IFG - Statement in response to PM 'smarter state' speech

15 Sep 2015 09:39 AM

The PM is right to make the connection between difficult spending review decisions and changes in the way the state manages public services.

Peter Riddell, Director of the Institute for Government, said:

"The PM is right to make the connection between difficult spending review decisions and changes in the way the state manages public services. The key test will be if the government can turn its ambition into reality.

"The PM outlined three principles to guide this ‘smarter state’ – reform, devolution and efficiency – all areas where insights from the Institute for Government will help government.

"In the case of reform, there have been many mistakes in the past, and we have argued that government needs much greater expertise to build and oversee public service markets successfully.

"There have been several false starts in the past on decentralisation, and real power and resources will have to be devolved in the spending review if things are to be different this time.

"The need to find efficiencies in government runs across all our work, and we welcome the importance the PM places on digital – especially as questions have recently been raised about whether this programme will have sufficient resource and support."