Prevention is the government's big idea for the NHS in 2008, with an ambitious screening programme, personal health and social care budgets and a push against obesity and binge-drinking. Noel...
The 'use of resources' element of the Comprehensive Performance Assessment has led to a dramatic improvement in council services. But it won't be stopping there. In fact, it's set to play an even...
The Liberal Democrats' new leader, Nick Clegg, has advocated a new type of publicly funded school, in his first speech on public services since being elected to the top job.
The courts are failing to ensure that people sentenced to community orders receive the mental health treatment they need, the Sainsbury Centre for Mental Health has warned.
The National Institute for Health and Clinical Effectiveness has been criticised for failing to evaluate older medicines that might not be providing value for money.
Plans to compel local authorities to respond to any petition signed by 250 residents could be 'hijacked' by extremist groups such as the British National Party, the Local Government Association has...
We received an impressive tally of high-scoring entries to our annual sprint through the year's public sector events. So very well done to our winner, Karen Franklin of Spalding in Lincolnshire, who...
Healthcare Commission chair Sir Ian Kennedy has hit out at plans to merge his organisation with two other regulatory bodies, warning MPs that the move could 'set back development of a culture of...
The former head of communications watchdog Ofcom, Stephen Carter, has been appointed chief of strategy and principal adviser to Prime Minister Gordon Brown. Carter, currently chief executive of...
Councils in Scotland are to be required to establish registers of assets held under the Common Good, an ancient system of safeguarding property and land that was administered by the former burghs on...
Hospital trusts that fail to tackle superbug outbreaks will not be granted foundation status, Health Secretary Alan Johnson said this week as he announced a new strategy to control infections.
The government's high-profile campaign to halve child poverty by 2010 came under stinging criticism last week as two reports cast serious doubt on its ability to meet the target.
All NHS acute and mental health services in England will be provided by foundation trusts within three years, the Healthcare Financial Management Association conference heard last week.
The health service must provide financial management training for doctors, nurses and other clinicians to improve efficiency and patient care, according to the Audit Commission.
Campaigners have welcomed government plans to radically transform care and support for elderly and disabled people by extending the system of personalised payments.
Local government minister John Healey has urged councils to look beyond the 'here and now' and face up to some of the long-term, deep-rooted problems that affect their communities.
Funding for social care services for people with learning difficulties will be transferred from the NHS to local authorities as part of a wider overhaul, the government has announced.
