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Megan Isaac

@meganisaac.bsky.social
205 followers 125 following 144 posts

Working on devolution at the Institute for Government

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Megan Isaac @meganisaac.bsky.social · 24/09/2026
The government is aiming to 'rewire the state' to deliver good growth. Mayors are key part of its plan to achieve this - but how can mayors and local leaders develop a shared vision for growth? @instituteforgovernment.org.uk www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/publication/...
instituteforgovernment.org.uk
Learning from the DevoLab #5: How mayors and local leaders can create a shared vision for growth | Institute for Government
Three case studies of how mayors and local leaders have created a shared vision for regional growth.
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Megan Isaac @meganisaac.bsky.social · 02/09/2026
Yesterday, Andy Burnham restated his aim of full coverage of devolution in England and recognised the importance of local MPs in supporting new devolution deals. Interesting reflections from @shawharriet.bsky.social on how MPs can help to build momentum for devolution in their area⬇️
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Megan Isaac @meganisaac.bsky.social · 12/08/2026
Mayors will be key to delivering Burnham’s council housebuilding ambitions. Our recent DevoLab briefing explores how mayors are using their powers to boost the supply of affordable homes and the lessons that can be learned. New comment ⤵️ www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/comment/mayo...
instituteforgovernment.org.uk
Mayors will be key to Burnham’s housing ambitions | Institute for Government
What the IfG DevoLab tells us about regional mayors and housing.
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Thomas Pope @tompope.bsky.social · 04/08/2026
There's been an interesting debate about whether mayors could (and should) be able to provide rebates with assigned revenue. This from @jacktshaw.bsky.social is the best summary I've seen of the current legal position jackshaw.substack.com/p/can-and-sh... Some thoughts on the merits 🧵1/12
jackshaw.substack.com
Can — and should — mayors be allowed to offer tax rebates?
debates over tax rebates are fiscal policy, but also the political differences that greater devolution will create — and what they mean for the relationship between Whitehall and strategic authorities
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Institute for Government @instituteforgovernment.org.uk · 28/07/2026
EVENT | Andy Burnham: How is the new prime minister changing the direction of government? 📅Thursday 30 July 2026, 13:00-13:50 Join us online as an expert panel assesses Andy Burnham's early decisions, his key appointments, and the way he is approaching the job of prime minister.
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Megan Isaac @meganisaac.bsky.social · 23/07/2026
With everyone looking for clues for how the new PM may govern and what further devolution may look like, the @instituteforgovernment.org.uk DevoLab series features 18 case studies of how devolved powers and funding have been used across six policy areas, in 10 mayoral regions.
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Megan Bryer @meganbryer.bsky.social · 21/07/2026
Burnham’s cabinet is the first to achieve gender parity. And the Office for Equality and Opportunity will move to the MHCLG with Bridget Phillipson remaining in post as Minister for Women and Equalities. Here’s our IfG breakdown of what yesterday’s announcements mean for women in government … 🧵
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Sophie Metcalfe @sophiemetcalfe.bsky.social · 20/07/2026
As we all wait to hear who the new SoS at MHCLG will be, a 🧵on the housing supply record and decisions they'll inherit...
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Matthew Fright @matthewfright.bsky.social · 20/07/2026
In his resignation speech, outgoing MHCLG secretary of state Steve Reed quoted remarks made by Andy Burnham at the @instituteforgovernment.org.uk conference 2026
Extract from resignation letter by Steve Reed MP in which he said "At MHCLG, I sped up work to devolve power out of Whitehall and was grateful you acknowledged this "increasing clarity of drive towards devolution"
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Megan Isaac @meganisaac.bsky.social · 14/07/2026
Join our brilliant panel at the @instituteforgovernment.org.uk (or online) this evening to discuss how devolved powers and funding are being used to support the climate transition. We'll have presentations on: - Place-based net zero investment - Community energy - Climate commissions
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Jill Rutter @jillongovt.bsky.social · 08/07/2026
we know that the (99.9% certain) next PM is up for devo.. but what will that mean for #netzero -- can mayors deliver the energy transition. Join us @instituteforgovernment.org.uk next week to find out what they have been doing/ what more they could do. Sign up below (and please RT)
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Megan Isaac @meganisaac.bsky.social · 07/07/2026
One week to go! Join us next Tuesday to explore how mayors and local leaders are using devolved powers, funding and influence to support a just climate transition - from securing net-zero investment to supporting community energy projects and climate commissions. Sign up below⬇️
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Megan Isaac @meganisaac.bsky.social · 02/07/2026
With Andy Burnham putting devolution and affordable housing firmly in the spotlight this week, pleased to share the fourth report in the @instituteforgovernment.org.uk DevoLab series exploring how mayors can increase the supply of affordable homes. www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/publication/...
instituteforgovernment.org.uk
Learning from the DevoLab #4: How mayors can increase the supply of affordable homes | Institute for Government
Three case studies of how devolved powers have been used to increase the supply of affordable homes.
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Megan Isaac @meganisaac.bsky.social · 02/07/2026
This week, Andy Burnham promised to deliver “growth in every postcode” and argued that growth requires "a clear shared vision that everyone can understand and investors can back”. So how can mayors and local leaders develop a shared vision for growth? Our event today explores precisely that⬇️
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Tim Durrant @timdurrant.bsky.social · 29/06/2026
As we start to see what the Burnham plan for government looks like, my fab colleagues at @instituteforgovernment.org.uk are working out how it can all work - take a read! (One unanswered question: what will the inevitable acronym be? No10N? 10N? N10N?)
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Institute for Government @instituteforgovernment.org.uk · 26/06/2026
@akashpaun.bsky.social & @meganisaac.bsky.social focus on the impact Brexit played on devolution - how the decision to leave the EU heralded a low point in UK–devolved relations and posed new challenges that are still causing tensions a decade on: www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/comment/brex...
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Megan Isaac @meganisaac.bsky.social · 29/06/2026
Join us in Sheffield (and online) this Thursday for a very timely discussion about how devolved and local leaders can create a shared vision for growth in their regions⬇️ www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/event/devola...
instituteforgovernment.org.uk
IfG DevoLab #5: How can mayors and local leaders create a shared vision for regional growth? | Institute for Government
Join us in Sheffield to explore how mayors and local leaders can work together to create a shared vision for growth in their region.
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Megan Bryer @meganbryer.bsky.social · 11/06/2026
Defence secretary John Healey has just resigned over the govt's Defence Investment Plan, writing that it "falls well short of what is required for defence and the country at this dangerous time". We're getting our @instituteforgovernment.org.uk resignation chart fired back up..
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Megan Bryer @meganbryer.bsky.social · 04/06/2026
A new paper published today by @paddy-mcalary.bsky.social and me draws on the @instituteforgovernment.org.uk's archive of interviews with former ministers to set out, in ministers’ own words, their experience of working with the civil service... 🧵 www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/publication/...
instituteforgovernment.org.uk
Ministers reflect on the civil service | Institute for Government
What can ministers learn from their predecessors' work with the civil service?
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Harriet Shaw @shawharriet.bsky.social · 01/06/2026
1/ I’ve set out why recent local election gains by opposition parties – especially Reform UK – could make it harder for Labour mayors in the North and Midlands to get things done. A quick thread 🧵
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Institute for Government @instituteforgovernment.org.uk · 27/05/2026
What are the implications of the May 2026 elections for local government reorganisation? In a special Inside Briefing, @matthewfright.bsky.social travels across Surrey, Essex and Kent – three areas at the forefront of LGR delivery – to find out www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/podcast/insi...
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Institute for Government @instituteforgovernment.org.uk · 22/05/2026
What might the Makerfield by-election mean for the Labour party leadership? Our flowchart explores the potential Labour leadership challenges. Read our explainer to find out more about how a Labour Party leadership contest works 👇 www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/explainer/la...
An infographic to show the potential Labour leadership challenges following the Makerfield by-election
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Matthew Fright @matthewfright.bsky.social · 22/05/2026
A bank holiday bonus - a new Inside Briefing podcast from @instituteforgovernment.org.uk! In this episode, I’ve been travelling across the Home Counties to explore how the May 2026 election results could shape the implementation of local government reorganisation. Thanks to everyone who contributed.
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Megan Bryer @meganbryer.bsky.social · 22/05/2026
Following the devolved elections, first ministers Rhun ap Iorwerth and John Swinney have made their ministerial appointments. A new paper from @rebeccamckee.bsky.social and me draws on the IfG’s Ministers Reflect archive to outline key lessons on how to be an effective devolved government minister.
instituteforgovernment.org.uk
What can new ministers in Scotland and Wales learn from their predecessors?: Ministers reflect on devolution | Institute for Government
Former ministers – including several first ministers – share their insights on devolved government.
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Amber Dellar @amberdellar.bsky.social · 21/05/2026
This BBC article covers huge amounts of ground and unfortunately barely any of it is new. One of the key things missing is detail on how the government should fix it. We've put together a 10-point plan, building on the govt's reforms and setting out what needs to happen next 👇 1/3
bbc.co.uk
Why illegal children's homes are being paid up to £2m per child by councils
A ban was meant to bring an end to the practice - but councils continue to fund illegal placements.
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Megan Isaac @meganisaac.bsky.social · 19/05/2026
WMCA’s new Birmingham East MDC will accelerate projects like the Sports Quarter. Our latest @instituteforgovernment.org.uk DevoLab report shows how MDCs are being used to unlock investment and deliver at pace - with Birmingham as a key case study⬇️ www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/publication/...
wmca.org.uk
Mayor launches Britain’s biggest and most powerful Development Corporation to drive £11bn regeneration of East Birmingham
Richard Parker, Mayor of the West Midlands, today launched Britain’s biggest and most powerful Mayoral Development Corporation to significantly speed up the £11bn regeneration of East Birmingham, one ...
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Megan Isaac @meganisaac.bsky.social · 15/05/2026
A week on from the local and devolved elections, we at @instituteforgovernment.org.uk have been analysing the results and what they mean. A nice, long Friday afternoon thread:
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Institute for Government @instituteforgovernment.org.uk · 08/05/2026
With vote counting still underway, join us live at 16:00 as we explore the implications of the results, who won, who lost and what next. With @matthewfright.bsky.social @meganisaac.bsky.social @shawharriet.bsky.social @akashpaun.bsky.social www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/event/local-...
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Megan Isaac @meganisaac.bsky.social · 07/05/2026
Polls are open until 10pm for the Scottish Parliament, Senedd and English local elections. In our latest piece, @shawharriet.bsky.social and I discuss the Scottish and Welsh parties' competing visions for independence and further devolution – and the big questions they leave for Westminster.
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Matthew Fright @matthewfright.bsky.social · 07/05/2026
Polls are open till 22:00 for the Senedd, Scottish Parliament and English local elections. To find out more details about the elections head over to the @instituteforgovernment.org.uk local and devolved elections hub www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/our-work/top...
An English polling station at a local public library
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Institute for Government @instituteforgovernment.org.uk · 01/05/2026
On Thursday 7 May voters will elect the Scottish and Welsh parliaments for the seventh time since devolution began in 1999. In the run up to the elections, we have hosted events with Scottish and Welsh party leaders. So what have we learned? 📺 @meganisaac.bsky.social explores in our latest video
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Institute for Government @instituteforgovernment.org.uk · 05/05/2026
EVENT | What will the 2026 devolved elections mean for Scotland, Wales and the UK? 📆Wednesday 06 May 2026 (tomorrow), 17:30-18:30 Join us before the devolved elections in Wales and Scotland, as we discuss what the results may mean for how they are governed, and how this will impact Westminster.
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Sophie Metcalfe @sophiemetcalfe.bsky.social · 01/05/2026
NEW: Brilliant to have @matthewpennycookmp.bsky.social keynote speech at IfG this week on leasehold reform Housing regulation has rarely gone... well? Here I set out why I found the approach encouraging, and how govt can keep things on track. www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/comment/leas...
instituteforgovernment.org.uk
Leasehold reform is an opportunity to set a better record on housing regulation | Institute for Government
The government has a chance to show housing regulations can be made to work.
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Megan Isaac @meganisaac.bsky.social · 01/05/2026
New blog out from me and @akashpaun.bsky.social setting out why the government should abolish elections by thirds. As well as dampening turnout, the current system undermines stability and long-term decision making - with broader implications for MSAs and strategic planning. Full piece here⬇️
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Institute for Government @instituteforgovernment.org.uk · 30/04/2026
EVENT | What will the 2026 devolved elections mean for Scotland, Wales and the UK? Join us on Wednesday 6 May, 17:30, as our expert panel preview the Scottish and Welsh elections and explore the significance of the results
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Rebecca McKee @rebeccamckee.bsky.social · 28/04/2026
It's pretty wild that in May there will be four different electoral systems used to elect the four national legislatures across the UK. If you're scratching your head trying to work out how each system works, then we have the explainer for you.
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Tim Durrant @timdurrant.bsky.social · 23/04/2026
You don't *have* to speak a different UK language to work at IfG, but if you do you *will* get put in front of a camera. Fab work by @howesdaniel.bsky.social and @meganbryer.bsky.social! Any Cornish speakers out there?
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Stephen Bush @stephenkb.bsky.social · 21/04/2026
New IfG report recommends devolving employment support. I think the case for this is very strong: if you look at a map of “where sickness related economic inactivity happens”, it is obvious that what you are seeing is primarily a problem of how local economies operate:
ft.com
Novel approach needed for UK’s sick and unemployed
A shift to local initiatives may help more people back into work
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Megan Isaac @meganisaac.bsky.social · 20/04/2026
📣Its the final day to register to vote in the Scottish Parliament and Senedd elections as well as the local elections in England. Our elections hub has all the @instituteforgovernment.org.uk analysis: www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/our-work/top...
instituteforgovernment.org.uk
Local and devolved elections 2026 | Institute for Government
On Thursday 7 May, voters across Scotland, Wales and England head to the polls in a major set of local and devolved elections.
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Hannah Keenan @hannahkeenan.bsky.social · 20/04/2026
There's so much to write about everything that's happening with Mandelson vetting fight (and always happy to explain the process, others have done so v well on here). But the v. aggressive approach from no10 is over the weekend is just so damaging - so have tried to capture some of that
instituteforgovernment.org.uk
The Mandelson vetting blame-game is causing serious damage to ministerial-civil service relations | Institute for Government
The sacking of Olly Robbins has been badly handled by Keir Starmer.
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Martha Ford @martha-ford.bsky.social · 17/04/2026
Government should devolve greater responsibility for employment support. Our report, published today, sets out how government could better support people out of work due to ill health: www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/publication/... Why write this now?
instituteforgovernment.org.uk
Designing and delivering employment support | Institute for Government
How can government better support people out of work due to ill health?
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Jill Rutter @jillongovt.bsky.social · 08/04/2026
new online paper by @rosahodgkin.bsky.social @danhaile.bsky.social and me on how govt needs to get a grip of the economic consequences of the Iran war. Needs to stand up coordinating machinery - like Gordon Brown's National Economic Council www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/publication/...
instituteforgovernment.org.uk
Managing the economic consequences of the Iran war | Institute for Government
How should the government respond to the crisis in the Middle East?
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Megan Isaac @meganisaac.bsky.social · 02/04/2026
Good to see the government publish a long-term strategy for more joined-up transport networks today. www.gov.uk/government/p...
gov.uk
Better Connected: a strategy for integrated transport
Outlines the government's long-term transport strategy that will work well for people in England.
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Institute for Government @instituteforgovernment.org.uk · 02/04/2026
On Thursday 7 May, local elections will take place in many parts of England. @meganisaac.bsky.social sets out where these elections will take place – and tells us what is at stake. Read our explainer for more 👇 www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/explainer/lo...
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Matthew Fright @matthewfright.bsky.social · 17/03/2026
A big moment. As @rebeccamckee.bsky.social outlines the @instituteforgovernment.org.uk and others have long argued for stronger fiscal devo. The Chancellor's proposals for a roadmap for fiscal devo creates real opportunities for improved economic outcomes.
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Rebecca McKee @rebeccamckee.bsky.social · 17/03/2026
A genuinely big announcement on English devolution from Rachel Reeves today! As we at @instituteforgovernment.org.uk alongside others have argued fiscal devolution was a missing piece of the puzzle in the government's devolution white paper.
A Guardian Live blog entry that says: Reeves asks officials to draw up plans for fiscal devolution
Boom! Rachel Reeves then tells her audience that she has asked the Treasury to work with mayors and businesses to develop a roadmap for future fiscal devolution.

This plan will be published at this year’s budget.

It will set out plans to give regional leaders control of a share of some national taxes – which Reeves points out have long been allocated by central governments. It will include income tax, she suggests.

The chancellor says these reforms will begin with places which have the greatest capacity to deliver them and the greatest potential to benefit.

She insists that it is “not about new taxes, and it’s not about higher tax”, promising “I will not ask taxpayers to pay more”.

These reforms will be fiscally neutral, focused on sharing and retaining a portion of existing revenues with the places that generated them, she says.

Reeves promises:

These reforms will represent a permanent transfer of power and resources, not another exercise in local ambition.

Taxpayers will be able to see what is being delivered with their money and hold local leaders to account for the results, she insists.

She calls it “a genuine break with the past”, calling it:

A generational opportunity for Britain’s regions to make their own future.
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Matthew Fright @matthewfright.bsky.social · 02/03/2026
Starting now Rhun ap Iorwerth is speaking on stage at the @instituteforgovernment.org.uk stream online via the link below
Rhun ap Iorwerth on stage at the IfG
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Institute for Government @instituteforgovernment.org.uk · 16/02/2026
EVENT| In conversation with Rhun ap Iorwerth MS, Leader of Plaid Cymru 📆Mon 2 March, 12:30–13:30 Join us to hear @rhunapiorwerth.bsky.social discuss the 2026 Senedd election, his plan for government, and @plaidcymru.bsky.social's vision for Wales. www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/event/rhun-a...
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Megan Isaac @meganisaac.bsky.social · 24/02/2026
NEW RESEARCH📢 Today we published the second policy briefing in our @instituteforgovernment.org.uk DevoLab series, in partnership with L&G, exploring how mayors can secure investment into regional economies. Short thread🧵
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Daniel Howes @howesdaniel.bsky.social · 19/02/2026
Really enjoyed discussing what it's like being an @instituteforgovernment.org.uk researcher at the "Working in the think tank sector" event at @resolutionfoundation.org yesterday. Recording available below, with the "Day in a life" panel starting from 1:43. www.youtube.com/watch?v=c2S1...
youtube.com
Working in the think tank sector: Webinar for those interested in working in the sector
YouTube video by Resolution Foundation
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