The NHS internal market in Wales is set to be abolished and local commissioning bodies reduced by two-thirds under far-reaching plans announced by the Welsh Assembly Government.
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
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...
There is no evidence to support the claim that recent migrants to Britain have an unfair advantage in the allocation of social housing, according to a study published on April 9.
Four London boroughs joined Local Authorities Mutual Limited on April 1, the insurance company's first anniversary. Croydon, Camden, Haringey and Lambeth joined the three existing members - Brent,...
Union leaders representing 1.4 million council workers moved closer to following 200,000 teachers on to the picket lines this week, putting renewed pressure on Gordon Brown as he restated his...
A dispute has broken out between the Scottish government and the Treasury over whether ministers in Edinburgh have the power to levy a nationally set local income tax.
Local government minister John Healey has announced a change in the budgeting rules for councils' capital projects, which he says will encourage self-regulation.
he Local Government Association renewed its calls for an immigration contingency fund this week, as a Lords committee questioned the economic benefit of current migration levels.
A green neighbourhoods initiative launched by Environment Secretary Hilary Benn has been criticised as a 'piecemeal' attempt to tackle climate change from a department with little clout.
The Housing and Regeneration Bill has been amended to ensure that the new social housing regulator will have to consult the Charity Commission before it imposes compulsory standards on charities that...
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...
Care services minister Ivan Lewis has vowed to extend the Human Rights Act to cover 300,000 elderly people placed by local authorities in privately run care homes, in a crackdown on elder abuse.
Children's centres and extended schools are improving the lives of children and their families - but local authorities have little evidence that they provide value for money, education inspectorate...
