A former International Monetary Fund economist says today that the British government is wrong to hold to the idea that cutting public spending – and tax – would damage public services. Professor Vito Tanzi says the 21st Century has begun with some of the highest levels of public spending and the taxes needed to pay for them.In a pamphlet published by Politeia the professor, who was Director of the Fiscal Affairs Department at the IMF for 19 years from 1981, asks if governments will now bow to the political and economic case for cutting?

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A successful partnership has won the Royal National Institute for Deaf People an award as Most Innovative Charity. It is in recognition of its work in modernising National Health Service audiology services. The partnership work was recognised at the Third Sector awards.As a result of RNID campaigns 125 million pounds was committed to modernising services in England over five years. Ministers asked the charity to manage the programme in partnership with the Department of Health. It was the first time a voluntary organisation had been asked to form a management partnership to deliver major change within the NHS. One key success of the modernisation has been a big reduction in the price of digital hearing aids by improving procurement methods.

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This toolkit is a practical ‘how to guide’ which draws on experience from the Department of Health’s scrutiny working party, and from supporting local councils and their health partners. It describes the opportunities and challenges of health scrutiny. It also explains the background to the new health scrutiny role and how to prepare for the function. Each section contains practical tools. including checklist, case studies, resource lists and summary boxes, to help work through the process.Published by the Democratic Health Network. 15 pounds. Available from Central Books, 99 Wallis Road, London E9 5LN. Phone: 0845 458 9910 Email mailto:mo@centralbooks.com

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