In this issue of Developments the focus is on corruption, a subject which has had much more attention in recent years.
Corruption involves the abuse of public office for private gain.
It is not culturally specific or confined to particular parts of the world and it can do great damage to development. Nor is the UK immune. Over the years we have had our share of scandals in central and local government and in the private sector. It is good to see that this reluctance to tolerate corruption if becoming more widespread. Poor people in developing countries have spoken eloquently about corruption and its impact and the ways in which it prevents them gaining access to much needed public services.