Jessica Luper 25 September 2015

Local authorities must embrace devolution and digital access, warns CBI boss

Local authorities should take a transformational approach to delivering public services, embracing devolution and digital access, according to the chief of the CBI.

CBI director-general, John Cridland today warned that efficiency is no longer sufficient to achieve sustainable services, but instead the Government must tackle silo working within departments and focus on early intervention.

Cridland said: 'According to the Local Government Association, grant funding to local government will have fallen 40% in real terms by April 2016. With the ring-fencing of other budgets, local services have been under real pressure.

'Whilst some local authorities have dealt well with these pressures, many still aren't making the most of market solutions. For me what matters isn't whether services are 'private sector' or 'public sector' but whether they're 'good' or 'bad'. If some councils continue to put 'who' provides a service above 'what' service is delivered, it will ultimately mean less choice and less value for money.'

Cridland also recognised a need to achieve productivity savings in the NHS, and advocated implementing recommendations from the Carter Review, which include introducing standardised efficiency metrics in all NHS hospitals and embracing a more digital world.

'With more people suffering from long-term conditions, more 'self-care' would mean fewer hospital stays, whilst giving patients the comfort of staying in their own homes. This could mean sufferers of diabetes - for example - taking their blood pressure at home and logging the results on an online portal,' he said.

Making payment processes smarter  image

Making payment processes smarter

It can be challenging to find the right software to streamline payment processes. Lewis McKenna-Crisp argues SmarterPay has the ideal solution for councils.
SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Residential Worker

Essex County Council
£27934.00 - £35344.00 per annum + + 26 Days Leave & Local Gov Pension
Residential WorkerPermanent, Full Time£27,934 up to £35,344 Per Annum (includes allowance) equal to £14.48 to £18.32 Per HourLocation
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Early Years Keyworker

Royal Borough of Greenwich
£37,068 - £38,058
Want to make a difference for children with special educational needs in Greenwich? Greenwich, London (Greater)
Recuriter: Royal Borough of Greenwich

Early Years Area SENCo

Royal Borough of Greenwich
£39,855 - £42,324
Have you got extensive experience in working within Early Years, with a clear understanding of child development Greenwich, London (Greater)
Recuriter: Royal Borough of Greenwich

Young Persons Substance Misuse Service Pathfinder

Royal Borough of Greenwich
£31,524 - £32,931
Are you looking to change the lives of young people? Greenwich, London (Greater)
Recuriter: Royal Borough of Greenwich

Senior Regulatory Compliance Officer

Royal Borough of Greenwich
£37,068 - £38,058
You will be an apprentice embedded within the Trading Standards team. Greenwich, London (Greater)
Recuriter: Royal Borough of Greenwich
Linkedin Banner