Policy articles and commentary
Analysis, discussion summaries and practical commentary from people working close to policy and delivery.
A Post-Election Reckoning Following significant changes in local political control across England, members of the Independent R&B Discussion Group gathered to reflect on what these results may signal for local government policy, operations, and…
Read articleIn our recent session, the Independent R&B Discussion Group gathered to examine several pressing topics affecting local government and welfare policy, ranging from Supreme Court rulings to the two-child limit on Universal Credit. With…
Read articleAt the latest Independent Revenues & Benefits Discussion Group, held on 14 April 2025, a broad panel of local authority leaders came together to discuss the realities of delivering frontline services in an era…
Read articleSpring Statement Sparks Concerns over Welfare Cuts and Public Service Viability The UK government’s recent Spring Statement, delivered amid warnings of economic uncertainty, has prompted serious concern among local government leaders and policy experts.…
Read articleAs seen intoday’s press In a bold and controversial move, the Labour Government has announced the return of the public stocks — revamped for the digital age — as an alternative punishment for low-level…
Read articleRachel Reeves is unlikely to satisfy many this afternoon. While the statement she’s delivering may not technically be an emergency budget, it skirts close enough to make the semantics feel irrelevant. The economic backdrop…
Read articleOn 24 March 2025, a diverse panel of experts and practitioners convened for a robust discussion on the latest developments in the United Kingdom’s welfare system. With topics ranging from the migration to Universal…
Read articleThe recent “Pathways to Work” green paper lays bare the escalating cost and inherent dysfunctionality of a binary welfare state—one that categorises individuals simply as either capable or incapable of work. This approach, particularly…
Read articleOn 17 March 2025, a diverse panel of experts and practitioners came together for a thought-provoking discussion that spanned the challenges of welfare reform, the role of automation in public services, and emerging trends…
Read article10 March 2025 – The discussion among key stakeholders in the Independent R&B Discussion Group, focused on topics that ranged from the latest developments in CTR analytics to housing strategies and welfare reform. Moderated…
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