We've seen the future… and it’s looking grim. The Treasury’s Operational Efficiency Programme reads like a Soviet five-year plan - and is probably about as achievable
The finance leader of Scotland’s biggest council has called for a pay freeze across the public sector to meet tightening spending targets and avoid widespread job cuts
The Treasury's Operational Efficiency Programme reads like a Soviet five-year plan; and is probably about as achievable. Tony Travers wades through Whitehall's radical blueprint for public sector...
The Bank of England has started printing money in another attempt to revive the economy. In the first of our Budget Watch series, Charles Davis discusses the likely impact of this move and looks...
Against 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
The financial crisis has thrust Treasury select committee chair John McFall into the limelight. He talks to Judy Hirst about bankers, bonuses – and dealing with hooligans
The lights are on in the Treasury but who’s minding the tills? After hiving off so much responsibility for fiscal and monetary policy, the department is not in good shape to tackle the biggest...
The banks have been pulling out of the Private Finance Initiative and the contractors are struggling. As a scheme designed to transfer public sector risk becomes a growing liability, frantic efforts...
The recession has turned the world upside down, as free marketeers embrace state intervention and socialists dance to a different tune. David Walker analyses Europe's response to the financial...
Everyone has a view on the government’s mistakes. But coming up with solutions is another matter. Colin Talbot takes on the challenge with a 2009 wish list that includes a financial regulatory...
With the public sector forced to make huge efficiency savings, outsourcing is one likely option. But the recession has taken its toll on private sector suppliers and some might not survive. PF...
The one part of the public sector that has resisted outsourcing is central government. Would-be suppliers need to take a different approach to change this
In a difficult financial climate for public services, the offer of a private sector solution might be tempting. But, Dave Prentis argues, any apparent savings come with hidden costs, including more...
While private companies have been contracting out services overseas for the past decade, public sector bodies have shown little interest so far. The recession might change this, but vital issues need...
The Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come reveals a grim vision for the public sector, says Tony Travers. But at least services are now in a stronger position to withstand the worst
Older people are facing a worrying winter, with energy and food costs rising. But pensioners will be better off in 2009 if the government acts on a range of proposed policies, explains Gordon Lishman
Every cloud has a silver lining, and the credit crunch could give social housing its moment in the sun. Richard Parker says RSLs could become major home providers, with a little help from the new...
Higher education is set for a big dip in this turbulent time. As institutions face funding gaps, rising pension payouts and greater competition for overseas students, Stephen Court says they had...
The light-touch, joined-up Comprehensive Area Assessment regime, headed up by your own personal ‘lead’ is being introduced. Alex Klaushofer maps the progress so far
