News and expert comment on public policy and finance

Scotland features

Gardner's question time: auditor general interviewFormer CIPFA president Caroline Gardner is back at Audit Scotland, sowing the seeds of good financial management and tackling the public sector's perennial problems. She tells PF that her past experience and a tough recent post have made her personally and professionally ready for the challenge 01 September 2012
Councils of despairAs economic crisis turns to political crisis across Europe, what are the lessons for local democracy here? The May 3 elections sent out some strong messages on mayors, majorities and political mandates. But is anyone in Whitehall listening, asks Tony Travers 01 June 2012
Through a glass, lightlyShould the public sector start drowning its sorrows as the cuts kick in? Doom merchants certainly seem to think so. But perhaps in reality the glass is half full and not half empty. Tony Travers finds some reasons to be cheerful 18 November 2010
The fiscal trapPlans to give Scotland additional tax powers contain a fatal flaw. A built-in perverse incentive means that the Holyrood government would be less inclined to adopt a fiscal stimulus and could, instead, be forced to raise its income tax rate. Jim Cuthbert and Margaret Cuthbert explain 11 March 2010
Out of step?Is the Whitehall post of Scottish secretary an anachronism in today's devolved UK? Yes, say the SNP and the LibDems; no, insist Labour and the Tories. As the row heats up, latest incumbent Jim Murphy tells David Scott what he thinks 11 March 2010
David Scott interviews Alex SalmondAgainst all odds, the SNP and Alex Salmond have stayed in power and stormed through their manifesto. Critics say the minority government cannot last but the first minister begs to differ 13 March 2009
Staying powerAgainst all odds and despite constant setbacks, the SNP and Alex Salmond have stayed in power and stormed through their manifesto. 13 March 2009
Access all areas? By Stephen CourtThe government is redoubling its efforts to get more young people from disadvantaged backgrounds into higher education. But there are serious obstacles in the way of hitting its 50% target 01 January 2008
Adjust or bust, by Carl Emmerson and Gemma Tetlow- 01 January 2008
Built to last, by Neil MerrickThe idea of 'lifetime homes' designed to meet the needs of older or disabled residents is fast catching on. But how about the costs to developers and first-time buyers? Neil Merrick investigates 01 January 2008
Coming to the crunch, by Paul GoslingThe crisis in the markets has left a trail of financial giants in tatters. Public services, especially those with Icelandic investments, are feeling the strain. Paul Gosling reports on how the sector is preparing for the worst 01 January 2008
Hello and goodbye, by Philip JohnstonThe May 1 election results gave Labour a bloody nose and shook up the political landscape. It also reflected voters' feeling that local authorities have precious little power. 01 January 2008
How Gers swapped shirts, by Iain MacwhirterNationalists used to dismiss the Government expenditure and revenue Scotland report as unionist propaganda, but these days they are wielding its findings as a weapon in their fight for independence 01 January 2008
Is PFI on the critical list? By Mark HellowellThe huge number of gleaming new hospitals are a testament to the success of the Private Finance Initiative. But can the policy survive now that it is no longer the only game in town? Mark Hellowell reports 01 January 2008
Keeping IFRS on track, by Paul MasonThe implementation of International Financial Reporting Standards by councils requires dedication, hard work and application. It's an Olympian task but the prize will be worth it 01 January 2008