Patrick O’Brien

  • A universal problem

    20 June 2018

    The National Audit Office has released another damning report on the rollout of Universal Credit. Patrick O’Brien breaks down the findings and speaks to key figures in the sector.

  • DWP under fire over Universal Credit

    14 June 2018

    Auditors have heavily criticised the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) for the design and implementation of Universal Credit.

  • LGA call amid appeals backlog

    13 June 2018

    More than 133,000 firms are still awaiting appeals of their business rates valuation from 2010 to be resolved, council leaders have revealed.

  • CIPFA hits back at Tesco rates attack

    11 June 2018

    Finance directors have hit back at criticisms made by big companies that business rates are causing the collapse of retailers on the high street.

  • A grand plan for the future of care

    05 July 2017

    With social care firmly on the political agenda, Patrick O’Brien looks at the latest Localis report on joining up health and social care.

  • Homelessness figures a ‘stain on nation’s conscience’

    28 June 2017

    New government homelessness figures are a ‘stain on our nation’s conscience,’ the outgoing leader of the Lib Dems, Tim Farron, has said.