Whitehall officials must improve the design and operation of the administrative systems underpinning UK services if targeted public sector improvements are to be achieved, influential MPs have warned.
Sir Jeremy Beecham's review shows that reform of public services in Wales is on the right track but needs to progress further and faster. The Welsh Assembly Government welcomes the challenge
The police service is breathing a sigh of relief that it has been saved a costly and unnecessary restructuring but it still faces a catastrophic funding crisis from 2008. Chief constable Tim Brain...
It seems that time is running out for the big regeneration programmes. But, despite government rhetoric about 'mainstreaming', practitioners fear that their resources might not transfer into the...
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...
Local services in Wales need a fundamental overhaul, with a tougher focus on poor performance and an end to the public sector's 'silo mentality', a wide-ranging review has concluded.
Ministers are poised to devolve new welfare powers to cities aimed at combating poverty, raising employment and improving conditions for people with disabilities.
Political acceptability will dictate Sir Michael Lyons' proposals to reform local government finance when he concludes his inquiry later this year, he has told Public Finance
Government plans to amalgamate police forces across England and Wales were left in tatters this week after the only voluntary merger broke down once ministers failed to sanction the requisite council...
Tens of thousands of coastal homes are under threat from rising sea levels and what local government leaders have deemed 'woefully inadequate' funding for sea defences.
Social landlords have welcomed plans for a national strategy to support vulnerable people, but are continuing to demand firmer assurances over funding.
The Treasury is to launch a root-and-branch review of procurement throughout the public sector, amid ministers' mounting frustration that many organisations are still not using their buying power to...
One of devolved Scotland's first major policies was free personal care for the elderly. Four years on, how has it fared and does it offer any lessons for the rest of the UK? David Scott reports
Council workers in Scotland will have their early retirement pension rights protected for the next 14 years under a proposed transitional scheme which allows the Executive to comply with a European...
Ofsted has urged schools, colleges and local authorities to follow the example of the best and make self-evaluation an integral part of their management systems.
Ministers expect to save £7bn from the overhaul of welfare systems announced this week cash that they believe could be reinvested directly back into services.
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...
