Thomas Pope
@tompope.bsky.social
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Deputy Chief Economist
@instituteforgov.bsky.social
On Twitter @tompope0
pinned post!
New
@instituteforgovernment.org.uk
report by me,
@gemmatetlow.bsky.social
and
@jillongovt.bsky.social
on how Reeves should approach tax this Autumn With tax rises inevitable, Reeves should reject path of least resistance and embrace tax reform 1/3
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/publication/...
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The 2025 budget and beyond: How Rachel Reeves can approach tax reform to help drive growth | Institute for Government
A big autumn approaches for the chancellor.
https://www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/publication/rachel-reeves-approach-tax-reform-drive-growth
about 2 months ago
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reposted by
Thomas Pope
Sam Macrory
9 days ago
Has Rachel Reeves rolled the budget pitch? And how did former chancellors manage expectations? Fascinating
@instituteforgovernment.org.uk
podcast with
@stewartwood.bsky.social
Giles Winn
@gemmatetlow.bsky.social
@jillongovt.bsky.social
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/podcast/rach...
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Rachel Reeves and the art of pitch rolling the budget | Institute for Government
Former Treasury advisers Stewart Wood and Giles Winn reveal how chancellors prepare the ground for budget day.
https://www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/podcast/rachel-reeves-pitch-rolling-budget
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Thomas Pope
Institute for Government
11 days ago
The dramatic rise in prisoners released in error is just one aspect of a collapsing criminal justice system. Read our recent comment from
@cassiarowland.bsky.social
following today's news of another mistaken prisoner release
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/comment/pris...
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The mistaken release of Hadush Kebatu is a symptom of a failing system | Institute for Government
The problems in criminal justice run far deeper than one high-profile error.
https://www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/comment/prison-release-error-symptom-criminal-justice-system
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Thomas Pope
Institute for Government
11 days ago
There are only three weeks to go until Rachel Reeves delivers her second budget as chancellor. Follow our autumn budget 2025 page for our analysis of the current fiscal context facing the chancellor and how Reeves should approach tax policy making
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/autumn-budge...
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Autumn budget 2025 | Institute for Government
On Wednesday 26 November, Rachel Reeves will deliver her second budget as chancellor.
https://www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/autumn-budget-2025
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reposted by
Thomas Pope
Dan Neidle
11 days ago
What if there was a consensus on the tax reforms the UK needs? What if it was backed by policy experts from think tanks across the political spectrum, from the Adam Smith Institute to the Resolution Foundation? The consensus is real. The question is: will anyone act on it?
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Thomas Pope
Jill Rutter
12 days ago
and a lot of other things messing up the economy - just all seems a bit -- late?
add a skeleton here at some point
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Thomas Pope
Cassia Rowland
23 days ago
I'm back on the IfG podcast! Great to welcome
@dannyshaw.bsky.social
to discuss just a few of the big home affairs stories dominating the news this week - as well as our new report. Have a listen!
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/podcast/pris...
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The Prisons Crisis Strikes Back | Institute for Government
Former BBC journalist and Labour adviser Danny Shaw joins the podcast team to discuss the state of the criminal justice system.
https://www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/podcast/prisons-crisis-strikes-back
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reposted by
Thomas Pope
Cassia Rowland
24 days ago
NEW REPORT Criminal justice is coming apart at the seams. Police, criminal courts & prisons can’t cope with the level of demand and performance keeps spiralling downwards. Early positive steps from the government won't be enough to turn things around
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/publication/...
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Performance Tracker 2025: Criminal justice system | Institute for Government
The government must act to avoid the justice system returning to the crisis point seen when Labour entered office, or worse.
https://www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/publication/performance-tracker-2025/criminal-justice/overview
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reposted by
Thomas Pope
Institute for Government
25 days ago
While we wait for the second part of our Performance Tracker 2025, join us for the launch of one of our much awaited events of the year.
@amberdellar.bsky.social
@cassiarowland.bsky.social
@jesstud.bsky.social
@nuffieldtrust.org.uk
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/event/labour...
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Thomas Pope
Institute for Government
27 days ago
Our
#DevoLab2
is happening today! Join us at The Exchange - University of Birmingham to learn how mayors' and strategic authorities' powers can be used to secure and deliver private investment for key regional strategic projects. 🎟️Get your ticket:
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/event/devola...
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Thomas Pope
Ben Paxton
about 1 month ago
Guardian article here:
www.theguardian.com/politics/202...
And top tips on how to do tax reform from
@gemmatetlow.bsky.social
@tompope.bsky.social
and
@jillongovt.bsky.social
here:
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/publication/...
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The 2025 budget and beyond: How Rachel Reeves can approach tax reform to help drive growth | Institute for Government
A big autumn approaches for the chancellor.
https://www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/publication/rachel-reeves-approach-tax-reform-drive-growth
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Thomas Pope
Nick Davies
about 1 month ago
The point of a multi-year spending review and regular SR cycle is to provide stability. That stability allows frontline public services to make long-term decisions that will deliver better outcomes and VfM. It's a big failure of policymaking if spending decisions are being reopened 4 months later
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Chancellor admits tax rises and spending cuts considered for budget
Speaking exclusively to Sky's deputy political editor Sam Coates, Rachel Reeves says Brexit, austerity, and the Liz Truss mini-budget have all played a role in damaging Britain's economy - as she prep...
https://news.sky.com/story/chancellor-admits-tax-rises-and-spending-cuts-considered-for-budget-13450207
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reposted by
Thomas Pope
Sam Macrory
about 1 month ago
Flagged in this morning’s Politico Playbook, here’s
@tompope.bsky.social
’s excellent new
@instituteforgovernment.org.uk
blog on Kemi Badenoch’s stamp duty plan - and why the sums don’t quite add up.
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/comment/kemi...
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Kemi Badenoch’s promise to abolish stamp duty has ducked tax trade-offs | Institute for Government
Do Kemi Badenoch's stamp duty sums add up?
https://www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/comment/kemi-badenoch-stamp-duty-abolish
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reposted by
Thomas Pope
Institute for Government
about 1 month ago
In light of Kemi Badenoch’s pledge to abolish stamp duty,
@jillongovt.bsky.social
is refreshing our memory with a very useful explainer on Stamp Duty Land Tax:
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/article/expl...
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Kemi Badenoch’s promise to abolish stamp duty has ducked tax trade-offs | Institute for Government
Do Kemi Badenoch's stamp duty sums add up?
https://www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/comment/badenoch-stamp-duty-abolish
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My instant reaction to Badenoch's stamp duty announcement for
@instituteforgovernment.org.uk
Stamp duty is a bad tax. But abolishing it without a broader reform of property taxes would be a missed opportunity and hard to afford.
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/comment/kemi...
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Kemi Badenoch’s promise to abolish stamp duty has ducked tax trade-offs | Institute for Government
Do Kemi Badenoch's stamp duty sums add up?
https://www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/comment/kemi-badenoch-stamp-duty-abolish
about 1 month ago
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reposted by
Thomas Pope
Sam Macrory
about 1 month ago
🎧NEW: Lessons in Kemistry.. Brilliant Conservative Party conference (& stamp duty) analysis on
@instituteforgovernment.org.uk
podcast
@drhannahwhite.bsky.social
@alexgathomas.bsky.social
@tompope.bsky.social
and Patrick English of
@yougov.co.uk
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/podcast/insi...
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Lessons in Kemistry | Institute for Government
YouGov's Patrick English joined the Inside Briefing team in Manchester to assess the state of the official opposition.
https://www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/podcast/inside-briefing/lessons-kemistry
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reposted by
Thomas Pope
Rebecca McKee
about 1 month ago
A the end of last month
@instituteforgovernment.org.uk
headed to Bournemouth for the Liberal Democrat Party Conference 2025 We held an event in partnership with
@uniofsurrey.bsky.social
exploring how local places can ensure devolution delivers economic growth, chaired by
@tompope.bsky.social
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Thomas Pope
Rebecca McKee
about 1 month ago
Last week the
@instituteforgovernment.org.uk
travelled north to Liverpool for the Labour Party Conference 2025. At our event on the Monday, with
@uniofsurrey.bsky.social
& chaired by
@tompope.bsky.social
we explored how local places can maximise the benefits of devolution to drive growth
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Thomas Pope
Sam Macrory
about 2 months ago
🎧Starmer’s Liverpool Drama? Ex-No10 adviser Tom Webb joins the
@instituteforgovernment.org.uk
podcast to preview the
@teamlabouruk.bsky.social
conference (& review
@libdems.org.uk
conf) With
@drhannahwhite.bsky.social
@jillongovt.bsky.social
@tompope.bsky.social
podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/i...
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Starmer’s Liverpool Drama
Podcast Episode · Inside Briefing with the Institute for Government · 24/09/2025 · 32m
https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/inside-briefing-with-the-institute-for-government/id1484110214?i=1000728305804
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reposted by
Thomas Pope
Hannah White
about 2 months ago
Fortunately
@jillongovt.bsky.social
has just written us an excellent explainer on digital ID cards! Everything you need to know here…
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/explainer/di...
www.thetimes.com/article/3fed...
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All UK adults to require digital ID under Keir Starmer plan
The ‘Brit card’ would be part of efforts to tackle illegal migration by verifying right to live and work in Britain
https://www.thetimes.com/article/3fedb19e-629e-43a1-b267-60576d3dfa32?shareToken=bc02d0b80f2c5f3a923aa320757be67c
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reposted by
Thomas Pope
Nick Davies
about 2 months ago
NEW REPORT:
@instituteforgovernment.org.uk
finds that confused missions, pervasive risk aversion, poor data quality, insufficient commericial capability, and a failure to focus on outcomes means that govt is failing to make the most of £400bn+ a year it spends on procurement
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The role of procurement in delivering mission-led government | Institute for Government
How can the government remove the barriers to its missions?
https://www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/publication/procurement-government-missions-delivery
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Thomas Pope
Institute for Government
about 2 months ago
Follow our autumn budget 2025 page for more in the lead up to Reeves' second budget as chancellor on Weds 26 November
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/autumn-budge...
Follow the team
@gemmatetlow.bsky.social
@tompope.bsky.social
@drbenpaxton.bsky.social
@danhaile.bsky.social
@gilesyb.bsky.social
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Autumn budget 2025 | Institute for Government
On Wednesday 26 November, Rachel Reeves will deliver her second budget as chancellor.
https://www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/autumn-budget-2025
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New
@instituteforgovernment.org.uk
report by me,
@gemmatetlow.bsky.social
and
@jillongovt.bsky.social
on how Reeves should approach tax this Autumn With tax rises inevitable, Reeves should reject path of least resistance and embrace tax reform 1/3
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/publication/...
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The 2025 budget and beyond: How Rachel Reeves can approach tax reform to help drive growth | Institute for Government
A big autumn approaches for the chancellor.
https://www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/publication/rachel-reeves-approach-tax-reform-drive-growth
about 2 months ago
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reposted by
Thomas Pope
Institute for Government
about 2 months ago
A deteriorating fiscal outlook since March means Rachel Reeves is likely to need to raise taxes
@danhaile.bsky.social
and
@tompope.bsky.social
argue that Rachel Reeves should use the budget to reset her fiscal strategy
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/comment/rach...
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Rachel Reeves should use the budget to reset her fiscal strategy | Institute for Government
The chancellor needs to articulate a fiscal and tax strategy.
https://www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/comment/rachel-reeves-budget-fiscal-strategy
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reposted by
Thomas Pope
Jill Rutter
about 2 months ago
Maybe its time to repost this
@instituteforgovernment.org.uk
@theifs.bsky.social
Chartered Institute of Taxation report from 2017 (!).. If only..
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/publication/...
add a skeleton here at some point
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Thomas Pope
Institute for Government
about 2 months ago
How Number 10's strengthened economics team can work for Keir Starmer
@gilesyb.bsky.social
identifies four key steps to help No10's new economics team succeed.
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/comment/numb...
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How Number 10's strengthened economics team can work for Keir Starmer | Institute for Government
There are four key steps to help No10's new economics team succeed.
https://www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/comment/number-10s-strengthened-economics-team
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Thomas Pope
Gemma Tetlow
about 2 months ago
Very good piece from Meg Hillier on the dangers of political attacks on independent institutions like the OBR
on.ft.com/3VV7p5Y
The OBR is not to blame for weak growth
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The OBR is not to blame for weak growth
When politicians attack independent institutions, we all lose
https://on.ft.com/3VV7p5Y
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reposted by
Thomas Pope
Institute for Government
about 2 months ago
Rachel Reeves should use the budget to reset her fiscal strategy A deteriorating fiscal outlook since March means Rachel Reeves is likely to need to raise taxes, argue
@danhaile.bsky.social
and
@tompope.bsky.social
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/comment/rach...
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Rachel Reeves should use the budget to reset her fiscal strategy | Institute for Government
The chancellor needs to articulate a fiscal and tax strategy.
https://www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/comment/rachel-reeves-budget-fiscal-strategy
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Latest from me and
@danhaile.bsky.social
for
@instituteforgovernment.org.uk
Higher interest rates, a productivity downgrade and policy u-turns mean perhaps a c.£20bn forecast deterioration at budget How should she respond? 1/2
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/comment/rach...
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Rachel Reeves should use the budget to reset her fiscal strategy | Institute for Government
The chancellor needs to articulate a fiscal and tax strategy.
https://www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/comment/rachel-reeves-budget-fiscal-strategy
about 2 months ago
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reposted by
Thomas Pope
Cassia Rowland
2 months ago
This is moving in exactly the wrong direction! Education & meaningful activity in prison is crucial to reducing violence and improving outcomes
add a skeleton here at some point
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Thomas Pope
Rebecca McKee
2 months ago
Over on
@instituteforgovernment.org.uk
live blog we're posting our 'cabinet flashcards' - key info on who's who in Starmer's reshuffled cabinet. Helping you prepare for - presumably - the hottest round at every pub quiz this week (if your local one hasn't been cancelled due to tube strikes...)
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Brilliant panel for this event starting soon. Do follow along online.
add a skeleton here at some point
2 months ago
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Thomas Pope
Institute for Government
2 months ago
TODAY: Delivering the government’s economic growth mission: What is the role of the industrial strategy? Join us live at 12:30 as we explore how the industrial strategy can unlock growth across frontier sectors and the steps required to make it work
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/event/delive...
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Thomas Pope
Rebecca McKee
2 months ago
Once we make it into the office... 🚉 we'll be back tomorrow with analysis on the, now rather big, reshuffle
add a skeleton here at some point
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Thomas Pope
Cassia Rowland
2 months ago
Excellent (as ever) sleuthing by Penelope on one of the massive holes in available data in the criminal justice system — in this case yet another on the ‘single justice procedure’, the process for prosecuting low-level offences based on paper submissions, with no court hearing.
add a skeleton here at some point
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Thomas Pope
Amber Dellar
3 months ago
NEW REPORT: how does where you live and your background affect how you do at school? - Inequalities have widened around the country and between groups of children since the pandemic - Progress depends on sharing what works to support disadvantaged pupils & cutting high absence 🧵👇
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Educational outcomes across England | Institute for Government
Examining the performance gaps in schools.
https://www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/publication/performance-tracker-local/educational-outcomes
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Thomas Pope
Rebecca McKee
3 months ago
📰 New (open access) article from me in The MJ Setting out a 5 stage roadmap for Strategic Authorities as they develop local economic strategies
www.themj.co.uk/delivering-p...
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Delivering on the promise of power
England's new wave of mayoral strategic authorities (MSAs) now hold more powers than ever before – across areas such as transport, skills and housing. But the devolution...
https://www.themj.co.uk/delivering-promise-power
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Thomas Pope
Jill Rutter
4 months ago
if Mayors ask to be allowed to levy tourist taxes, let them -
@instituteforgovernment.org.uk
blog by me and
@tompope.bsky.social
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/comment/rach...
- time to end HMT control freakery
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Rachel Reeves should allow local tourist taxes | Institute for Government
If mayors use the ‘right to request’ to call for tourist taxes, then the government should say yes.
https://www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/comment/rachel-reeves-local-tourist-taxes
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reposted by
Thomas Pope
Institute for Government
4 months ago
Rachel Reeves should allow local tourist taxes If mayors use the ‘right to request’ to call for tourist taxes, then the government should say yes, say
@tompope.bsky.social
and
@jillongovt.bsky.social
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/comment/rach...
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Rachel Reeves should allow local tourist taxes | Institute for Government
If mayors use the ‘right to request’ to call for tourist taxes, then the government should say yes.
https://www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/comment/rachel-reeves-local-tourist-taxes
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Thomas Pope
Cassia Rowland
4 months ago
My take on the Leveson review! Restricting jury trials would cut the case backlog & if you’re going to do it, this is a good model. BUT it isn't necessary. Leveson's argument is based on rising demand - when the real problem is poor productivity. 🧵
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/comment/leve...
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The Leveson review | Institute for Government
The Leveson review is welcome – but doesn’t address the most fundamental problem in the courts.
https://www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/comment/leveson-review-courts
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Thomas Pope
Institute for Government
5 months ago
This Friday marks one year since the general election. Over the course of this week, the IfG will be reviewing how much progress – or not – the Labour government has made on delivering its priorities.
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Thomas Pope
Stuart Hoddinott
5 months ago
NEW REPORT: how does access to adult social care vary across time and around England? We show: - Fewer adults receive care than 20 years ago - There is wide range in access between councils Some of that is for good reason, but some not 🧵👇
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/publication/...
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Adult social care across England | Institute for Government
Examining the care gap in England.
https://www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/publication/performance-tracker-local/adult-social-care
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reposted by
Thomas Pope
Rebecca McKee
5 months ago
New report from me &
@tompope.bsky.social
We explore how strategic authorities can develop effective economic strategies - providing insights for local leaders and officials looking to develop robust strategies & strengthen their local economies
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/publication/...
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How strategic authorities can develop effective local economic plans | Institute for Government
Local economic strategies can be powerful drivers of prosperity and growth.
https://www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/publication/devolution-strategic-authorities
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reposted by
Thomas Pope
Alex Thomas
5 months ago
No10 has issued odd internal guidance banning officials speaking at public events It means more closed govt & worse policy decisions-the opposite of what ministers say they want From
@drhannahwhite.bsky.social
& me
@instituteforgovernment.org.uk
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/comment/gove...
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The government should not ban public servants from speaking in public | Institute for Government
New guidance will damage the quality of government and public discourse.
https://www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/comment/government-ban-public-servants-speaking-public
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Thomas Pope
Nick Davies
5 months ago
Great write up of
@stuarthoddinott.bsky.social
’s new report which shows local authorities have been forced to ration access to publicly funded care. This has created a damaging geographical and demographic ‘care gap’ Full report here:
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/publication/...
add a skeleton here at some point
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Great thread from
@rebeccamckee.bsky.social
on our new
@instituteforgovernment.org.uk
research supported by the University of Surrey. If you're working on local economic strategies or growth plans, please do get in touch. We'd love to chat.
add a skeleton here at some point
5 months ago
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reposted by
Thomas Pope
Institute for Government
5 months ago
PODCAST 🎙️ The morning after the spending review before Ipsos's Gideon Skinner joins
@drhannahwhite.bsky.social
@tompope.bsky.social
@gilesyb.bsky.social
to weigh up what Rachel Reeves’ spending review told us about the government’s priorities
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/podcast/insi...
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The morning after the spending review before | Institute for Government
Ipsos's Gideon Skinner joins the podcast team to weigh up what Rachel Reeves’ spending review told us about the government’s priorities.
https://www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/podcast/inside-briefing/spending-review-2025
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Thomas Pope
Sam Macrory
5 months ago
🎙️ The morning after the spending review before…
@drhannahwhite.bsky.social
@tompope.bsky.social
and
@gilesyb.bsky.social
are joined by Gideon Skinner of
@ipsosintheuk.bsky.social
to weigh up Rachel Reeves’s choices - and what it says about this government
podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/i...
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The morning after the Spending Review before
Podcast Episode · Inside Briefing with the Institute for Government · 12/06/2025 · 44m
https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/inside-briefing-with-institute-for-government/id1484110214?i=1000712625902
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Our
@instituteforgovernment.org.uk
spending review analysis is out! Take a read here
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/comment/spen...
Our key takeaways: 1/7
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Spending review 2025: Six key things we learned from Rachel Reeves' announcement | Institute for Government
IfG experts set out the six things they learned from the spending review.
https://www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/comment/spending-review-2025
5 months ago
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reposted by
Thomas Pope
Gemma Tetlow
5 months ago
If you missed our
@instituteforgovernment.org.uk
webinar this afternoon, with our take on the Spending Review, you can listen/watch back here
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/event/2025-s...
with
@njdavies.bsky.social
@drbenpaxton.bsky.social
and
@jillongovt.bsky.social
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What choices did the government make in the 2025 spending review? | Institute for Government
IfG experts provided instant analysis of what Rachel Reeves’s spending review means for public services, investment and the government’s missions.
https://www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/event/2025-spending-review
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