This was a “warm-up” Budget, with many key decisions deferred, delayed or scheduled for review. The chancellor may yet regret this lack of decisiveness
There were no big surprises in this Budget and little sense of any solutions to intractable policy problems. The chancellor should beware of trying to micromanage from the centre
This Budget saw the chancellor tell MPs about some improved economic forecasts. However, the broad outlook remains uncertain – and Brexit didn’t even merit a mention
A real-time online system will collect tax return information automatically and manage irregular incomes better. Could it also make a local income tax viable?
Next week’s Budget is unlikely to bring much comfort to local government. The sector must seize the initiative, redefining its objectives and the financial freedoms needed to deliver
The government’s industrial strategy green paper recognises that intervention is needed to rebalance the economy, but downplays a hands-on role for the state and the loss of EU funds
A transformation strategy for Whitehall shows the way to a new business model that will make services more responsible to citizens. But it will need the prime minister’s backing
Equipment funding in the NHS is an urgent and ongoing requirement, but lacks a coherent strategy. What funding methods are available to stop equipment becoming technologically obsolete, unaffordable...
Increasing the number of apprenticeships in the public sector could help to meet service delivery challenges as well as presenting a way to make savings
Unless the government is clear about planning, negotiating and spending priorities around Brexit, there is a risk the UK will not be prepared for complex talks and life after leaving the EU
When Britain leaves the European Union, our skills shortages will be laid bare. In order to prosper post-Brexit, we must offer training in areas that employers actually value
Holyrood's plan to remove education funding from local authorities ramps up financial risk and might not improve student outcomes. A transitional period would be helpful
Last year brought a series of political shocks and upheavals. As that change beds in, public services and social infrastructure will be vital to improving lives
