Reflections on the Comprehensive Spending Review
We have been very busy over the last couple of weeks supporting public sector clients. As we pause of breath, we have been contemplating the outcome of the Comprehensive Spending Review released on the 11th of June. This has had a fundamental impact on the Government’s plans to accelerate devolution, address economic inactivity and increase the employment rate to 80%. After speaking at multiple conferences over the last three weeks, we have had time to digest and reflect on the impact this will have on public services. Here are some of our key takeaways:
Delivering Accelerated Reform and Growth
Multi-year Funding Agreements: The real benefits can only be realised through long term funding settlements that provide Local Authorities with the flexibility and autonomy to deliver sustainable services and outcomes.
Flexible Commissioning: Releasing the benefits the new Procurement Act will provide in streamlining procurements and shaping future market delivery
Get Britain Working Plans: To realise ambitions to achieve 80% employment rates, new funding needs to be ringfenced by central government with a clear and transparent outcomes framework to measure success
Realigning Commissioner Boundaries: To maximise place shaping strategies and align co-financing public service boundaries. For example, there is currently limited synergies between integrated Care Boards and Combined Authorities
Central & Local Government Collaboration: Greater joined up planning between central government and Local Authorities to co-design services and agree joint outcomes. There is a danger that devolved programmes become very prescriptive with limited autonomy to integrate into local services
Cross Sector Partnerships: Public sector reform can only be achieved if a wider lens is used to understand what works within the private and voluntary sector: formalised channels should be developed to embed best practice into public service delivery. We are strong advocates of cross sector innovation hubs.
Test & Learn: Piloting new programmes and interventions will be essential to change the shape of public services. Let’s not lose sight of previous learning or be afraid of failure. Creating a robust evidence base to scale programmes will be key.
Harnessing Innovation: AI can play an important role in revolutionising public services and generating savings. However, the impact is limited unless there is real change to address service duplication and a commitment to finding out what works
It would be great to hear your feedback. Please reach out with any comments or observations. david@50-degrees.com