Public sector organisations around the world are endlessly number-crunching their performance targets. But to what purpose? Bernard Marr spells out the ABCs of good and bad practice
The 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
CIPFA's Pensions Panel is researching the knowledge, skills and competencies needed by all those involved in managing local government pension funds. Bob Summers outlines the panel's approach
Public service targets often have adverse effects on the outcomes they are designed to improve. By contrast, a 'systems thinking' approach leads to faster and better services, as many councils have...
The two main parties are slugging it out for control of London on May 1, and both have everything to play for. A Boris Johnson win would show that the Tories are electable again, a Ken Livingstone...
Last summer's floods were caused less by rivers bursting their banks and more by our inadequate drainage systems. The current system of myriad responsibilities and little liaison needs urgent reform
Apprenticeships used to be seen as old hat. But now they've had a ministerial makeover and are viewed as vital in helping to rejuvenate an increasingly ageing public sector workforce. Vivienne...
The 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
The creation of an adult social services organisation a year ago opened up an opportunity to transform the quality of care for older and disabled people and the infant Adass is rising to the...
Many large councils will soon be involved in carbon trading schemes as part of efforts to combat climate change. But they will need to raise awareness and improve communications if the initiative is...
A Lords ruling has relaxed the strict time limits on damages claims for sexual abuse, allowing many adults who were assaulted as children to go to court. And that has important implications for local...
Critics of George Bush have accused him of many things, from trampling on civil liberties to playing the dictator, but greatly reduced powers actually mean the presidency is more constrained than...
Twenty-five years on from the birth of the Audit Commission, is it time for a radical rethink on public sector inspection and regulation, asks David Walker
The government wants us to have a big conversation about Britishness. But its proposals for probationary citizenship and symbolic ceremonies are deeply controversial with major implications for...
Over the next two years, nine new English unitary authorities will be created out of 44 existing district and county councils. Paul O'Brien discusses how to take the pain out of the process
Peter Robinson is happy to talk about his work as Northern Ireland finance minister. But Ian Paisley's resignation means he's going to have to face up to that succession question very soon, says Paul...
Benefits reform is back centre stage, with new get-tough policies for a part-privatised jobs service. The welfare czar talks to Judy Hirst about breaking the dependency habit
Next week's statement will be a severe test for the chancellor. There's a squeeze on spending and no appetite for tax rises, so what are Alistair Darling's options? PF convened a round table of...
John Swinney has achieved the impossible twice in his first nine months as Scotland's finance secretary. But can the former Scottish National Party leader score a much-needed hat trick? He talked...
An economic downturn is coming, that much almost everyone is agreed on. But its depth, width and length are still uncertain. As the Budget looms, Priyen Patel looks at the options
The NHS is approaching 60 and as deficits turn into surpluses it's not looking bad for its age. But now everyone is anticipating the health minister's final report, and asking how much his...
If the third sector is to achieve its potential as a supplier of goods and services, it must change its attitude to procurement in a fundamental way; the public sector must look at its mind-set...
The Labour government's U-turns on fiscal change have left Britain with high, complicated taxes in an uncertain climate, says shadow chief secretary to the Treasury Philip Hammond. He argues that...
Three-year spending plans that happen every two years; greater accountability promises that actually sideline Parliament Comprehensive Spending Reviews are looking more like science fiction than a...
Faced with a legal challenge, most local authorities automatically go to court. They should learn from the private sector, where cheaper and quicker alternative dispute resolution is growing in...
