Managing and being responsible for public funds is one of the most important tasks of a public sector manager, particularly in the current environment where budgets are constrained and in many cases reducing. This is an area of skill and knowledge that cannot be taken for granted, as many public sector managers will have had no formal training in this area. It is an ideal practical text to assist managers become more effective and efficient in the way in which they undertake budget management. The outcome being improved value for money services which benefit the whole community. This book is one of a series of books entitled Essential Skills for the Public Sector. Its target readership is any person in the public sector who manages a budget. It covers the process of devolvement; preparing budgets, controlling and monitoring budgets, understanding financial information, and the link between management and financial responsibility