Head & Heart Economics

Productivity and prevention

This photo shows an exhibit at the British Museum mimicking the thousands of pills taken by an average woman during her life.

It's an illustration of the way that long-term perspectives are not always easily seen - an issue that very much applies to public services.

Breaking the cycle

(Ethos Journal, May 2012)

Investing to reduce re-offending has been shown to work. Yet in austere times, prevention comes a poor second to spend on immediate problems. But there is a way to succeed - if the political will is there.

Doing the right thing

(Public Service magazine, Jan 2012)

It's much easier to boost public spending than to cut it back. Nonetheless, restraints on public service spending can combine with good outcomes - if a smarter approach is taken.

NHS productivity: devil in the detail

(Public Finance online, May 2012)

Claims of great over-performance - and of great under-performance - are exaggerated - link here