Written for new and existing managers, undergraduate and postgraduate students of the public services, this essential textbook explores the meaning and significance of financial management for the public services, in a way which combines both theoretical arguments and practical applications. Written for the non-specialist, it:

* examines the economics of public services

* considers the extent to which the management of public services has actually changed in practice

* explains the meaning and applicability of financial management tools including those relating to budgets and capital investment

* presents original work on the issue of audit expectations

* presents case studies on the problems which can arise when traditional concerns on probity and stewardship are neglected

* considers the benefits and problems of measuring performance in the public services

* includes specific chapters on financial management in health services and local government