Articles

Ben Willis examines how the administration budget cuts build on previous efficiency drives – and names the departments forging ahead with savings.

For years, the civil service has been urged to embrace innovation. Now shrinking budgets, the push for public sector reform and greater political appetite for risk are making this essential. Suzannah Brecknell reports.

10 Downing Street hasn’t been this relaxed in years. But Matt Ross discovers that the prime minister is nonetheless determined to create dramatic change within government – and fast.

As the spending review rolls on, cross-departmental working seems to be on the agenda at the Treasury. Suzannah Brecknell reports.

The new National Security Council will draw a range of departments into crucial decisions on security. Matt Ross reports on the coalition’s attempt to win cross-government consensus in a complex and unpredictable world.

While civil service salaries come under pressure, the government has announced a bold legislative programme. Joshua Chambers picks out the key bills which will affect officials’ work – including the plans for welfare reform.

For a decade, the devolved administrations have been altering services to suit their own populations. But as Shafik Meghji finds, when services diverge, the resulting cross-border tensions can hit service users.

The shared services agenda seems to be picking up speed again, with a recent prime ministerial speech and increased political interest. But what challenges remain? Matthew O’Toole listens in at a round table discussion.

A new report from influential think-tank the Institute for Government recommends a stronger, strategy-setting centre of government. Many see the logic, but wonder how it could be achieved. Matthew O’Toole reports.