Laura Sharman 24 March 2015

Councils predict 2015 will be a year of transformation

Council bosses believe that while 2015 will be a year of deeper cuts, it will also mark the start of a step-change in the way they deliver services, according to new research.

A new survey, conducted by Civica, reveals that nearly three-quarters (73%) of local authorities think efficiency cuts will be deeper this year, with 63% saying libraries, leisure facilities, youth centres and parks will suffer as a result.

A third of those surveyed also thought road repairs and building maintenance will deteriorate in 2015, with 28% saying adult social care will be compromised.

However, more than half (51%) of directors and managers also say they will transform public services this year, with 61% predicting a shift towards self-service for residents. Of those surveyed, 58% are planning more strategic partnerships with the private sector, and 29% hope to focus on revenue generation.

Kim Ryley, chair at SOLACE in Business, said: ‘The good news is that the majority of councils have plans to move quickly beyond just making efficiency savings. Instead, they will put in place new collaborative arrangements with sympathetic private sector partners, and find new ways to raise money for necessary investment in better services and in the new technology essential to compensate for their shrinking workforces.’

The research shows that the majority of councils are using new technology to help balance budget cuts, with 60% making progress with the adoption of cloud-based software. Three quarters are also moving towards integrated online services, with 58% expecting local authorities to embrace multi-channel payments more widely.

Paul Bradbury, group business development director at Civica, said: ‘It is imperative that all organisations think differently and work with strong and stable partners who share a common vision and commitment. Local public services have performed an unprecedented job in adapting to 30% cuts since 2011, but the pace of change and the expectation to meet financial and societal challenges is accelerating.’

SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Family Support Worker

Durham County Council
Grade 6 - £27,269 - £30,060 (Pay award pending)
Do you have a real passion for helping families to make positive changes for themselves and their children? This might be the right role for you!   WH Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Clerical Officer Receptionist

Durham County Council
Grade 3 £24,404 - £25,183 Pro Rata to hours worked Pay award pending
WHAT IS INVOLVED? We are looking to appoint a part time Clerical officer/Receptionist within Business Services to provide a professional, effective a Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Administration Assistant

Durham County Council
£25,584 - £27,711 pro rata
Administration Assistant Grade 5    £25,584 - £27,711 pro rata Temporary – required from 1st October 2025 until 31 December 2025 37 hours per week, Te Consett
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Support Assistant

Durham County Council
£24,027 pro rata
Support Assistant Grade 1 £24,027 pro rata Temporary – required from 1st October 2025 until 31st October 2026 Part Time, 32.5 hours Mon - Fri 9am -4pm Consett
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Lecturer in Foundation Learning -Maths, English and Digital

Durham County Council
Grade 9 £34,314 - £37,938 pro rata for part-time term time working PAY AWARD PENDING
The DurhamLearn Foundation Learning programme area delivers Digital Skills, English and Maths Functional Skills.   An opportunity has arisen for a Lec Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council
Linkedin Banner