This week on the podcast that takes you inside the way that government works (or doesn’t): Labour has massive plans for Britain but what do they need to do to make them happen if they win the Election? We look at how incoming governments routinely underestimate the hurdles of getting big things done. 

What can the IfG’s biggest-ever report reveal about how public services have fared under austerity? And we speak to former Downing Street Chief of Staff Gavin Barwell about winning elections and governing afterwards. 

Plus: Should you trust a manifesto? The cautionary tale that is Universal Credit. Is there more to NHS policy than just an arms race to spend the most? And we find out what the statistics on A&E waiting times and social care sound like when played on a theremin. Spoiler: “a bit like the theme from Twin Peaks”. 

Hosted by Bronwen Maddox with Cath Haddon, Emma Norris and Joe Owen plus Gavin Freeguard and Graham Atkins. Audio production by Alex Rees. 

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