Spending figures of public bodies in every area of the country are now available at the click of a mouse. The scale of data available is limited and it is three years old, but it is the start of what promises to be a powerful lever in the governance of the public sector.

Read more on FIRST STEP TO OPENING UP LOCAL SPENDING FIGURES…

Local people will soon be able to demand their council takes action on underperforming schools and hospitals, drink disorder, anti-social behaviour and other concerns under new rules giving real power to local petitions.

Read more on POWER MOVING TO PEOPLE WITH NEW RULES ON LOCAL PETITIONS…

Only a third of a sample of police authorities inspected are setting effective long-term strategic plans for themselves or their force, finds a joint report by HMIC and the Audit Commission. As a result, they are not doing enough to identify and deliver policing priorities for their area.

Read more on POLICE AUTHORITIES MUST CHANGE TO HAVE A DECISIVE INFLUENCE ON POLICING…