Protecting the public purse

National studies

Our national reports and studies help public bodies manage the financial challenges they face by providing authoritative, unbiased, evidence-based analysis and advice.

Research focuses on financial and other management issues in local public services. It draws on analysis of local and national data and aims to help councils, NHS bodies and other local agencies review and challenge their current arrangements and performance.


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Cover of NHS financial year 2011/12

NHS financial year 2011/12

A summary of the findings from the Commission’s 2011/12 audit of primary care trust, NHS trust and strategic health authority accounts.

Cover of Right data, right payment

Right data, right payment

The findings of the Commission’s annual audit of data used to underpin Payment by Results (PbR) payments.

Cover of Reducing the cost of assessments and reviews

Reducing the cost of assessments and reviews

A benchmarking tool is now available for councils, to accompany the recent report for councils on adult social care assessments and reviews.

The Audit Commission's report 'By definition: Improving data definitions and their use by the NHS'

By definition: Improving data definitions and their use by the NHS

The Audit Commission’s Payment by Results (PbR) data assurance framework reviews the quality of data that underpins payment for activity within the NHS in England. It is clear from the work that we, and others, carry out that there are …

Cover of Local payment by results

Local payment by results

This Audit Commission briefing considers the potential benefits for local authorities of using payment by results, the risks involved and how to mitigate them.

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