Sam Clayden 26 May 2016

Council chiefs fearful of service failures in next three years

More than half of council chief executives (56%) said the fear facing financial crisis within the next year, a new survey has revealed.

PwC’s annual Local State We’re In survey revealed that only 13% of chief executives felt they could maintain delivery of essential services until the end of this Parliament under the burden of austerity.

The consultancy firm also warned of ‘devolution fatigue’ after the survey revealed optimism about the sector grasping more powers from Whitehall had waned from 33% to just 20% since the general election last year.

Although seven in 10 believed they would be part of a combined authority by 2020, just over one in three thought it would have an elected mayor.

The survey revealed almost all (94%) chief executives and leaders thought devolution of skills was essential. However, there was a gap between ambition and capacity, with just three-quarters believing they could actually deliver a devolved skills agenda.

Jonathan House, PwC’s local government partner for the north, warned that if councils took a passive approach to integration then any structural changes would be directed by the health sector.

The vast majority of chiefs felt further integration of health and social care would have a positive impact on outcomes and 60% said devolution was a part of their integration strategy.

However, a mere third believed integration would deliver savings for their authority.

SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Senior Social Worker - Wolfson Unit

London Borough of Richmond upon Thames and London Borough of Wandsworth
£46,206 - £55,992
Senior Social Worker
Recuriter: London Borough of Richmond upon Thames and London Borough of Wandsworth

Assistant Highways Network Technician - WMF2343e

Westmorland and Furness Council
£26,403 - £26,824
This role will be part of the Network Team in the South Lakeland area based in Kendal. Kendal, Cumbria
Recuriter: Westmorland and Furness Council

Social Worker - Young People with Disabilities

Essex County Council
£37185.0000 - £50081.0000 per annum
Social Worker - Young People with DisabilitiesPermanent, Full Time£37,185 to £50,081 per annumLocation
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Social Worker - Family Support & Protection, West Essex

Essex County Council
£31931.0000 - £36423.0000 per annum
Social Worker - Family Support & Protection, West EssexPermanent, Full Time£31,931 to £36,423 per annumLocation
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Social Worker - Assessment & Intervention, North Essex

Essex County Council
£31931.0000 - £36423.0000 per annum
Social Worker - Assessment & Intervention, North EssexFixed Term, Full Time£34,904 to £50,081 per annumLocation
Recuriter: Essex County Council
Linkedin Banner