WIREDGOV

Peter Riddell, Director of the Institute for Government, responded to the Queen’s Speech.

“The legislative programme announced in the Queen’s Speech contains some very ambitious policy commitments. While these are consistent with the Conservatives’ manifesto pledges, they can only be turned into action and positive change through effective implementation.  Too often in the past, grand promises have led to disappointment through an inadequate link between policymaking and implementation.

“The four proposed devolution bills present large constitutional challenges, not only in the nations and regions affected but also for the government of the UK as a whole. There is not going to be one solution for the whole of the UK, but the changes need to be coherent and consistent. The Institute for Government has stressed the need to strengthen relations between the various governments of the UK.

“The Institute has always been critical of declaratory legislation, creating virtue by statute, and is therefore highly sceptical of the need for a new law to ensure that there are no increases in income tax rates, value-added tax or national insurance for the next five years. To achieve the improvements and savings it wants, the Government must focus on better delivery, building a strong evidence-base, while improving its management information and financial data as necessary, producing robust policy before writing legislation, and consulting with frontline service users and providers.”