Laura Sharman 24 April 2015

‘People power’ could cut cost of public service says report

Councils have been urged to develop initiatives that encourage a more active contribution from the public, as a new report hails the benefits of public engagement.

People Power, published by Northgate Public Services, finds that 84% of civil servants think increased public participation could improve public services, with 65% saying it would also cut costs.

The report outlines some of the activity taking place already such as the public sharing alerts on social media, volunteering at libraries and reporting issues to local authorities.

Sue Holloway, director of services strategy at Northgate Public Services, said: ‘Volunteers have always helped to deliver better public services and the digital revolution is enabling new types of activity. People who re-tweet public service alerts are making a different but still valuable contribution and this offers huge untapped potential when budgets are under pressure.

‘By looking at the full range of “people power” we could create the right strategies to encourage it and deliver better and more cost-effective services in future.’

SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Integrated Resource Teaching Assistant

Wakefield Council
£17,900.42 to £19,079.41 pro rata, Grade 5
We are looking to recruit additional staff to our already established team of support staff. Wakefield, West Yorkshire
Recuriter: Wakefield Council

SEND Sufficiency - Delivery Officer

Wakefield Council
£35,412.00 to £38,220.00, Grade 8
Wakefield Council is seeking a proactive and skilled SEND Sufficiency Delivery Officer Wakefield, West Yorkshire
Recuriter: Wakefield Council

Team Leader (Maintenance Operations)

Cardiff Council
Grade 10 - £48,226 - £51,356
Cardiff is growing faster than any other capital city in Europe. Cardiff (Caerdydd)
Recuriter: Cardiff Council

Housing Tenancy Coordinator - Care Experienced - WMF2270e

Westmorland and Furness Council
£34,434 - £35,418
Make a lasting difference in the lives of care experienced young people Kendal, Cumbria
Recuriter: Westmorland and Furness Council

Pre-School/Nursery Assistant

Essex County Council
Up to £13.00 per hour
Pre-School/Nursery AssistantPermanent, Part Time£13.00 per hourLocation
Recuriter: Essex County Council
Linkedin Banner