News and expert comment on public policy and finance

Central government features

Weak foundationsInvestment in infrastructure is the chancellor's way of providing a necessary stimulus to the flatlining economy. But how does he intend to find the funds without dipping into the public purse or using the unpopular PFI? 01 February 2012
Home TruthsThe good news is that the government is scrapping the much-hated Housing Revenue Account from April. The less good news is that the Treasury, not councils, could still end up in the driving seat 01 February 2012
Whitehall warsThere's trouble at the top in Whitehall, with senior civil servants taking to the streets and relations with ministers becoming increasingly dysfunctional. Colin Talbot tests the temperature in the corridors of power 01 January 2012
All in this togetherAs the eurozone crisis continues and sovereign debt soars, governments need to urgently reform their accounting practices. CIPFA's chief executive, Steve Freer, calls for a collective effort across the profession to transform public financial management globally 01 December 2011
Open for business?Can the government's Open Public Services agenda succeed in a period of local authority budget cuts? Public Finance and Zurich Municipal hosted a round table to debate the possibilities 01 December 2011
Action stationsThe government's implementation plan shows that ministers are serious about getting to grips with the problems associated with public sector ICT projects 01 December 2011
On the fast-track?Justine Greening has been propelled to the top role in transport, just in time to oversee the controversial high-speed line planned between London and Birmingham. She will have a tough job defending its financial and green credentials, says Christian Wolmar 01 November 2011
An Olympian taskThe race is on to complete the venues for the London 2012 Games and Dennis Hone is stewarding it. The chief executive of the Olympic Delivery Authority talks to Neil Merrick about the false starts and hurdles and how it feels to be nearing the finishing line 01 November 2011
Outside looking inThe coalition government announced early on that it was going to slash the use of consultants in the public sector. So what are their pros and cons? 01 November 2011
D-Day for town hallsTreasury management has been riding the waves of change in recent months but a bigger development lies ahead. Derivatives might be making a comeback 01 November 2011
The state we're inThe coalition talk might be all about small government. But in the real world, the unprecedented shocks to the UK - banking crises, terrorist attacks, riots - show we rely on the state more than ever 01 October 2011
Feel-good factorsAway from the sound and fury of the controversial NHS changes, another revolution is quietly taking place the transfer of public health to town halls. Noel Plumridge looks at what this will mean for local communities and how it will be funded 01 September 2011
Our man in DFIDMark Lowcock is a permanent secretary with a difference. Not only is he a qualified accountant but his department's budget is actually rising. He tells PF how he is managing to cut costs while increasing overseas aid and value for money 01 August 2011
After the delugeThe coalition commitment to releasing ever more government figures is feeding the press's reliance on data for stories. So what should the public sector do? 01 August 2011
Sponsored article: Back to the future for public servicesCouncils feel they ate being transported back to the 1980s, as severe grant and budget cuts pile on the pressure to contract out services to save money. But they can gain or lose from the experience, says Matt Humphrey 01 August 2011