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PM sets out vision for public services

The Prime Minister  has set out his vision for public services.

He emphasised:

  • a radical transfer of power to the public
  • greater freedoms for frontline professionals
  • a "new presumption" that public services should be open to a wide range of providers.

Adrian Brown, leading the research programme on Big Society and public services at the Institute for Government said:

"This vision represents an extraordinarily challenging agenda for policymakers, commissioners of public services and public service professionals.

"It implies totally new skills and new ways of thinking about the role of the state, all at a time when many public services are grappling with deep cuts to their budgets.

"Given the number of moving parts, turning the Prime Minister's vision into reality will require an evolutionary approach if the risks are to be managed effectively. Being clear who is responsible for implementing particular reforms and how they will be held to account will be vital.

"The government will also need to describe what success looks like over the next few years so everyone can understand where progress is being made and where additional efforts are required.

"It is possible that performance will decline before it improves as system-wide changes are implemented."

Help for Big Society policy makers

The Institute for Government will shortly be publishing a framework to help policy makers think about the Big Society. We also identify the key roles for government in making the Big Society approach in the public services a reality.

Mutualisation in arm's length bodies

This week the Institute will also publish a guide with the Public Chair's Forum on how mutualisation could work in arm's length bodies (ALBs).

'Mutualisation: an alternative model for arm's length bodies' will look at how employee-led organisations could deliver more efficient public services, and the benefits and pitfalls that can arise from 'going mutual'.

Learn more about Institute's work on:

Accountability for public services

Big Society public services

 Public sector mutuals

 The state of commissioning

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Facing the Future...find out more