Budget cuts are forcing councils to take unforeseen risks in delivering public services, with some cutting their workforce to a 'hollow core', according to the findings of a new report.
Pioneers – The 2015 Senior Managers’ Risk Report, published by Zurich Municipal, found that radical changes to the way services are delivered mean councils have more diversity in their structures, roles and approach than ever before.
It warns that such risk taking can lead to a breakdown in relations between council and the community, leaving them exposed to public criticism.
Paul Tombs, head of public services at Zurich Municipal, said: 'The squeeze on council finances has encouraged many council leaders to adopt a truly pioneering spirit, and rightly so. With fewer resources, CEOs need to think outside the box and be less risk averse, if only so that they are still able to deliver core services in five years’ time.
'But as local public services start to look more like the “Wild West”, new risks are emerging with greater interconnectivity. Indeed, managing risk and resilience has never been more important, as diversity and complexity increases. Even pioneers need to cross new borders with some caution.'
