11 February 2000
Since he joined in 1997 Smart, former political correspondent of the Observer, has significantly broadened the appeal of the magazine, making a key feature of its top contributors.
Among the distinguished journalists to write for the magazine are Peter Riddell of the The Times, the BBC's political editor Robin Oakley and the Guardian's David Walker.
Cabinet Office minister Mo Mowlam, Health Secretary Alan Milburn, Irish Taoiseach Bertie Ahern and Nato secretary general Lord Robertson have also written for the magazine.
Steve Freer, CIPFA's new chief executive, said: 'The magazine has gained substantial new influence in government and won plaudits from many respected commentators.
'Victor's vision for PF has taken the magazine into areas such as joined-up government and e-government, where it strikes a chord with the government's agenda for modernising public services. He leaves the magazine in strong shape.'
After a profile in Public Finance, CIPFA health panel chair Hilary Daniels was invited into the Downing Street policy unit to begin a dialogue. And only last week the magazine was cited in a Commons debate on police pay. Meanwhile, Public Finance's Public Servants of the Year Awards, backed by the Cabinet Office, are to be launched in October.
The weekly circulation of Public Finance has risen from 17,000 to 23,000 with a strong push into all parts of the public sector.
Smart commented: 'Public Finance has changed dramatically, establishing itself as a fresh and authoritative voice. I set out to create something akin to the Economist but exclusively for the public sector. The idea was not to compromise on editorial standards, and to put an emphasis on design.'
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