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.
Supporting the Prime Minister
Comparing Number 10 to the support prime ministers receive in other countries shows that the Centre needs to be turned on its head.
The incredible and the unbelievable
The publication yesterday of Ipsos Mori’s Veracity Index again shows the low regard in which the public hold ministers and politicians.
The importance of being insubordinate
When Tim Harford came to speak at the Institute last week he emphasised the need for more experimentation in policy making.
Why the government needs to improve the mayoral offer
The elected mayors debate is heating up, feedback from 11 cities planning referendums on elected mayors suggests that greater clarity is essential.
Opening up policy making: The wisdom of four
Last week Decentralisation and Planning Minister Greg Clark invited a housebuilder, a council leader and an environmentalist to draft the new NPPF.
Acceptance of NHS reform could hinge on accountability
As the Government’s NHS modernisation exercise ends the question emerges - how do we reconcile accountability to Parliament.
Was Gordon Brown's 'Economic War Council' a new model for driving the PM's agenda?
One of the constitutional innovations under Prime Minister Brown was a new sort of Cabinet Committee – the National Economic Council.
Why special advisers are more than cabinet apprentices
The IfG's latest report, has a number of sensible and straightforward insights and ideas for addressing ministerial effectiveness.
Lessons in ministerial effectiveness from overseas
Experience overseas throws a new light on how UK practices of hiring and firing senior politicians has an impact on the effectiveness of ministers.
For how long should ministers be in place?
One straightforward way for prime ministers to improve the effectiveness of their governments is by not shifting ministers around too often.