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.
An elected mayor for Newcastle United?
Unless Alan Shearer or Cheryl Cole throw their hats in the ring, there won't be much support for a Mayor of Newcastle in next year’s referendum.
Don't quota me
What government IT can learn from cycling in London
We spend £16 billion a year on Government IT but our approach is deeply flawed.
Outsourcing policy
Caroline Spelman MP is extricating herself from the woods on forests by remitting the issue to a panel of experts.
Foot and Mouth Disease ten years on
It is ten years this week since the first diagnosis of foot and mouth. The former secretary to the lessons learned inquiry reflects on their findings.
AV referendum goes ahead but the creation of the coalition has altered politics in the Lords
With the AV vote going ahead on May 5th its long process raises questions on voting conventions in the Lords.
Banking on the Big Society
Is the Big Society a growth stock? Banks, investors and the Prime Minister seem to think so.
Accident prevention in government
Recent accident-proneness in government has led the commentariat to come out with prescriptions to help the coalition perform better.
They may have King Kenny, but would Liverpool want an elected mayor?
Andrew Adonis continues his tour of the twelve cities that could have elected mayors and heard how Liverpool is responding.
Power to the people
The government's promise to "turn government on its head" is being put into practice through reforms to the NHS and other public services.