK's 'backstop' for the Irish border may initially seem like a victory for the Brexiteers, it leaves three big issues outstanding.
Creating a more equal society requires political drive from the very top
The disruption caused by turnover at the top suggests the equalities agenda isn’t at the heart of the government’s mission.