Grown up government
This report from UK think tank Re:State examines a comprehensive model of political support. Unlike in high-performing organisations in other sectors, and indeed governments of comparable countries, Britain’s politicians are significantly limited in their ability to shape the teams they have around them, and to appoint outside experts and aides to help deliver their priorities....
A feasibility study and preliminary framework for a civil society satellite account
This report from UK think tank Pro Bono Economics investigates the feasibility of creating a satellite account for civil society in the UK. Civil society organisations and the individuals who work and volunteer for them play a critical role in society, fulfilling many functions from service delivery to community building and campaigning. In doing so,...
Austerity postponed? The impact of Labour’s first budget on public services
This report from UK think tank the Institute for Government examines the impact of Labour's first budget on public services. The outgoing Conservative government left public services in a precarious state. Waiting lists in the NHS are stubbornly high, councils are on the verge of bankruptcy, backlogs in the criminal courts are at record levels...
Economy first: A pragmatic English Devolution White Paper
This report from UK think tank Centre for Cities states that an economic geography approach to English devolution would be the most pragmatic. The forthcoming English Devolution White Paper will be an important milestone for economic growth and public service reform. The Government is correct to see devolution within England as a priority, and the...
More, more, more
This report from UK think tank the Resolution Foundation puts the autumn budget 2024 decisions on tax, spending and borrowing into context. This has been the most anticipated Budget of modern times. It had to wrestle with profound – and sometimes conflicting – challenges: fixing the strained public services; repairing failing public services; and breaking...
Youth work and prevention
This report from UK think tank the Institute for Government recommends a range of steps that government can take to make youth work more accessible and sustainable. Youth work is proven to have positive outcomes for young people in the short term – including improved mental health, educational attainment, and reduced crime and antisocial behaviour....
Mission Critical 02: Governing in partnership with business and trade unions
This report from UK think tank Future Governance Forum outlines five crucial steps government can take to embed business and union insight and expertise in policy design and delivery. Business and trade unions lie at the heart of the government’s recently unveiled Industrial Strategy, and are set to play an equally pivotal role in delivering...
The next cabinet secretary
This report from UK think tank the Institute for Government focuses on the five key priorities for the incoming cabinet secretary. Cabinet secretary is a unique job. The postholder must be at once totally loyal to the government of the day while representing the continuity of the state beyond any single administration. They must warn...
How can the OBR improve the way it judges the supply-side effects of policy?
This report from UK think tank the Institute for Government sets out how the OBR has done this in the past, how its approach has evolved in recent years, and how it could be strengthened further. The government has made economic growth one of its five missions. But this will not be realised quickly: easing...
Local growth plans
This report from UK think tank the Institute for Government lays out the steps the government should take to make local growth plans as effective as possible. The government has recognised the role metro mayors across England will have in realising its mission to increase growth across the country. It has asked local leaders to...