Sure Start, tax credits, baby bonds. Gordon Brown has not been idle on the social policy front while he waits for his chance at the premiership. But what kind of legacy will the longest-serving...
Social care is often described as the Cinderella service. So will Ivan Lewis, the fourth to wear the ministerial shoes in just five years, turn out to be its Prince Charming? Sally Gainsbury went to...
There is a crisis in democracy, as more and more citizens lose interest in politics. The reasons are complex and varied but globalisation and professionalisation are prime culprits. It's time to...
For many young vulnerable people, the statutory sector closes its door on them the moment they hit 18. But thanks to new social inclusion projects, this is changing. Nicola Pauling reports
The government is on a new charm offensive with the voluntary sector. But will all the reviews and initiatives allay charities' suspicions that ministers are looking for public services on the cheap...
There is a lull in Westminster, as if everything is waiting for the next PM. For many in the public sector, this represents a welcome rest from a breakneck whirl of reform but not for local...
The government has poured money into public sector pay, but taxpayers can't see any service improvement, the unions are far from grateful and now the chancellor is pulling the plug. It's time to...
Local government reformer Sir Michael Lyons wants more choice at a local level. But, as George Jones and John Stewart argue, it's a controlling central government culture that needs to change
The Housing Market Renewal programme is aimed at regenerating rundown areas, through replacing or renewing poor housing. But it is now threatened by the loss of its champion John Prescott and a...
As three-quarters of UK waste still goes to landfill, there has been talk of charging households that do not recycle. This would not require any new laws as a trio of existing ones could be brought...
The promised summer report on next year's Comprehensive Spending Review has yet to materialise, making it unlikely that MPs will be able to discuss it before the recess. But that's par for the...
Connecting for Health the NHS's huge National Programme for IT has been dogged by 'scope creep' and core 'spine' problems. But as its chief, Richard Granger, tells PF , plenty has gone right,...
From protecting care home standards to saving people from torture, the Human Rights Act touches on all aspects of public life. Yet it is under fierce attack. Nick Pearce examines why
Broxtowe is one of more than 100 councils that have rejected the government's three funding options for meeting the decent homes standard. Next week sees the official launch of their own...
Ahead of his CIPFA Conference fringe lecture, Lord Hattersley speaks to Joseph McHugh on getting too cosy with the private sector, the breakdown of the party machine and why he's counting the days...
Scotland's deputy auditor general is renowned as a cool, strategic thinker, a quality she will bring to CIPFA as the institute's new president. Mike Thatcher reports
Is 'public value' a useful tool for democratising public services or a load of airy-fairy nonsense? Colin Talbot sets out the case for taking it seriously
As the Gershon enforcer, John Oughton is the man charged with ensuring £21.5bn in efficiency savings roll in. So how is the public sector doing on its great mission, asks Joseph McHugh
While Labour and the Conservatives join battle over who has the most sustainable policies, public sector organisations are making some serious strides forward. Andrew Ross reports on an issue whose...
The recent wave of primary care trust withdrawals from Local Area Agreements at short notice has highlighted the need to put LAAs on a firm legal basis. So why isn't the government doing so?
The NHS Institute for Innovation and Improvement's head marries 'lean-thinking' management-speak with NHS values. Sally Gainsbury meets a man of change
Financial managers in the public sector are prepared to do what is required to make the Gershon efficiencies but first they want some firm decisions on how the improvements will be measured
