NLGN report reveals how local government is way ahead on the efficiency curve

November 28, 2005

A new report by the New Local Government Network (NLGN) and with a foreword by local government minister, Phil Woolas MP is revealing the extent of progress made by local authorities in response to targets set by the Gershon Review. And with councils having already saved £750m, and a total of £1.9bn expected by the end of 2006, Getting on with Gershon: Innovations towards more efficient local government also reveals the sound principles on which savings are being made.



Writing in the report’s foreword, Mr Woolas encourages councils to continue to meet Gershon’s challenges, reflecting on the potential outcome of an ability to re-invest cashable savings in local services or hold down council tax rises:



    “The prize from greater efficiency is big indeed: it is winning the trust and confidence of local people. Then local government can truly play its part in leading vibrant, active, sustainable local communities”.



The report, a collection of essays in part based on papers presented at a recent NLGN conference draws on perspectives from across the public, private and voluntary sectors. One contributor, Sue Reid, ODPM Modernisation and Efficiency Manager describes how Gershon has allowed authorities to transform service delivery through strong leadership:



    “We wanted to enable councils to show their local residents, taxpayers, and service users just how professional and capable they are in terms of providing value for money”.



Yet, there are also warnings against complacency, with Chris Wilson, Executive Director of the 4ps calling for councils to embed the principles underpinning specific efficiencies into the fundamentals of local authority practice. In doing so, he highlights three strands of how best to approach Gershon’s targets:



    “The first is about reducing inputs, and that focuses on quick wins. The second is about improving outputs. This is achieved more at the departmental level by cutting bureaucracy; improving quality; and improving business processes. Finally, there are the longer term efficiency gains achieved via investing for improved results.”



NLGN media enquiries to Ian Parker on 020 7357 0116



Notes for Editors:

The New Local Government Network (NLGN) is an independent think tank, seeking to transform public services, revitalise local political leadership and empower local communities. www.nlgn.org.uk



Getting on with Gershon: Innovations towards more efficient local government is available from York Publishing Services (price £21.25 inc p+p). Tel: 01904 431213. Fax: 01904 430868. E-mail: mailto:orders@yps-publishing.co.uk


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