There is greater pressure than ever for public services to become more efficient as budgets are cut, and more responsive to the increasing and changing demands people are making on them. However, the reform of public services is politically controversial territory. What is the evidence as to how to go about these reforms? Do other countries offer useful lessons? Will an ageing population inevitably lead to big changes in what the public sector can provide? Speakers: Chair: Heather Stewart, Observer
David Hughes, Swansea University
John Van Reenen, Professor in the Department of Economics and Director of the Centre for Economic Performance, LSE
Sarah Smith, Professor of Economics, University of Bristol
David Walker, Guardian and ESRC