Integrating health and social care has long been a goal of governments. But the latest proposals are unlikely to go far enough and more radical measures may be needed Read more
Today’s announcement of the government’s legislative programme fails to address major long-term funding issues. Ministers need to reconsider the ‘triple lock’ on pensions and the ring fencing of the NHS budget Read more
Eric Pickles is correct – we don’t need council newspapers, with their gushing stories and no attempt to hold local politicians to account. Instead, town halls should support independent media outlets through a scrutiny tax Read more
Public services can be short of funds and fail to produce the desired results. Social impact bonds can resolve both problems Read more
Productivity levels have long been an issue for the NHS. But with spending at a standstill and demand soaring, the problem is becoming acute Read more
Public services in the north of England are being stretched to breaking point and another round of efficiency savings won’t improve the situation. We need a new approach and a new way of thinking Read more
The UK’s credit downgrading provides an opportunity to re-examine our problems. We cannot raise taxes any more and we’ve already borrowed far too much. The only option is to cut spending further – and we should start with public sector management Read more
The Francis Report into the Mid Staffs NHS scandal makes some vital recommendations. But we should be cautious about measures that could undermine the aim of greater openness Read more
Why do attempts to reconfigure NHS services meet with such massive resistance? It could be because no one bothers to talk to the public, except when they want to make radical changes Read more
Calling in the administrators is always a sure sign of business failure, whether it’s the NHS or HMV. So why not make that plain? Read more
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