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.’

What’s happening inside the LGPS? image

What’s happening inside the LGPS?

Get the most informed take on the challenges and opportunities that substantial reform will bring at this year’s PLSA Local Authority Conference.
SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

I.T. Application Development Officer - North Herts Council

Essex County Council
£38000 - £44000 per annum
I.T. Application Development Officer - North Herts CouncilNorth Herts CouncilPermanent, Full Time£38,296.00 - £44,140.00 per annum (Pay award pending) England, Hertfordshire, Letchworth Garden City
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Drainage Technician

Essex County Council
£31001.0000 - £36471.0000 per annum
Please note that the job role requires you to be mobile throughout an operational area. Therefore, the post holder will need to have a driving lice England, Essex, Colchester
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Corporate Director Children and Young People’s Service

North Yorkshire Council
£136,853 to £159,178 plus relocation support
North Yorkshire is England's largest county and a beautiful, vibrant place to live and work. Northallerton, North Yorkshire
Recuriter: North Yorkshire Council

Customer Service Assistant

Essex County Council
Up to £12541.00 per annum
Customer Service AssistantPermanent, Part Time£12,541 per annumLocation
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Executive Director of Communications and Engagement

City of London
Competitive Salary
This role requires strategic vision, operational excellence, and political acumen London (City of), London (Greater)
Recuriter: City of London
Linkedin Banner