Mike Yuille 23 April 2018

Report scathing on public sector accountability

Britain’s system of public sector accountability is failing to keep up with the realities of modern government, a think-tank has warned.

In a report published this week, the Institute for Government (IfG) cautioned that ‘weak accountability increases the risk of failure of public services – whether through financial mismanagement, chronic underperformance or the collapse of services’.

The report found patterns of failure occurring repeatedly.

Typically, this involved ministers and civil servants blaming each other when things go wrong, limiting the chances of lessons being learned.

Examples of this include the rollout of Universal Credit and, most recently, the Grenfell Tower blaze and Windrush immigration scandal.

Even when ministers are clearly at fault, many are not held to account, the think-tank said.

IfG researcher, Benoit Guerin, said: ‘A lack of accountability is worrying because it increases the risk of failure and decreases legitimacy of the state in the eyes of the public.’

SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

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

Support Worker

Oxfordshire County Council
£25992 - £28163
You will be supporting adults with learning disabilities, mental health needs, ageing needs and dementia. This is a frontline role where you will be providing high quality and meaningful activities, medication support, personal care, food and drink prepar Oxford
Recuriter: Oxfordshire County Council

Community Support Worker

Essex County Council
£25395.0000 - £32131.0000 per annum
The Role As a Community Support Worker, your role will include undertaking Assessments and Reviews in line with our Statutory duties under the Care England, Essex, Clacton-On-Sea
Recuriter: Essex County Council
Linkedin Banner