Better information about spending and collaboration has helped local authorities in the north-west make better procurement deals, says one council, and resource management systems are making it easier to analyse where money is being spent
It never rains but it pours
The first day of the Guardian public services summit kicked off with a speech from the deputy prime minister but he failed to brighten the mood as delegates wondered how to deal with a miserable situation for the public sector
Finding a new relevance for public services
John Barradell
The challenge facing public services is one of relevance but exploring new ways of engaging with citizens and hard wiring a new approach into the DNA of public sector organisations can drive innovation says John Barradell
December 2010
Whitehall slammed for its use of consultants
Commons public accounts committee criticises departments that spend without knowing whether consultancy is value for money
September 2010
Spending cuts blamed for Connaught's collapse
As the social housing firm struggles to stay afloat amid speculation it could be placed into administration today, fears grow for the fate of its 10,000 workforce and contracts with other firms
November 2009
London to be rebranded
We can work it out
Andy Gregg
September 2009
Propping up the country
More bricks for public bucks: How the public sector is reviving the construction industry and the economy
August 2009
Prevention is better than cure
Scott Tompkins
Prevention is better than cure when it comes to tackling the problem of Britain's drainage infrastructure.
July 2009
Imitating the private sector
Importing a business-led approach to public services may seem like a good idea but the private sector has its own problems
Public, which is edited by Jane Dudman, builds on the Guardian's strengths in covering public services, in news and comment columns of the main paper and weekly in SocietyGuardian and on our award-winning website
