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, and explains the meaning and applicability of financial management tools including those relating to budgets and capital investment. John Wilson presents original work on the issue of audit expectations, and presents case studies on the problems which can arise when traditional concerns on probity and stewardship are neglected. In addition, this book considers the benefits and problems of measuring performance in the public services, and includes specific chapters on financial management in health services and local government.