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1 May 15
The public sector is spending far more than private firms on outsourced services, despite a very patchy history of delivery. What can be done to promote better outcomes, particularly in value for...
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26 Mar 15
The next government should introduce an ‘open book’ approach to outsourcing contracts to increase transparency and value for money, CIPFA has said.
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16 Feb 15
Recent reports of ineffective local government scrutiny reflect a hard if disappointing reality. But it’s important that councils invest in an enhanced scrutiny function – it will pay for...
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18 Sep 14
The shocking events in Rotherham bring to the fore some very serious issues for local authority and other public sector leaders. Getting the right answers demands that the right questions are asked.
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29 May 14
Oldham Council is set to become the quickest local authority to close its accounts in 50 years following final approval by its audit committee.
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28 May 14
The government is prepared to back the introduction of open-book accounting for public sector outsourcing contracts, a senior figure in the industry has said
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5 Mar 14
Public service outsourcing firms today said they were willing to start using open-book accounting and allow their contracts to be scrutinised by the National Audit Office
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28 Jan 14
The government has finally got around to publishing permanent secretaries' 2013-14 performance objectives. Unfortunately, instead of improving Whitehall accountability, they just add to the...
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7 May 13
Ministers have called on business leaders to serve as departmental non-executive directors and help make Whitehall more efficient. But more could be done to ensure that the right people are recruited...