Explainers
Our explainers cover key subjects relating to our work, setting out key facts and figures and answering the most important questions about government.
Explore our explainers
Coronavirus: government support for businesses and individuals
The Covid-19 coronavirus pandemic has caused major social and economic disruption.
Coronavirus Act 2020
The Coronavirus Act 2020 received Royal Assent on 25 March, having been fast-tracked through parliament in just four sitting days.
Government emergency powers and coronavirus
The term “emergency powers” usually refers to government powers to respond rapidly to a public emergency.
The UK parliament and coronavirus
Since the coronavirus pandemic began to worsen in the UK, both Houses of the UK parliament have had to adapt their ways of working.
Permanent secretaries
This explainer looks at the role of permanent secretaries, the most senior rank of civil servant.
“Nudge Unit”
The Behavioural Insights team, popularly known as the ‘Nudge Unit’, is playing a big role in helping the government formulate its response to coronavi
Coronavirus (Covid-19): government response
The threat of pandemic flu has been a concern for successive governments.
Local government funding in England
How local government is funded in England and how it has changed since 2010.
Brexit dividend
This explainer sets out how any Brexit dividend (or otherwise) is reflected in the government’s official independent forecasts prepared by the OBR.
Chief medical officer
The chief medical officer (CMO) is the most senior government adviser on health matters.