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Better out than in, by Ann Rossiter and Stephen EvansOne of Gordon Brown's first moves as chancellor was to outsource responsibility for interest rates to the Monetary Policy Committee. So should he go further and create an independent body to oversee his own fiscal rules, ask Ann Rossiter and Stephen Evans 01 January 2007
Born in the USA, by Seamus WardUS-style healthcare schemes are increasingly being imported into the NHS. But do they work on UK soil? Opinion is sharply divided within the medical profession and beyond. Seamus Ward investigates 01 January 2007
Breaking down is hard to do, by Noel PlumridgePayment by results is here to stay. But now ministers are consulting on the best way to 'unbundle' the tariff-based system. Noel Plumridge braves the details 01 January 2007
Bringing it back home, by James BlitzPremier-in-waiting Gordon Brown has promised a big shift in 'the way we govern'. So what will this mean in practice for the public sector? James Blitz predicts less spin and more focus on domestic issues 01 January 2007
Buyer beware, by Norman BallantynePublic bodies are well versed in EU procurement rules, which require various services to be put out to tender. But recent European Court judgments have muddied the water. Norman Ballantyne explains 01 January 2007
Catering for everyone, by Vivienne RussellDespite the best efforts of the Disability Discrimination Act, too many disabled people are still treated as second-class citizens. The new equality duty on public sector organisations is intended to tackle this for once and for all. Vivienne Russell checks on its progress in practice 01 January 2007
Christmas quiz In vino veritasWell done to all of you who took part your comprehensive knowledge of the news is impressive. Particular congratulations to our winner Sue Alliott at the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea, who wins our prize of a mixed case of wine. 01 January 2007
Citizens not customers, by Alex KlaushoferWales has rejected the Blair-led notion that the private sector should be a major service provider. Andrew Davies, minister for finance and public service delivery, talks to Alex Klaushofer about applying this approach while spending carefully and seeking efficienc 01 January 2007
Collateral damage, by Paul Goslinghe shock waves from Northern Rock continue to reverberate throughout the British economy. But what do the financial upheavals mean for public sector organisations and employees? Paul Gosling delves through the debris 01 January 2007
Cut-price localism? By Peter HetheringtonThe government wants neighbourhoods and communities to run more services. But with an eye-wateringly tight local government financial settlement, how will this be funded? Peter Hetherington investigates 01 January 2007
Dead weight of market forces, by Dave PrentisDespite record levels of investment, the public sector is seen to be in crisis. This is because services are suffering from having simplistic market models foisted on them, argues Unison's general secretary 01 January 2007
Doc around the clock, by Noel PlumridgeThe latest strategy to get NHS waiting lists down is 24 hours a day surgery. But critics say it might endanger patient welfare, and boosting resources elsewhere would be more effective. Noel Plumridge reports 01 January 2007
Doing the maths, by Joseph McHughThe Comprehensive Spending Review is imminent but Chief Secretary to the Treasury Andy Burnham still has some juggling to do not least to find the funding for the PM's new plans for public services. It's a tough job but he can do it, he tells Joseph McHugh 01 January 2007
End of the line for the PFI? By Paul GoslingIn the early days of New Labour, the Private Finance Initiative was seen as the only game in town for funding major public sector projects, but the Metronet crisis could mean the game is up, writes Paul Gosling 01 January 2007
First past the post is past it, by Gareth Thomas and James PlaskittGordon Brown has said he is not opposed to electoral reform if it keeps the constituency link. One idea is the alternative vote system, which is supported by ministers Gareth Thomas and James Plaskitt. They explain the advantages 01 January 2007