With the Summer break behind us, we have an opportunity to reflect on the momentous first four months of Coalition Government. We are experiencing a seismic shift in thinking towards public services. Deficit reduction remains the overriding principle of the...

As Spring beckons and we enter election season, public services and associated spending commitments will remain a key battleground for the main parties. They face some tough choices in setting out their plans to tackle the eye-watering public sector deficit...

As Government strives to bring contestability and choice in to the provision of public services, so the range of models for delivery has multiplied. To the now familiar public-private partnership and joint venture structures, we must add the social...

“There has never been a better time to be a third sector organisation seeking to provide public services,” – said Angela Smith, Minister for the Third Sector, writing in The Times, 4 September 2009. Since 2006, the Office of the Third...

Take a look at the numbers. Public sector borrowing of £175 billion this year is expected to double by 2013 to more than 79% of GDP. Public finances will not be in balance again until 2017/18. Yet optimistic Treasury growth forecasts reckon that the...

So it’s official: the era of laissez faire government is over. With GDP down by 1.8%, unemployment close to 2 million and bank bail outs currently standing at more than £200bn, it may sometimes feel like we’re heading to hell in a handcart....

As the Government strives to introduce contestability, choice and personalisation into health and social care services, there is increasing interest in the role that social enterprises can play in the delivery of public services. The Government is committed...