A revision of the sustainable investment rule to allow extra borrowing may diminish New Labour's claims to fiscal responsibility but given the current debt burden, it may be the lesser of two evils
Criticisms of lack of evidence about the third sector's role in public services are misplaced, says Stephen Bubb. The root of the problem is poor commissioning
Public service reform is entering a new era, with tailor-made budgets geared to the needs of individuals and putting users in control. Sophie Moullin reports
It's a tough job& but someone's got to be chief secretary to the Treasury. And who better than a long-standing minister with an economics background? Vivienne Russell meets her
The government talks long and loud about empowering local communities. So why is it so determined to impose directly elected mayors on councils and citizens that plainly don't want them, ask George...
Organisations struggling to provide better services for less money need strong financial management. Progress is encouraging, the CIPFA FDs' survey shows, but there's still more to do. Ian Carruthers...
On the surface, eco-towns seem to tick all the right boxes, providing essential new homes without harming the planet. So why are the locals up in arms? Neil Merrick reports
Nationalists used to dismiss the Government expenditure and revenue Scotland report as unionist propaganda, but these days they are wielding its findings as a weapon in their fight for independence
The NHS is not looking bad for 60, and with the government rolling out a new ten-year plan there's plenty of life in the health care system yet. But, as ever, the big issues are all about funding...
How do you persuade people to stop behaving badly, or to do things for their own good? Not by bribing them or banning the activities, says Ann Rossiter, who argues that reinforcing social norms is...
As Gordon Brown contemplates his first anniversary as prime minister, he might be wondering why his public image changed so fast from Iron Chancellor to Mr Bean. A bit of cod psychology could help
Councils are confused. On the one hand, Hazel Blears promises a new white paper to empower them. On the other, she is busy devolving control away from them to local citizens. But there's no...
Local government commissioning has become a much more complex and strategic exercise, involving a variety of different agencies and systems. John Tizard discusses what's needed to do the job properly
The London Olympics present a financial challenge like no other combining a global sporting event with a major regeneration project. But to achieve its goals the Games will need substantial private...
What does the future hold for public sector finance teams in a globalised environment? More shared services, pared down back-office operations and beefed up finance functions are all possibilities,...
Some politicians are pushing for primary care trusts to be more democratically accountable but NHS managers argue that the current reforms should be given more time before making changes. Richard...
Ministers have promised a review of the vexed question of top-up treatments. But with those seeking the right to buy extra care at loggerheads with those worried about inequity, what should the NHS...
There's an ill wind blowing and it's threatening the government's housing and urban regeneration plans. But there are ways to mitigate the worst effects of the credit crunch
The constant changes in the public sector, combined with the government's sudden brake on funding, continue to challenge finance directors. So what does the future hold for the role? Public Finance...
CIPFA's president elect talks to Mike Thatcher about her priorities, and the skills she has acquired as the National Audit Office's assistant auditor general
The effects of last summer's floods are still being felt by the hardest-hit regions. Councils planning to minimise the future costs of such events must revisit and update their risk assessments, says...
Ahead of his address to the CIPFA conference, John Prescott talks to Vivienne Russell about the most pressing issues that Labour faces, and what he considers to be his legacy to local government from...
Do the government's abysmal poll ratings spell New Labour's decline and fall? Tony Travers says the PM's only way back is to trust the people and devolve power particularly in the public services
