CIPFA and the Social Market Foundation (SMF) this week hosted a roundtable event billed as 'Public services: 10% better, 10% cheaper' at the Conservative party conference. Conservative blogger John Redwood MP was among speakers who debated the future of public service reform in an era of straitened public finances.

For news and analysis from the party conferences, visit www.publicfinance.co.uk.

Financial implications of the Carbon Reduction Commitment
The Department of Energy and Climate Change this week unveiled further details of the carbon reduction scheme. Legislation for the scheme is set to affect large public sector organisations from April 2010, so CIPFA is hosting events to help finance professionals prepare. To find out more about these events and book visit www.cipfa.org.uk/pt/sustainability.

Invitation to CIPFA North West Employers' Meeting
The CIPFA Education and Training Centre and Leeds Metropolitan University are consulting students and employers in the North West regarding CIPFA course provision in the region. Employers, students and members are invited to consultation meeting on 15 October at 14.30 in St George's Hall, Liverpool.

To register your interest in attending the meeting please contact CIPFA on 020 7403 4300 or at manchester@cipfa.org.uk

CIPFAstats – an essential data resource for you and your council
A recent Audit Commission report showed that nine out of ten councils list good quality data as a priority. CIPFAstats is the leading independent source of comprehensive data about local government services that provides invaluable information for performance management, value for money studies and comparative analysis. Find out more and view our suite of datasets and publications here.

This week in Public Finance: Weathering the storm
Batten down the hatches, the worst is yet to come. Even if the recession is now over, there are mounting social and financial pressures on the UK. Only radical government action can avert disaster, argues Malcolm Prowle.

EVENTS

For the full range of CIPFA events click here.
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