Localism Debate

Can Shared Services contribute to the Localism Agenda?

The Decentralisation and Localism Bill aims to mark a radical shift in the balance of power and to decentralise power as far as possible. Forming a key aspect to The Government's overarching aim to build the 'Big Society', the Bill provides the legislative foundations for six specific actions. In order to deliver on the commitments set out in the Bill, the sector must look at ways of utilising new and existing services and resources more effectively in order to reduce the cost and control of unnecessary bureaucracy and red tape, ensure diversity of provision of services and to deliver transparency and openness, with particular regards to data and information.  Organisations must look at ways of providing information and services in timely, accurate and innovative ways in order to be accountable to local people and empowering local people to get involved in the development of their communities and in the control of local spending.  

Steria hosted a lunchtime fringe debate in association with The Municipal Journal  on 29 June at the LG Group Annual Conference and Exhibition.

Steve Knights of Steria presented the results of a recent survey into shared services and the debate was chaired by Michael Burton, Editorial Director, The MJ

Guest Speakers on the day included Andrew Stunel OBE MP, Parliamentary Under Secretary of State Department for Communities and Local Government and Councillor Edward Lord JP, Chairman of Local Partnerships.

Three survey results reports are available for download from all respondents, councillors only and officers only. Respondents' names and contact details have been removed from these results to protect anonymity.