Call for evidence on public service reform
Call for evidence description
The Spending Review set out the Government’s ambitions for the future of public services, focused on shifting power away from central government to the local level – to citizens, communities, and independent providers, so they can play a greater role in shaping services. These principles help build a society where everyone plays their part – the Big Society.
Building on major reforms in schools, the NHS, welfare and justice, the Spending Review announced that the Government will develop further policies that shift power to the users of public services and support the judgement of public sector professionals. These plans will also allow greater diversity of service provision and introduce new forms of accountability so that underperformance is no longer tolerated.
The Government particularly wants to explore how the following could drive reform further in a range of service areas:
- Promote independent provision in key public services
- Develop new rights for communities and public employees to buy and run services
- Attract external investment and expertise into the public sector to deliver better and more efficient services
- Extend innovative payment and funding mechanisms, such as personal budgets and payment-by-results commissioning in more areas
- Increase democratic accountability at a local level
- Maintain continuity of service and managing risks in light of these reforms
Contribute your views
The Government invites anyone with an interest, particularly frontline staff, managers and independent providers of public services, think tanks and users of services to share their views and insights on how these reforms could be successfully implemented.
Modernising Commissioning Green Paper
If you have more detailed views on commissioning and procurement of services, please be aware that there there is a specific consultation on modernising commissioning being run by Cabinet Office. This Green Paper focuses exclusively on increasing the role of charities, social enterprises, mutuals and cooperatives (civil society organisations) in public service delivery. You may prefer to submit additional evidence and views through this route instead.
