Communities take control of public services to keep them 'REAL'

24 November 2011

A new Local Government Association report shows that the commitment and drive of local people and communities are improving public services.

Despite reduced budgets, a focus on the needs of local people along with the use of online media are leading to dramatic changes in the way people can influence services, while paying less for them.

The evidence shows the Government should continue to localise public services rather than running them from disconnected Whitehall bunkers:

In Hartlepool, residents and local community organisations have taken over the running of health and care services through a social enterprise. The services are now being focussed around what local people say they want.

In West Lindsey in Lincolnshire local unemployed people are insulating empty and run down private homes in deprived neighbourhoods and making them greener. In addition to the environmental benefits, they are able to learn new skills for the workplace. The homes can be sold to raise funds to improve public services.

In Blaby, Leicestershire, local people are deciding for themselves how the council's budget should be spent in their community, and doubled the money available by bringing in an additional £600,000 from community groups and private organisations.

Herefordshire has saving more than £4 million a year by merging NHS and council back offices and pooling budgets for learning disabilities, mental health and ongoing care.

Newcastle's “Let's talk about Newcastle” initiative has used online media to quadruple the number of residents who get involved in decisions on how the council should spend its money. Their Council Pound exercise shows local people how every penny is spent and what different services actually do, before asking for their views to help prioritise services.

Redbridge is opening up public sector data so residents are better informed about local services in their area. People can use this information to make applications and hold public services to account.

Addressing an audience of public sector managers at a 'More for Less' conference in Westminster, Cllr Sir Merrick Cockell, Chairman of the LGA, will say:

“Civil servants have a lot to learn from councils about giving taxpayers and communities greater control over services and deliver savings at the same time.

“Public services are more accountable, more efficient and more in tune with the needs and aspirations of local people when they are delivered locally.

“The Government itself has said that councils are leading the way in reforming and improving services. Councils are the most trusted and efficient part of the public sector and have outperformed Whitehall in delivering real savings for the taxpayer.

“We urge the Government not to hold back in devolving control to allow better and more local public services.”

The LGA report highlights the Government's recognition that Whitehall “has much to learn” from the efficiency of councils. It goes on to call for communities and councils to be given a blanket freedom to reorganise local services and budgets to meet local needs not Whitehall demands. This will give more power to people to decide how services should be run – keeping them Responsive, Efficient, Accountable and Local: REAL.

ENDS

Notes

The LGA is launching a new publication today, called Keep it REAL – Responsive, Efficient, Accountable, Local services. For more information on the launch event, please click here

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