Partner Article

Increased number of providers would improve Public Sector

Allowing a wide range of organisations to deliver public services is better than having just one provider, according to the CBI.

Two thirds of those surveyed by the business organisation said that by allowing businesses and charities to provide key services would help to improve quality and deliver better value.

The results of the study were revealed on the first anniversary of the Government’s Open Public Services White Paper, which outlined plans for a programme of departmental spending cuts.

Despite drastic attempts to cut the deficit, there is still much more to be done. The CBI and charities’ body ACEVO are now urging the Government to keep up the pace of reform, as the pace of progress remains inconsistent and slow moving.

Katja Hall, CBI chief policy director said: “The only way to maintain the delivery of services, while reducing spending on the scale the Government intends, is through significant reform.

“New ideas will only emerge if these services are opened up to alternative providers, such as businesses and charities.

“The potential benefits are clear and the public are supportive, so we need to see urgent action to open up public services to meet the needs of users, maintain quality and achieve the necessary budget cuts.”

The survey also revealed that 65% of those surveyed agree a variety of different providers would be more successful than just one provider at reducing costs to the taxpayer, 71% agree in relation to ensuring good customer service and 70% agree in relation to improving services for the end user.

Dr Peter Kyle, ACEVO Deputy Chief executive, believes that that third sector has the capability to provide tailored and people-centred support to those who need it the most, and by including them in the delivery of welfare will help to drive up standards.

He said: “The latest CBI research builds on this understanding and underscores the necessity for us to put the needs of service users unequivocally at the heart of decision making in this time of social and economic upheaval.

“The Government has promised to deliver this but so far failed to deliver on a transformative scale and in an era when people are relying on support in increasing numbers there is no time to waste.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Ruth Mitchell .