This week's call for means-tested charges for NHS services is wrong-headed. Such a move would raise few funds, deter the wrong people from using health care, and undermine the consensus that backs...
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
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...
The Cornwall Partnership NHS trust has been placed under 'special measures' following a watchdog report revealing 'many years of abusive practices' of adults with learning disabilities.
Families with disabled children, professional carers and MPs have joined forces to influence the Treasury's policy review on children and young people.
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.
The government's impending Welfare Reform Bill will be scrutinised by disability rights experts to assess its impact on child poverty targets, a leading practitioner revealed this week.
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...
Town halls have been urged to tighten up their record keeping after an investigation by the education watchdog revealed that few schools and councils are keep a reliable and accessible list of...
Almost 5 million families are missing out on state-assisted childcare because of current tax credit arrangements, according to the Institute for Public Policy Research.
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
Serious consideration should be given to alternatives to custody for certain prisoners in order to alleviate prison overcrowding, senior MPs said this week.
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
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 Department for Education and Skills has pledged to review the new Dedicated Schools Grant following criticism from MPs and local authorities that it prevents funds being targeted at deprived...
The Treasury this week stood firm over its decision to administer tax credits from the Revenue and Customs department, despite claims that the system is 'in crisis' and should be moved to the...
The government this week published plans for the most radical overhaul of the UK pensions system since the introduction of the welfare state, proposing to make people work longer, save more and...
A bigger share of public expenditure must be invested in education over the next two decades if Scotland is to compete internationally and combat poverty and inequality, First Minister Jack McConnell...
Patricia Hewitt survived the recent Cabinet reshuffle. But her department faces huge upheavals, with newly merged SHAs and PCTs and a worldwide search for a new health service boss. Seamus Ward...
