Civil service still 'far from representative'
News Article 10 December 2004
The upper echelons of Britain's civil service still do not reflect the make up of society, the National Audit Office has said.
Procurement 'key to efficiency drive'
Press Review 9 December 2004
A study by the Office of Government Commerce has found the biggest efficiency savings will come through improved procurement policy and the better use of key public service workers like doctors, nurses and teachers.
British welfare attitudes revealed
Press Review 7 December 2004
The annual British Social Attitudes Survey has found that while there remains strong public support for spending on health, education, care needs and sick and disabled people, there has been "a sea change" in attitudes on the left to some other forms of welfare.
Milburn hails 'new future' for charities
News Article 30 November 2004
Alan Milburn has called for charities to be "brought in from the cold" in the delivery of public services.
NHS signs major outsourcing deal
News Article 22 November 2004
Around 230 health service staff are to see their jobs transferred to the private sector as part of an outsourcing deal aimed at saving £220 million.
NHS outsources services to India
Press Review 22 November 2004
The Department of Health is today expected to approve a decision to outsource some finance, accounting and payroll work to India.
Britain lagging behind on NHS 'choice'
News Article 19 November 2004
The scale of the government's ambition to increase patient "choice" in the NHS has been underlined by new research.
Civil servants will 'intensify' industrial action
News Article 5 November 2004
Civil service strike leader Mark Serwotka has threatened "intense" industrial action if the government does not start meaningful negotiations on job cuts.
Byers calls for end to 'contracting out' of public services
News Article 3 November 2004
The government must end the "contracting-out culture" in public services, a former Cabinet minister has warned.
Public-private pay gap widens
Press Review 29 October 2004
Office for National Statistics figures have shown public sector workers are earning 20 per cent more on average than their private sector counterparts.
Blair calls for cut in public sector inspections
Press Review 4 October 2004
The prime minister has called for the number of inspections of schools, hospitals, councils and the police to be halved, in a recognition that public services have been over-regulated.
Taxes more important than choice, says poll
Press Review 22 September 2004
Voters want more choice in public services but are not willing to pay more in taxes to get it, the Audit Commission said yesterday.
Redwood calls for key workers' housing allowance
Press Review 14 September 2004
In a pamphlet published today John Redwood calls on the government to create a national housing allowance scheme for key public sector workers.
Blair calls on TUC to support public service reforms
News Article 13 September 2004
Tony Blair has called on unions to get behind the government or face losing the union friendly reforms brought in by Labour in its first two terms.
