College Public Policy

Posted by Katharina Derschewsky on 9 July 2010

Increasing public sector efficiency has never been so sexy. Or so Reform director, Andrew Haldenby concluded his introductory words to the think tank’s conference on ‘Reducing the deficit and improving public services’.

And indeed, with the current governing theme being “financial retrenchment” the topic, previously perceived by many as “too dull to bother”, suddenly does seem to attract the interest of a plethora of (high-level) stakeholders.

Rightly so. The challenge of reducing the massive deficit and finding a sustainable approach to public expenditure is significant. And the solutions offered by the Reform conference’s keynote and panel speakers represented an interesting mix of different perspectives and approaches.

In line with the Government’s ‘Spending Challenge’ approach, here’s our accumulation of the highlights of (other people’s) ideas on how to reduce the deficit and improve public services… Since they will form part of Reform’s submission to the Treasury, we’ll keep a close eye on how many will reappear in the Comprehensive Spending Review on October 20.

The public sector needs to learn ‘tough commercial thinking’ when giving out contracts. – Amyas Morse, NAO

The leadership needs to understand that change will never be popular – their job isn’t to be popular, it’s to deliver. – Tony McGuirk, Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service

Achieving “less for less with better outcomes” should be the overall objective. (…) The Treasury needs to rethink its current definition of value for money – procuring least for lowest will compromise the quality of services. – Aidan Connelly, Sodexo

Politicians need to understand that it’s ok to demand efficiency and good public spending from fire and police services, too. – John McTernan, former political adviser to Tony Blair

The danger of unintended consequences resulting from rushed cuts for populist headlines needs to be addressed. – Rt Hon Margaret Hodge MP, PAC Chair

If you get rid of something, get rid of a lot so single cuts will not become the focus of attention. – The Hon Sir Roger Douglas MP, New Zealand Finance Minister 1984-88

A new concept of ‘paid public services’ should become a viable alternative to making cuts. – Allister Heath, City A.M. Editor

The public sector should foster community volunteer organisations in the name of Big Society. – Cllr Colin Barrow CBE, Leader, Westminster Council

The civil service needs to overcome its fear of outsourcing. – Paul Pindar, Capita

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