Stuart Hoddinott
@stuarthoddinott.bsky.social
Associate Director in the public services team
@InstituteforGov. Interested in the NHS, adult social care, and local government. All views my own. He/him
@InstituteforGov. Interested in the NHS, adult social care, and local government. All views my own. He/him
Pinned
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
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 Stuart Hoddinott
It feels like budget has been going for weeks but a good live-blog starts the day before. Lots from @instituteforgovernment.org.uk before the big day
▪️What has govt already announced?
▪️Will they change fiscal strategy?
▪️What to look out for on tax?
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/live-blog/au...
▪️What has govt already announced?
▪️Will they change fiscal strategy?
▪️What to look out for on tax?
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 5:07 PM
It feels like budget has been going for weeks but a good live-blog starts the day before. Lots from @instituteforgovernment.org.uk before the big day
▪️What has govt already announced?
▪️Will they change fiscal strategy?
▪️What to look out for on tax?
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/live-blog/au...
▪️What has govt already announced?
▪️Will they change fiscal strategy?
▪️What to look out for on tax?
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/live-blog/au...
Reposted by Stuart Hoddinott
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 Stuart Hoddinott
Another great edition of @hpiandycowper.bsky.social's newsletter. This week it features the Covid inquiry, @instituteforgovernment.org.uk analysis of the NHS, and the brutal PAC report on reducing elective waiting times
www.healthpolicyinsight.com/cowpers-cut-...
www.healthpolicyinsight.com/cowpers-cut-...
November 25, 2025 at 11:38 AM
Another great edition of @hpiandycowper.bsky.social's newsletter. This week it features the Covid inquiry, @instituteforgovernment.org.uk analysis of the NHS, and the brutal PAC report on reducing elective waiting times
www.healthpolicyinsight.com/cowpers-cut-...
www.healthpolicyinsight.com/cowpers-cut-...
Reposted by Stuart Hoddinott
Reform UK claim to have saved £331m at English councils – but do the numbers stack up?
Reform UK claim to have saved £331m at English councils – but do the numbers stack up?
Experts say councils face limits on cuts as Reform’s savings on IT deals, office moves and EV projects are disputed
www.theguardian.com
November 24, 2025 at 2:50 PM
Reform UK claim to have saved £331m at English councils – but do the numbers stack up?
Reposted by Stuart Hoddinott
Roemer's law in action? Or simply evidence that we need more beds?
One of my favourite charts from this year's Performance Tracker
Each dot shows a trust's bed occupancy in a given month
What's notable is how little variation there is across the country and across time
Go into any hospital in any month and you will find almost every bed is occupied
Each dot shows a trust's bed occupancy in a given month
What's notable is how little variation there is across the country and across time
Go into any hospital in any month and you will find almost every bed is occupied
November 24, 2025 at 2:04 PM
Roemer's law in action? Or simply evidence that we need more beds?
Reposted by Stuart Hoddinott
New paper, 'Ministers reflect on the Treasury' from @paddy-mcalary.bsky.social and me for @instituteforgovernment.org.uk. Pre-budget, we've compiled insights from 10 years of Ministers Reflect interviews, plus rex from the IfG catalogue on HMT. Favourite quotes to follow! 1/🧵 tinyurl.com/38anhkc7
![Quote graphic with “#Ministers Reflect” and a statement about the chancellor’s power over money, attributed to Jeremy Hunt — Chancellor of the Exchequer (2022–24), whose portrait appears to the right of the quote. The quote reads: "I think most of your power does revolve around the decisions you can make over money [...as chancellor] that puts you in a very different position to every other cabinet minister, including the prime minister." The Institute for Government logo is in the corner of the image.](https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_thumbnail/plain/did:plc:yafpzg4e4ibpubp33xsq5v7q/bafkreigoe7oaqk4kw45ex74usg7hdlkwwkyrhgqk7qn6iacyfcrrujfiym@jpeg)
November 24, 2025 at 1:31 PM
New paper, 'Ministers reflect on the Treasury' from @paddy-mcalary.bsky.social and me for @instituteforgovernment.org.uk. Pre-budget, we've compiled insights from 10 years of Ministers Reflect interviews, plus rex from the IfG catalogue on HMT. Favourite quotes to follow! 1/🧵 tinyurl.com/38anhkc7
One of my favourite charts from this year's Performance Tracker
Each dot shows a trust's bed occupancy in a given month
What's notable is how little variation there is across the country and across time
Go into any hospital in any month and you will find almost every bed is occupied
Each dot shows a trust's bed occupancy in a given month
What's notable is how little variation there is across the country and across time
Go into any hospital in any month and you will find almost every bed is occupied
November 24, 2025 at 11:56 AM
One of my favourite charts from this year's Performance Tracker
Each dot shows a trust's bed occupancy in a given month
What's notable is how little variation there is across the country and across time
Go into any hospital in any month and you will find almost every bed is occupied
Each dot shows a trust's bed occupancy in a given month
What's notable is how little variation there is across the country and across time
Go into any hospital in any month and you will find almost every bed is occupied
Reposted by Stuart Hoddinott
This is a clown-car government elected on a seriousness ticket iandunt.substack.com/p/a-clown-go...
November 21, 2025 at 12:08 PM
This is a clown-car government elected on a seriousness ticket iandunt.substack.com/p/a-clown-go...
Reposted by Stuart Hoddinott
New comment: Five things we learned from the UK Covid-19 Inquiry report on Module II - from myself and other @instituteforgovernment.org.uk colleagues
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/comment/covi...
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/comment/covi...
Five things we learned from the UK Covid-19 Inquiry report on Module II | Institute for Government
What does the report tell us about governance and decision making by ministers and the civil service during the pandemic?
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk
November 21, 2025 at 1:22 PM
New comment: Five things we learned from the UK Covid-19 Inquiry report on Module II - from myself and other @instituteforgovernment.org.uk colleagues
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/comment/covi...
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/comment/covi...
Reposted by Stuart Hoddinott
Hot on the heels of yesterday's Covid inquiry report on decision making, @shaina-sangha.bsky.social and I have a new report out today looking at how combined epidemiological-economic modelling could help government better prepare for future pandemics www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/publication/...
Combined epidemiological and economic modelling | Institute for Government
The pandemic showed the need for government to improve its use of modelling.
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk
November 21, 2025 at 9:33 AM
Hot on the heels of yesterday's Covid inquiry report on decision making, @shaina-sangha.bsky.social and I have a new report out today looking at how combined epidemiological-economic modelling could help government better prepare for future pandemics www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/publication/...
Reposted by Stuart Hoddinott
As the covid inquiry gears up for Module 9 on economic policy, @gemmatetlow.bsky.social and I have a new @ukri.org-funded @instituteforgovernment.org.uk report out on Epi-econ modelling for pandemics. We set out why govt needs to invest now 1/🧵
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/publication/...
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/publication/...
Combined epidemiological and economic modelling | Institute for Government
The pandemic showed the need for government to improve its use of modelling.
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk
November 21, 2025 at 9:38 AM
As the covid inquiry gears up for Module 9 on economic policy, @gemmatetlow.bsky.social and I have a new @ukri.org-funded @instituteforgovernment.org.uk report out on Epi-econ modelling for pandemics. We set out why govt needs to invest now 1/🧵
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/publication/...
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/publication/...
Reposted by Stuart Hoddinott
New data shows 40% of 19 to 21 year-old care leavers were not in employment, education or training in March this year (15,000 young people).
For all 19 to 21 year-olds, that figure is estimated at 15%.
For all 19 to 21 year-olds, that figure is estimated at 15%.
November 20, 2025 at 11:14 AM
New data shows 40% of 19 to 21 year-old care leavers were not in employment, education or training in March this year (15,000 young people).
For all 19 to 21 year-olds, that figure is estimated at 15%.
For all 19 to 21 year-olds, that figure is estimated at 15%.
A chart that surprised me: NHS staff absences for mental health reasons are at record highs, above pandemic levels
Absences for that reason have grown far faster than the combination of other reasons since 2016
Staff were absent for 1.4% of all working days for mental health reasons in YE May 2025
Absences for that reason have grown far faster than the combination of other reasons since 2016
Staff were absent for 1.4% of all working days for mental health reasons in YE May 2025
November 20, 2025 at 9:34 AM
A chart that surprised me: NHS staff absences for mental health reasons are at record highs, above pandemic levels
Absences for that reason have grown far faster than the combination of other reasons since 2016
Staff were absent for 1.4% of all working days for mental health reasons in YE May 2025
Absences for that reason have grown far faster than the combination of other reasons since 2016
Staff were absent for 1.4% of all working days for mental health reasons in YE May 2025
With a week to go until the budget, here is the IfG's view on what to watch
On public services, we'll be looking to see:
- How the inflation forecast changes real terms spending
- More details on govt's reform agenda
- Further efficiency drives
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/comment/rach...
On public services, we'll be looking to see:
- How the inflation forecast changes real terms spending
- More details on govt's reform agenda
- Further efficiency drives
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/comment/rach...
Rachel Reeves’s budget 2025: The IfG’s six things to look out for | Institute for Government
What can we expect from the chancellor’s second budget?
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk
November 19, 2025 at 4:35 PM
With a week to go until the budget, here is the IfG's view on what to watch
On public services, we'll be looking to see:
- How the inflation forecast changes real terms spending
- More details on govt's reform agenda
- Further efficiency drives
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/comment/rach...
On public services, we'll be looking to see:
- How the inflation forecast changes real terms spending
- More details on govt's reform agenda
- Further efficiency drives
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/comment/rach...
I think I can safely describe Reform's NHS policies from last year's manifesto as "light at best"
Most of it is nonsense though. A campaign of "pharmacy first, GP second, A&E last" will do nothing for A&E performance
Ditto cutting managers
And the independent sector is only good for some activity
Most of it is nonsense though. A campaign of "pharmacy first, GP second, A&E last" will do nothing for A&E performance
Ditto cutting managers
And the independent sector is only good for some activity
November 19, 2025 at 3:14 PM
I think I can safely describe Reform's NHS policies from last year's manifesto as "light at best"
Most of it is nonsense though. A campaign of "pharmacy first, GP second, A&E last" will do nothing for A&E performance
Ditto cutting managers
And the independent sector is only good for some activity
Most of it is nonsense though. A campaign of "pharmacy first, GP second, A&E last" will do nothing for A&E performance
Ditto cutting managers
And the independent sector is only good for some activity
NEW REPORT: performance in hospitals in England declined to record lows under the last govt
Labour won the election promising to turn the NHS around
How are they doing?
🧵👇
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/publication/...
Labour won the election promising to turn the NHS around
How are they doing?
🧵👇
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/publication/...
Performance Tracker 2025: Hospitals | Institute for Government
Hospital performance is trending gently upwards. But tight finances in hospital trusts will constrain further efforts.
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk
November 19, 2025 at 3:02 PM
NEW REPORT: performance in hospitals in England declined to record lows under the last govt
Labour won the election promising to turn the NHS around
How are they doing?
🧵👇
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/publication/...
Labour won the election promising to turn the NHS around
How are they doing?
🧵👇
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/publication/...
Reposted by Stuart Hoddinott
On Monday, Reform held a press conference to say the councils it runs had identified £330m in savings, and that it had a list setting out the details. Since then I have asked Reform several times to see the list, and have been told repeatedly it will be sent. It has still not been sent.
November 19, 2025 at 2:20 PM
On Monday, Reform held a press conference to say the councils it runs had identified £330m in savings, and that it had a list setting out the details. Since then I have asked Reform several times to see the list, and have been told repeatedly it will be sent. It has still not been sent.
Reposted by Stuart Hoddinott
Great event from colleagues at the @instituteforgovernment.org.uk as @stephenkb.bsky.social makes the important point that govt won't talk about. NIC rise/min wage/visa changes are an unexploded bomb for the government's public service reform/workforce plans. Prioritisation! Prioritisation!
TODAY | How successfully have Labour run public services?
Join us live at 10:00 as our IfG experts present the key findings from our 2025 Public Services Performance Tracker, with @stephenkb.bsky.social @markwfranks.bsky.social www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/event/labour...
Join us live at 10:00 as our IfG experts present the key findings from our 2025 Public Services Performance Tracker, with @stephenkb.bsky.social @markwfranks.bsky.social www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/event/labour...
November 19, 2025 at 11:02 AM
Great event from colleagues at the @instituteforgovernment.org.uk as @stephenkb.bsky.social makes the important point that govt won't talk about. NIC rise/min wage/visa changes are an unexploded bomb for the government's public service reform/workforce plans. Prioritisation! Prioritisation!
We've published the final installment of our analysis of public services performance
Our view is that govt has made limited progress on most services
The exceptions are children's social care, where reforms look really positive
And adult social care, where govt has likely harmed the sector
Our view is that govt has made limited progress on most services
The exceptions are children's social care, where reforms look really positive
And adult social care, where govt has likely harmed the sector
November 19, 2025 at 9:41 AM
We've published the final installment of our analysis of public services performance
Our view is that govt has made limited progress on most services
The exceptions are children's social care, where reforms look really positive
And adult social care, where govt has likely harmed the sector
Our view is that govt has made limited progress on most services
The exceptions are children's social care, where reforms look really positive
And adult social care, where govt has likely harmed the sector
Reposted by Stuart Hoddinott
The PM must “urgently get a grip” if Labour is to deliver real improvements to public services before the next election, according to @instituteforgovernment.org.uk
On adult social care, IfG claims decisions made under Labour have “exacerbated challenges”
www.politicshome.com/news/article...
On adult social care, IfG claims decisions made under Labour have “exacerbated challenges”
www.politicshome.com/news/article...
Keir Starmer Is To Blame For Failing Public Services, Says Think Tank
The Prime Minister must “urgently get a grip” if Labour is to deliver real improvements to public services before the next election, according to a...
www.politicshome.com
November 19, 2025 at 9:06 AM
The PM must “urgently get a grip” if Labour is to deliver real improvements to public services before the next election, according to @instituteforgovernment.org.uk
On adult social care, IfG claims decisions made under Labour have “exacerbated challenges”
www.politicshome.com/news/article...
On adult social care, IfG claims decisions made under Labour have “exacerbated challenges”
www.politicshome.com/news/article...
The Public Accounts Committe published a damning report about NHS progress on elective waits
I couldn't agree more with this section: the NHS and govt is hoping that shiny tech improvements will solve everything, while ignoring the fundamentals
committees.parliament.uk/publications...
I couldn't agree more with this section: the NHS and govt is hoping that shiny tech improvements will solve everything, while ignoring the fundamentals
committees.parliament.uk/publications...
November 19, 2025 at 8:44 AM
The Public Accounts Committe published a damning report about NHS progress on elective waits
I couldn't agree more with this section: the NHS and govt is hoping that shiny tech improvements will solve everything, while ignoring the fundamentals
committees.parliament.uk/publications...
I couldn't agree more with this section: the NHS and govt is hoping that shiny tech improvements will solve everything, while ignoring the fundamentals
committees.parliament.uk/publications...
Reposted by Stuart Hoddinott
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 Stuart Hoddinott
Education Support's Teacher Wellbeing Index 2025 reveals an education workforce in crisis with staff wellbeing at its lowest level since 2019.
📘Download the full report, with recommendations for change: bit.ly/43cYK30
#TWIX2025 @edsupportuk.bsky.social
📘Download the full report, with recommendations for change: bit.ly/43cYK30
#TWIX2025 @edsupportuk.bsky.social
Teacher Wellbeing Index
The Teacher Wellbeing Index details the findings of Education Support’s annual survey into the mental health and wellbeing of teachers and education staff working in the UK
bit.ly
November 18, 2025 at 9:54 AM
Education Support's Teacher Wellbeing Index 2025 reveals an education workforce in crisis with staff wellbeing at its lowest level since 2019.
📘Download the full report, with recommendations for change: bit.ly/43cYK30
#TWIX2025 @edsupportuk.bsky.social
📘Download the full report, with recommendations for change: bit.ly/43cYK30
#TWIX2025 @edsupportuk.bsky.social
Reposted by Stuart Hoddinott
Buckle up for tomorrow's packed schedule‼️
Starting with: How successfully have Labour run public services?
@cassiarowland.bsky.social @amberdellar.bsky.social @stuarthoddinott.bsky.social @njdavies.bsky.social @markwfranks.bsky.social
🎟️
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/event/labour...
Starting with: How successfully have Labour run public services?
@cassiarowland.bsky.social @amberdellar.bsky.social @stuarthoddinott.bsky.social @njdavies.bsky.social @markwfranks.bsky.social
🎟️
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/event/labour...
November 18, 2025 at 4:31 PM
Buckle up for tomorrow's packed schedule‼️
Starting with: How successfully have Labour run public services?
@cassiarowland.bsky.social @amberdellar.bsky.social @stuarthoddinott.bsky.social @njdavies.bsky.social @markwfranks.bsky.social
🎟️
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/event/labour...
Starting with: How successfully have Labour run public services?
@cassiarowland.bsky.social @amberdellar.bsky.social @stuarthoddinott.bsky.social @njdavies.bsky.social @markwfranks.bsky.social
🎟️
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/event/labour...
DHSC has now provided a quote for this article
It claims we "ignore" their £1.1bn of investment in general practice...accept we don't. There's a whole section that says exactly that
Our report is on our website, it'd be great if DHSC read it
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/publication/...
It claims we "ignore" their £1.1bn of investment in general practice...accept we don't. There's a whole section that says exactly that
Our report is on our website, it'd be great if DHSC read it
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/publication/...
November 17, 2025 at 9:57 AM
DHSC has now provided a quote for this article
It claims we "ignore" their £1.1bn of investment in general practice...accept we don't. There's a whole section that says exactly that
Our report is on our website, it'd be great if DHSC read it
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/publication/...
It claims we "ignore" their £1.1bn of investment in general practice...accept we don't. There's a whole section that says exactly that
Our report is on our website, it'd be great if DHSC read it
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/publication/...