Ben Paxton
@drbenpaxton.bsky.social
Senior Researcher at the @instituteforgov.bsky.social. Views my own.
Reposted by Ben Paxton
In two weeks' time, Rachel Reeves will deliver her second budget as chancellor.
Join us online on 26 November for our instant reaction to the chancellor's plan for the economy - with @danhaile.bsky.social @jillongovt.bsky.social @gilesyb.bsky.social www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/event/autumn...
Join us online on 26 November for our instant reaction to the chancellor's plan for the economy - with @danhaile.bsky.social @jillongovt.bsky.social @gilesyb.bsky.social www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/event/autumn...
November 12, 2025 at 11:59 AM
In two weeks' time, Rachel Reeves will deliver her second budget as chancellor.
Join us online on 26 November for our instant reaction to the chancellor's plan for the economy - with @danhaile.bsky.social @jillongovt.bsky.social @gilesyb.bsky.social www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/event/autumn...
Join us online on 26 November for our instant reaction to the chancellor's plan for the economy - with @danhaile.bsky.social @jillongovt.bsky.social @gilesyb.bsky.social www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/event/autumn...
Reposted by Ben Paxton
An interesting piece which (rightly in my view) puts policy uncertainty front and centre. But I'm less convinced by the proposed policy prescription: if we kept a 2nd forecast, but don't formally assess rule compliance, what stops everyone else just reading off the OBR spreadsheet?
November 11, 2025 at 9:25 AM
An interesting piece which (rightly in my view) puts policy uncertainty front and centre. But I'm less convinced by the proposed policy prescription: if we kept a 2nd forecast, but don't formally assess rule compliance, what stops everyone else just reading off the OBR spreadsheet?
Reposted by Ben Paxton
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 9:57 AM
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.
NEW from me on why changes to public sector pensions should be on the table. But politicians must say how they'll cover big upfront costs, and focus on how remuneration can best support the workforce needed to improve public services - not on cuts
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/comment/publ...
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/comment/publ...
Public sector pensions reforms should focus on workforce recruitment and retention | Institute for Government
There is a strong case for looking at reforms to public sector pensions.
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk
November 6, 2025 at 3:55 PM
NEW from me on why changes to public sector pensions should be on the table. But politicians must say how they'll cover big upfront costs, and focus on how remuneration can best support the workforce needed to improve public services - not on cuts
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/comment/publ...
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/comment/publ...
Reposted by Ben Paxton
"Yet unpopularity — even unpopularity as deep and bitter as that which Starmer is currently experiencing — need not be terminal, provided his MPs have faith in his plan and his vision"
@stephenkb.bsky.social smashes out brilliant points I am hoping to publish at greater length 1/
on.ft.com/478WcW7
@stephenkb.bsky.social smashes out brilliant points I am hoping to publish at greater length 1/
on.ft.com/478WcW7
Starmer needs to get serious about governing — and quick
The prime minister has to change or his party will seek a change of its own
on.ft.com
October 25, 2025 at 8:22 AM
"Yet unpopularity — even unpopularity as deep and bitter as that which Starmer is currently experiencing — need not be terminal, provided his MPs have faith in his plan and his vision"
@stephenkb.bsky.social smashes out brilliant points I am hoping to publish at greater length 1/
on.ft.com/478WcW7
@stephenkb.bsky.social smashes out brilliant points I am hoping to publish at greater length 1/
on.ft.com/478WcW7
Reposted by Ben Paxton
Good comment from @timdurrant.bsky.social - DSIT has struggled to become the "digital centre of government" and faced a huge culture shift (it was mainly policy & science and engineering staff before GDS moved there from Cabinet Office). (1/2)
Niche post: the government has announced that the Cabinet Office, rather than the Govt Digital Service (part of the Dept for Science and Tech, DSIT), will run the Digital ID programme
When Labour came in they moved much of govt's central digital capability to DSIT...
www.gov.uk/government/n...
When Labour came in they moved much of govt's central digital capability to DSIT...
www.gov.uk/government/n...
Machinery of government: digital ID
The government has announced a machinery of government change
www.gov.uk
October 23, 2025 at 1:05 PM
Good comment from @timdurrant.bsky.social - DSIT has struggled to become the "digital centre of government" and faced a huge culture shift (it was mainly policy & science and engineering staff before GDS moved there from Cabinet Office). (1/2)
Reposted by Ben Paxton
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/...
Shifting to a more preventative approach rather than just meeting acute demand in these services is vital. But this shows we have long way to go to get to where we were 10-15 years ago. Great analysis from Stuart and the team
The balance between acute and preventative services has shifted dramatically. E.g. children's services
Spending on services like children's centres is down 79% in real terms, while acute services (e.g. looked after children) is up 71%
That contributes to rising acute demand in the long-term
Spending on services like children's centres is down 79% in real terms, while acute services (e.g. looked after children) is up 71%
That contributes to rising acute demand in the long-term
October 16, 2025 at 9:10 AM
Shifting to a more preventative approach rather than just meeting acute demand in these services is vital. But this shows we have long way to go to get to where we were 10-15 years ago. Great analysis from Stuart and the team
Good to see Reeves defending the importance of SR settlements (where changes should be avoided). But disappointing if this means using highly optimistic assumptions re. future tech efficiencies (eg £45bn) to pencil in spending cuts beyond the SR period rather than confronting the need for tax reform
October 16, 2025 at 8:55 AM
Good to see Reeves defending the importance of SR settlements (where changes should be avoided). But disappointing if this means using highly optimistic assumptions re. future tech efficiencies (eg £45bn) to pencil in spending cuts beyond the SR period rather than confronting the need for tax reform
Reposted by Ben Paxton
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
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...
news.sky.com
October 15, 2025 at 7:46 AM
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
Really looking forward to chatting with this brilliant panel about how to make sure pay and pensions help attract and keep the high-quality public sector workerforce the government needs
Should public sector pay and pensions be reformed?
Join us at #Lab25 at 15:45 to hear from @timleunig.bsky.social @fdagensec.bsky.social @fdaunion.bsky.social @gemmatetlow.bsky.social, Paul Whiteman and @drbenpaxton.bsky.social - Clyde Room, ACC www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/event/ifg-la...
Join us at #Lab25 at 15:45 to hear from @timleunig.bsky.social @fdagensec.bsky.social @fdaunion.bsky.social @gemmatetlow.bsky.social, Paul Whiteman and @drbenpaxton.bsky.social - Clyde Room, ACC www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/event/ifg-la...
September 30, 2025 at 10:32 AM
Really looking forward to chatting with this brilliant panel about how to make sure pay and pensions help attract and keep the high-quality public sector workerforce the government needs
Reposted by Ben Paxton
The role of procurement in delivering mission-led government
New report by @njdavies.bsky.social and @drbenpaxton.bsky.social on how public procurement could support delivery of mission-led government, and the key barriers to this.
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/publication/...
New report by @njdavies.bsky.social and @drbenpaxton.bsky.social on how public procurement could support delivery of mission-led government, and the key barriers to this.
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/publication/...
The role of procurement in delivering mission-led government | Institute for Government
How can the government remove the barriers to its missions?
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk
September 26, 2025 at 4:04 PM
The role of procurement in delivering mission-led government
New report by @njdavies.bsky.social and @drbenpaxton.bsky.social on how public procurement could support delivery of mission-led government, and the key barriers to this.
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/publication/...
New report by @njdavies.bsky.social and @drbenpaxton.bsky.social on how public procurement could support delivery of mission-led government, and the key barriers to this.
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/publication/...
Reposted by Ben Paxton
IfG report says a “bias for the status quo” often prompts government to stick with existing approaches that “guarantee poor performance”, rather than taking a chance on change
www.civilserviceworld.com/professions/...
www.civilserviceworld.com/professions/...
'Coherence is needed': Government urged to leverage its £400bn procurement bill to aid missions drive
Think tank says better approaches to spending – including backing the civil service to be less risk-averse – can deliver results
www.civilserviceworld.com
September 26, 2025 at 12:36 PM
IfG report says a “bias for the status quo” often prompts government to stick with existing approaches that “guarantee poor performance”, rather than taking a chance on change
www.civilserviceworld.com/professions/...
www.civilserviceworld.com/professions/...
Reposted by Ben Paxton
This interview is so much worse than the headline lets on
September 25, 2025 at 2:32 PM
This interview is so much worse than the headline lets on
Procurement is massively underrated as an opportunity for improvement, and where a mission-led approach could make a difference.
Our NEW REPORT explores why this change is hard, and how procurement should be used to shape markets + drive innovation🧵
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/publication/...
Our NEW REPORT explores why this change is hard, and how procurement should be used to shape markets + drive innovation🧵
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/publication/...
The role of procurement in delivering mission-led government | Institute for Government
How can the government remove the barriers to its missions?
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk
September 25, 2025 at 12:18 PM
Procurement is massively underrated as an opportunity for improvement, and where a mission-led approach could make a difference.
Our NEW REPORT explores why this change is hard, and how procurement should be used to shape markets + drive innovation🧵
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/publication/...
Our NEW REPORT explores why this change is hard, and how procurement should be used to shape markets + drive innovation🧵
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/publication/...
Reposted by Ben Paxton
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
The role of procurement in delivering mission-led government | Institute for Government
How can the government remove the barriers to its missions?
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk
September 25, 2025 at 8:13 AM
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
Making this taskforce 'internal' rather than independent (unlike e.g. sentencing) was a choice, presumably for greater control over recs. So is this just pitch rolling? Or evidence that an 'internal' review of controversial policy doesn't necessarily mean control?
www.thetimes.com/uk/politics/...
www.thetimes.com/uk/politics/...
Cabinet ministers to recommend lifting two-child benefit cap
Starmer to be urged by taskforce before the budget to make the change — but it will cost £3bn a year when Rachel Reeves is trying to plug a spending gap
www.thetimes.com
September 24, 2025 at 7:01 PM
Making this taskforce 'internal' rather than independent (unlike e.g. sentencing) was a choice, presumably for greater control over recs. So is this just pitch rolling? Or evidence that an 'internal' review of controversial policy doesn't necessarily mean control?
www.thetimes.com/uk/politics/...
www.thetimes.com/uk/politics/...
Government spends >£400bn each year (!!!) buying stuff from the private and voluntary sectors. With a tricky budget coming up and Starmer's focus on delivery, our new report sets out the role procurement can play in delivering mission-led government
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/publication/...
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/publication/...
The role of procurement in delivering mission-led government | Institute for Government
How can the government remove the barriers to its missions?
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk
September 24, 2025 at 4:08 PM
Government spends >£400bn each year (!!!) buying stuff from the private and voluntary sectors. With a tricky budget coming up and Starmer's focus on delivery, our new report sets out the role procurement can play in delivering mission-led government
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/publication/...
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/publication/...
Great article from Meg Hillier, and a message more politicians need to hear. Pinning all responsibility for the UK's fiscal problems on the OBR is not only misguided, but risks damaging economic and fiscal credibility
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
The OBR is not to blame for weak growth
When politicians attack independent institutions, we all lose
on.ft.com
September 19, 2025 at 10:30 AM
Great article from Meg Hillier, and a message more politicians need to hear. Pinning all responsibility for the UK's fiscal problems on the OBR is not only misguided, but risks damaging economic and fiscal credibility
This from @tompope.bsky.social and @danhaile.bsky.social is a brilliant, quick run down of the fiscal problem facing Reeves this autumn - and why tax rises look like the only real option available to address it
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...
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...
Rachel Reeves should use the budget to reset her fiscal strategy | Institute for Government
The chancellor needs to articulate a fiscal and tax strategy.
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk
September 18, 2025 at 6:36 PM
This from @tompope.bsky.social and @danhaile.bsky.social is a brilliant, quick run down of the fiscal problem facing Reeves this autumn - and why tax rises look like the only real option available to address it
Reposted by Ben Paxton
Lots of focus right now is (very rightly) on the use - and length of - the super-injunction. But this data breach is a sobering reminder of the extent to which gov botched the 2021 evacuation from Kabul and the impacts of it having done so.
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/comment/afgh...
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/comment/afgh...
Afghan data breach is the long shadow of a botched evacuation | Institute for Government
The government needs to learn the lessons of past crises.
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk
July 17, 2025 at 9:46 AM
Lots of focus right now is (very rightly) on the use - and length of - the super-injunction. But this data breach is a sobering reminder of the extent to which gov botched the 2021 evacuation from Kabul and the impacts of it having done so.
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/comment/afgh...
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/comment/afgh...
If government are serious about improving accountability for poor performance/rule breaking under the new Procurement Act, they've got to be proactive in preparing to navigate these tricky decisions on how they would debar companies which the public sector is particularly reliant on
Exclusive: Potential bans on building companies involved in the Grenfell Tower disaster could impact 'every' school project, the government’s property arm has warned
schoolsweek.co.uk/dfe-official...
schoolsweek.co.uk/dfe-official...
Concern over school building impact of Grenfell bans
Warning government action against firms could hit 'every' school project, amid 'concerning' DfE emails
schoolsweek.co.uk
July 8, 2025 at 10:44 AM
If government are serious about improving accountability for poor performance/rule breaking under the new Procurement Act, they've got to be proactive in preparing to navigate these tricky decisions on how they would debar companies which the public sector is particularly reliant on
Great comment piece from Heloise and Alex. Mission-led government is no longer front and centre, but it's not dead. In the absence of another narrative/strategy, it continues to shape government policy/prioritisation (but this will wane without buy-in from the centre of government)
@alexgathomas.bsky.social and I take a look into Georgia Gould's announcements last week and ask the question: what does this mean for the government's missions?
Some sign of life in the govt’s missions based on Georgia Gould’s announcements last week
But @hcdunlop.bsky.social and I argue here that the mission agenda will be swamped unless the centre of government signs up (esp true post spending review)
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/comment/cabi...
But @hcdunlop.bsky.social and I argue here that the mission agenda will be swamped unless the centre of government signs up (esp true post spending review)
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/comment/cabi...
June 24, 2025 at 1:19 PM
Great comment piece from Heloise and Alex. Mission-led government is no longer front and centre, but it's not dead. In the absence of another narrative/strategy, it continues to shape government policy/prioritisation (but this will wane without buy-in from the centre of government)
Worth noting that this rebellion stems from the govt's fiscal strategy. 2xOBR forecasts a year, minimal headroom against the fiscal rules and tweaks in response to small forecast changes led to March's rushed PIP reforms (which points to sub-optimum use of Reeves' much improved fiscal framework)
The welfare revolt by 108 Labour MPs is also a huge challenge to Reeves’ fiscal strategy. Budget tax rises ever more likely.
June 24, 2025 at 11:47 AM
Worth noting that this rebellion stems from the govt's fiscal strategy. 2xOBR forecasts a year, minimal headroom against the fiscal rules and tweaks in response to small forecast changes led to March's rushed PIP reforms (which points to sub-optimum use of Reeves' much improved fiscal framework)
Last week's spending review won't drive a rewiring of the state, but within a very difficult SR context there were some improvements that should (hopefully) bring benefits down the line
More on the opportunities taken (and missed) at SR25 from me www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/comment/spen...
More on the opportunities taken (and missed) at SR25 from me www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/comment/spen...
Spending review 2025: welcome improvements to the process but no total "rewiring" | Institute for Government
Rachel Reeves must continue to build on the changes she has introduced to the spending review process.
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk
June 17, 2025 at 10:00 AM
Last week's spending review won't drive a rewiring of the state, but within a very difficult SR context there were some improvements that should (hopefully) bring benefits down the line
More on the opportunities taken (and missed) at SR25 from me www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/comment/spen...
More on the opportunities taken (and missed) at SR25 from me www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/comment/spen...