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...
Charities have said there should be harsher penalties for adults who buy alcohol for teenagers and more engagement with young people, as the government announced the results of a half-term crackdown...
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,...
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 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...
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...
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
Auditors have praised the second stage of procurement for the Welsh Assembly's new building, the Senedd, after the controversy-hit scheme was put on hold in 2001.
Local government leaders have attacked the government's determination to retain the Licensing Act while putting the onus on councils to deal with related problems.
Accountants have been 'part of the problem' in contributing to climate change and now need to become part of the solution, Sir Michael Peat, the Prince of Wales' private secretary has warned.
Prime Minister Gordon Brown should hold a root-and-branch review of English governance and the Barnett funding formula, the Institute for Public Policy Research said this week.
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...
Public bodies in Wales must stop putting their own needs first and instead focus on meeting the expectations of citizens for quality services, the minister in charge has warned.
Local authorities in Wales are to receive extra funding in return for signing up to achieving minimum standards in the main public services from 2009, Andrew Davies has told Public Finance .
Beleaguered police officers took to the streets of London to protest at their staged pay award this week, while debate raged over how the service can be modernised.
The Trades Union Congress has stressed the need to maintain a united front as public sector pay negotiations go forward in a potentially hostile climate.
Council leaders in Wales have condemned the budget presented to the Welsh Assembly on January 15 as 'the worst local government settlement since devolution'.