Philip Nye
@philipnye.bsky.social
Senior data scientist @instituteforgovernment.org.uk • Words and numbers on what the govt is up to, edu policy, doing data at a thinktank • Bilingual: 🐍/SQL • Sign up to the IfG newsletter: http://bit.ly/3xDINTz
Great new explainer on the May elections from our devo team - full of charts and maps
@meganisaac.bsky.social @matthewfright.bsky.social @akashpaun.bsky.social
@meganisaac.bsky.social @matthewfright.bsky.social @akashpaun.bsky.social
On Thursday, 7 May, local elections will take place in many parts of England.
So where will these elections take place? Where have local elections been postponed? And why do these elections matter?
Here's everything you need to know www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/explainer/lo...
So where will these elections take place? Where have local elections been postponed? And why do these elections matter?
Here's everything you need to know www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/explainer/lo...
January 29, 2026 at 1:37 PM
Great new explainer on the May elections from our devo team - full of charts and maps
@meganisaac.bsky.social @matthewfright.bsky.social @akashpaun.bsky.social
@meganisaac.bsky.social @matthewfright.bsky.social @akashpaun.bsky.social
Reposted by Philip Nye
Analysis of government spending on consultancy services has become a solid feature of Whitehall Monitor (2026 edition out today!) in recent years.
This year it's particularly pertinent given the government's focus on cutting spending.
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/publication/...
This year it's particularly pertinent given the government's focus on cutting spending.
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/publication/...
Whitehall Monitor 2026 | Institute for Government
Labour’s efforts to ‘rewire the state’ aren’t addressing longstanding workforce problems.
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk
January 13, 2026 at 11:11 AM
Analysis of government spending on consultancy services has become a solid feature of Whitehall Monitor (2026 edition out today!) in recent years.
This year it's particularly pertinent given the government's focus on cutting spending.
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/publication/...
This year it's particularly pertinent given the government's focus on cutting spending.
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/publication/...
Reposted by Philip Nye
This year's Whitehall Monitor deep dive into how the civil service is looking under this govt reveals familiar and longstanding problems. This govt has strongly advocated for digital transformation and AI to boost productivity - but it's not clear it's going about it in the right way (1/3)
📢NEW REPORT📢
Every year @instituteforgovernment.org.uk sets out the latest on the civil service - size, professions, pay, morale. You name it, we analyse it. This year's report is out today.
If you're interested in state capacity, you should be interested in what's happening in the civil service. 🧵
Every year @instituteforgovernment.org.uk sets out the latest on the civil service - size, professions, pay, morale. You name it, we analyse it. This year's report is out today.
If you're interested in state capacity, you should be interested in what's happening in the civil service. 🧵
Whitehall Monitor 2026 | Institute for Government
Labour’s efforts to ‘rewire the state’ aren’t addressing longstanding workforce problems.
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk
January 13, 2026 at 10:30 AM
This year's Whitehall Monitor deep dive into how the civil service is looking under this govt reveals familiar and longstanding problems. This govt has strongly advocated for digital transformation and AI to boost productivity - but it's not clear it's going about it in the right way (1/3)
Reposted by Philip Nye
Government is looking for efficiencies within its tight spending plans: 16% back office cuts, 'technical' efficiencies as big as the MoJ budget (£13.8bn) and a reheated Sunak-era blanket 5% savings target
Some thoughts on how these all add up from the IfG's Whitehall Monitor report out today...
Some thoughts on how these all add up from the IfG's Whitehall Monitor report out today...
January 13, 2026 at 10:26 AM
Government is looking for efficiencies within its tight spending plans: 16% back office cuts, 'technical' efficiencies as big as the MoJ budget (£13.8bn) and a reheated Sunak-era blanket 5% savings target
Some thoughts on how these all add up from the IfG's Whitehall Monitor report out today...
Some thoughts on how these all add up from the IfG's Whitehall Monitor report out today...
Reposted by Philip Nye
👇In which I explain that while civil service reform may not be the most glamorous thing a government could focus on, they absolutely need to do it. A year and a half on from entering gov the civil service hasn't meaningfully changed. Gov needs a plan to make that happen.
January 13, 2026 at 10:45 AM
👇In which I explain that while civil service reform may not be the most glamorous thing a government could focus on, they absolutely need to do it. A year and a half on from entering gov the civil service hasn't meaningfully changed. Gov needs a plan to make that happen.
We’ve today published Whitehall Monitor 2026
As well as being your guide to whether Labour is making progress on rewiring the state (A: definitely still a work in progress) it also contains some fantastic data viz
Some of my highlights 🧵
As well as being your guide to whether Labour is making progress on rewiring the state (A: definitely still a work in progress) it also contains some fantastic data viz
Some of my highlights 🧵
January 13, 2026 at 1:25 PM
We’ve today published Whitehall Monitor 2026
As well as being your guide to whether Labour is making progress on rewiring the state (A: definitely still a work in progress) it also contains some fantastic data viz
Some of my highlights 🧵
As well as being your guide to whether Labour is making progress on rewiring the state (A: definitely still a work in progress) it also contains some fantastic data viz
Some of my highlights 🧵
Reposted by Philip Nye
📢NEW REPORT📢
Every year @instituteforgovernment.org.uk sets out the latest on the civil service - size, professions, pay, morale. You name it, we analyse it. This year's report is out today.
If you're interested in state capacity, you should be interested in what's happening in the civil service. 🧵
Every year @instituteforgovernment.org.uk sets out the latest on the civil service - size, professions, pay, morale. You name it, we analyse it. This year's report is out today.
If you're interested in state capacity, you should be interested in what's happening in the civil service. 🧵
Whitehall Monitor 2026 | Institute for Government
Labour’s efforts to ‘rewire the state’ aren’t addressing longstanding workforce problems.
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk
January 13, 2026 at 8:19 AM
📢NEW REPORT📢
Every year @instituteforgovernment.org.uk sets out the latest on the civil service - size, professions, pay, morale. You name it, we analyse it. This year's report is out today.
If you're interested in state capacity, you should be interested in what's happening in the civil service. 🧵
Every year @instituteforgovernment.org.uk sets out the latest on the civil service - size, professions, pay, morale. You name it, we analyse it. This year's report is out today.
If you're interested in state capacity, you should be interested in what's happening in the civil service. 🧵
Reposted by Philip Nye
NEW report from @nehaldavison.bsky.social and I.
Why have successive governments failed to tackle persistent inequalities in early years outcomes?
We set out 5 systemic policy making failures that lead to some children being 'left behind'.
🧵⬇️
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/publication/...
Why have successive governments failed to tackle persistent inequalities in early years outcomes?
We set out 5 systemic policy making failures that lead to some children being 'left behind'.
🧵⬇️
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/publication/...
Policy making blind spots | Institute for Government
The systemic policy-making failures that have contributed to a sharp ‘cliff-edge’ in attainment levels.
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk
December 17, 2025 at 11:19 AM
NEW report from @nehaldavison.bsky.social and I.
Why have successive governments failed to tackle persistent inequalities in early years outcomes?
We set out 5 systemic policy making failures that lead to some children being 'left behind'.
🧵⬇️
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/publication/...
Why have successive governments failed to tackle persistent inequalities in early years outcomes?
We set out 5 systemic policy making failures that lead to some children being 'left behind'.
🧵⬇️
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/publication/...
Reposted by Philip Nye
Nice dataviz from the ONS showing median wealth split by category at different points of the distribution: www.ons.gov.uk/peoplepopula...
November 27, 2025 at 9:45 PM
Nice dataviz from the ONS showing median wealth split by category at different points of the distribution: www.ons.gov.uk/peoplepopula...
Reposted by Philip Nye
Autumn budget 2025: What did we learn from Rachel Reeves’ announcements?
From tax rises to OBR forecasts and cost of living, our IfG experts give their verdict on the chancellor’s plans www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/comment/autu...
From tax rises to OBR forecasts and cost of living, our IfG experts give their verdict on the chancellor’s plans www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/comment/autu...
Autumn budget 2025: What did we learn from Rachel Reeves’ announcements? | Institute for Government
IfG experts review the key things we learnt from the 2025 budget.
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk
November 27, 2025 at 7:20 PM
Autumn budget 2025: What did we learn from Rachel Reeves’ announcements?
From tax rises to OBR forecasts and cost of living, our IfG experts give their verdict on the chancellor’s plans www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/comment/autu...
From tax rises to OBR forecasts and cost of living, our IfG experts give their verdict on the chancellor’s plans www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/comment/autu...
Reposted by Philip Nye
It's Budget Day - follow my fantastic @instituteforgovernment.org.uk colleagues @gemmatetlow.bsky.social, @danhaile.bsky.social, @drbenpaxton.bsky.social, @philipnye.bsky.social, @stuarthoddinott.bsky.social and others for all the latest!
And check out their live blog here for in-depth analysis:
And check out their live blog here for in-depth analysis:
LIVE BLOG | Autumn budget 2025: Rachel Reeves prepares to announce tax measures | Institute for Government
IfG experts analyse Reeves' budget and explore what the chancellor's plans for the economy, tax and spending mean.
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk
November 26, 2025 at 8:35 AM
It's Budget Day - follow my fantastic @instituteforgovernment.org.uk colleagues @gemmatetlow.bsky.social, @danhaile.bsky.social, @drbenpaxton.bsky.social, @philipnye.bsky.social, @stuarthoddinott.bsky.social and others for all the latest!
And check out their live blog here for in-depth analysis:
And check out their live blog here for in-depth analysis:
Reposted by Philip Nye
In a new departure, we @instituteforgovernment.org.uk are going to be live blogging the Budget all through tomorrow. The live blog is now live and we will be sharing our pre-Budget thoughts there, followed by responses once we hear the CX's speech www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/live-blog/au...
LIVE BLOG | Autumn budget 2025: Rachel Reeves prepares to announce tax measures | Institute for Government
IfG experts analyse Reeves' budget and explore what the chancellor's plans for the economy, tax and spending mean.
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk
November 25, 2025 at 3:36 PM
In a new departure, we @instituteforgovernment.org.uk are going to be live blogging the Budget all through tomorrow. The live blog is now live and we will be sharing our pre-Budget thoughts there, followed by responses once we hear the CX's speech www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/live-blog/au...
Reposted by Philip Nye
LIVE BLOG | Autumn budget 2025 🚨
As Rachel Reeves prepares to announce tax measures, what formal announcements have we had so far and what can we expect in the next 24 hours?
Follow our live blog for our analysis of the chancellor's plans
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/live-blog/au...
As Rachel Reeves prepares to announce tax measures, what formal announcements have we had so far and what can we expect in the next 24 hours?
Follow our live blog for our analysis of the chancellor's plans
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/live-blog/au...
LIVE BLOG | Autumn budget 2025: Rachel Reeves prepares to announce tax measures | Institute for Government
IfG experts analyse Reeves' budget and explore what the chancellor's plans for the economy, tax and spending mean.
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk
November 25, 2025 at 3:34 PM
LIVE BLOG | Autumn budget 2025 🚨
As Rachel Reeves prepares to announce tax measures, what formal announcements have we had so far and what can we expect in the next 24 hours?
Follow our live blog for our analysis of the chancellor's plans
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/live-blog/au...
As Rachel Reeves prepares to announce tax measures, what formal announcements have we had so far and what can we expect in the next 24 hours?
Follow our live blog for our analysis of the chancellor's plans
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/live-blog/au...
Reposted by Philip Nye
NEW: Labour inherited public services in crisis. Performance had fallen, investment had been cut + spending plans were undeliverable.
It's made some progress, providing stability and positive long-term plans. But it has been undermined by poor prep in opposition and lack of co-ordination in govt 🧵
It's made some progress, providing stability and positive long-term plans. But it has been undermined by poor prep in opposition and lack of co-ordination in govt 🧵
November 19, 2025 at 7:03 AM
NEW: Labour inherited public services in crisis. Performance had fallen, investment had been cut + spending plans were undeliverable.
It's made some progress, providing stability and positive long-term plans. But it has been undermined by poor prep in opposition and lack of co-ordination in govt 🧵
It's made some progress, providing stability and positive long-term plans. But it has been undermined by poor prep in opposition and lack of co-ordination in govt 🧵
Reposted by Philip Nye
Empty classrooms present government with a challenge and an opportunity
Some strategic direction would help to ease two mounting pressures - the shortage of places in special schools and the surplus in mainstream schools
Some strategic direction would help to ease two mounting pressures - the shortage of places in special schools and the surplus in mainstream schools
Empty classrooms present government with a challenge and an opportunity | Institute for Government
The government needs to show strategic direction on school places
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk
November 13, 2025 at 11:32 AM
Empty classrooms present government with a challenge and an opportunity
Some strategic direction would help to ease two mounting pressures - the shortage of places in special schools and the surplus in mainstream schools
Some strategic direction would help to ease two mounting pressures - the shortage of places in special schools and the surplus in mainstream schools
Great new report from Amber, digging into spare primary school places, school finances, SEND and much more ⬇️
NEW REPORT Labour is struggling to meet its education priorities. It has big ambitions to improve schools, but a budget that falls short of matching them. And with no clear plans to reform the SEND system or tackle workforce shortages, children are being left without the support they need.
Performance Tracker 2025: Schools | Institute for Government
It will be extremely difficult for the government to meet its education priorities within the budget it has set for the coming parliament.
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk
November 6, 2025 at 10:00 AM
Great new report from Amber, digging into spare primary school places, school finances, SEND and much more ⬇️
Reposted by Philip Nye
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/...
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/publication/...
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.
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk
October 23, 2025 at 6:44 AM
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/...
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/publication/...
Reposted by Philip Nye
4 patterns we're seeing in adult social care, children's social care and homelessness services (with graphs)
And what govt should do about it
A thread from @instituteforgovernment.org.uk's NEW jumbo report (read 1 get 3 free) on the state of local government services and finance 👇
And what govt should do about it
A thread from @instituteforgovernment.org.uk's NEW jumbo report (read 1 get 3 free) on the state of local government services and finance 👇
Public Services Performance Tracker 2025 | Institute for Government
Labour’s public service plans are less than the sum of their parts.
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk
October 16, 2025 at 9:20 AM
4 patterns we're seeing in adult social care, children's social care and homelessness services (with graphs)
And what govt should do about it
A thread from @instituteforgovernment.org.uk's NEW jumbo report (read 1 get 3 free) on the state of local government services and finance 👇
And what govt should do about it
A thread from @instituteforgovernment.org.uk's NEW jumbo report (read 1 get 3 free) on the state of local government services and finance 👇
Reposted by Philip Nye
NEW REPORT: Local authorities have been struggling with pressures from austeirty for years, but there are signs that pressure is now particularly acute
As a result, they are having to make tough decisions about finances and services
🧵👇 on findings
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/publication/...
As a result, they are having to make tough decisions about finances and services
🧵👇 on findings
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/publication/...
Performance Tracker 2025: Local government overview | Institute for Government
The government is making good progress towards rebalancing local government funding. But the sector shows signs of mounting financial distress.
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk
October 16, 2025 at 8:58 AM
NEW REPORT: Local authorities have been struggling with pressures from austeirty for years, but there are signs that pressure is now particularly acute
As a result, they are having to make tough decisions about finances and services
🧵👇 on findings
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/publication/...
As a result, they are having to make tough decisions about finances and services
🧵👇 on findings
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/publication/...
Reposted by Philip Nye
NEW: @instituteforgovernment.org.uk have published pt1 of Public Services Performance Tracker 2025 covering local government finances and overall performance, adult social care, children's social care and homelessness
Incredible work by @stuarthoddinott.bsky.social & @amberdellar.bsky.social
Incredible work by @stuarthoddinott.bsky.social & @amberdellar.bsky.social
Public Services Performance Tracker 2025 | Institute for Government
Labour’s public service plans are less than the sum of their parts.
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk
October 15, 2025 at 6:04 PM
NEW: @instituteforgovernment.org.uk have published pt1 of Public Services Performance Tracker 2025 covering local government finances and overall performance, adult social care, children's social care and homelessness
Incredible work by @stuarthoddinott.bsky.social & @amberdellar.bsky.social
Incredible work by @stuarthoddinott.bsky.social & @amberdellar.bsky.social
Reposted by Philip Nye
On Tuesday @instituteforgovernment.org.uk will publish the first part of Performance Tracker 2025, our flagship annual stocktake of the state of public services
We’re doing things slightly differently this year, so I thought I’d do a quick thread explaining some of the changes
🧵
We’re doing things slightly differently this year, so I thought I’d do a quick thread explaining some of the changes
🧵
October 12, 2025 at 2:02 PM
On Tuesday @instituteforgovernment.org.uk will publish the first part of Performance Tracker 2025, our flagship annual stocktake of the state of public services
We’re doing things slightly differently this year, so I thought I’d do a quick thread explaining some of the changes
🧵
We’re doing things slightly differently this year, so I thought I’d do a quick thread explaining some of the changes
🧵
Reposted by Philip Nye
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/...
With tax rises inevitable, Reeves should reject path of least resistance and embrace tax reform 1/3
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/publication/...
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.
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk
September 24, 2025 at 7:49 AM
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/...
With tax rises inevitable, Reeves should reject path of least resistance and embrace tax reform 1/3
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/publication/...
Reposted by Philip Nye
1/ If you've been itching to know how the size of the civil service has changed... we at the @instituteforgovernment.org.uk have you covered.
I've crunched the numbers from the latest ONS data release, which you can read about here: www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/explainer/ci...
I've crunched the numbers from the latest ONS data release, which you can read about here: www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/explainer/ci...
Civil service staff numbers | Institute for Government
Who exactly are civil servants and how many are there?
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk
September 18, 2025 at 3:45 PM
1/ If you've been itching to know how the size of the civil service has changed... we at the @instituteforgovernment.org.uk have you covered.
I've crunched the numbers from the latest ONS data release, which you can read about here: www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/explainer/ci...
I've crunched the numbers from the latest ONS data release, which you can read about here: www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/explainer/ci...
Reposted by Philip Nye
PODCAST 🎙️ The Mandelson misjudgement
@catneilan.bsky.social joins @drhannahwhite.bsky.social @jillongovt.bsky.social to discuss the dramatic end of Peter Mandelson’s time in Washington.
PLUS: @philipnye.bsky.social on Keir Starmer's first reshuffle
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/podcast/insi...
@catneilan.bsky.social joins @drhannahwhite.bsky.social @jillongovt.bsky.social to discuss the dramatic end of Peter Mandelson’s time in Washington.
PLUS: @philipnye.bsky.social on Keir Starmer's first reshuffle
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/podcast/insi...
September 12, 2025 at 3:19 PM
PODCAST 🎙️ The Mandelson misjudgement
@catneilan.bsky.social joins @drhannahwhite.bsky.social @jillongovt.bsky.social to discuss the dramatic end of Peter Mandelson’s time in Washington.
PLUS: @philipnye.bsky.social on Keir Starmer's first reshuffle
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/podcast/insi...
@catneilan.bsky.social joins @drhannahwhite.bsky.social @jillongovt.bsky.social to discuss the dramatic end of Peter Mandelson’s time in Washington.
PLUS: @philipnye.bsky.social on Keir Starmer's first reshuffle
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/podcast/insi...
I'm on the pod this week talking all things _government_ reshuffle
(Also features others talking _ambassadorial_ reshuffle)
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/podcast/insi...
(Also features others talking _ambassadorial_ reshuffle)
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/podcast/insi...
The Mandelson misjudgement | Institute for Government
The Observer’s Cat Neilan joins the podcast team to weigh up the dramatic end of Mandelson’s time in Washington.
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk
September 12, 2025 at 2:30 PM
I'm on the pod this week talking all things _government_ reshuffle
(Also features others talking _ambassadorial_ reshuffle)
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/podcast/insi...
(Also features others talking _ambassadorial_ reshuffle)
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/podcast/insi...