Figure is beginning to mention system of central control (7)

I believe the answer is:

statism

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'system of central control' is the definition.
The definition suggests a singular noun which matches the answer.

'figure is beginning to mention' is the wordplay.
'figure' becomes 'stat' (statistic).
'beginning to' suggests taking the first letters.
The first letter of 'mention' is 'm'.
'stat'+'is'+'m'='STATISM'

Can you help me to learn more?

I've seen this clue in The Times.

Want a hint initially instead of a full solution? Install my app