Morning! A spot of breakfast first and then we'll be kicking off with a session around 9am - and asking 'what do people value in in public service?'
http://bit.ly/bArcgl here's the link to the day two blog #pss2010
#pss2010. day two of the public services summit is about to kick off at 9am. Time for a spot of breakfast first and a much needed coffee!
Morning! A spot of breakfast first and then we'll be kicking off with a session around 9am - and asking 'what do people value in in public service?'
And we're off! Day two.
It's all about hearts and minds to clear Britain's deficit, says chair David Brindle
#pss2010 kicks off, @delluk in attendance
This morning we are exploring more of the intimidating landscape ahead - but also one of opportunity, says, Brindle. It's all about getting through, but getting better!
Our opening session is asking what people value in public services and one of the first points being made is that any move towards giving people personal budgets raises challenges over differential services.
What are public services and why do we need them?
Mike Freer, from Barnet – the ‘easy council’ is talking about his new way of providing services.
Barnet reduced budget by £80m, while maintaining services, but there is still dissatisfaction with residents saying they are not getting valube for money.
Residents expect 24/7 365 days a year. People’s expectations risen faster than councils have been able to keep up.
Barnet is efficient as a council, says Freer, ¾ stars, but still inefficient compared to private sector. Salami-slicing didn’t do the job.
Total Place good at where money is spent but not how it is spent, says Free.
Not just cutting costs, but changing behaviour says Freer. Barnet’s future shape or easy council, after the budget airline. Transparency of costs.
Second strand was about moving to one public sector, not talking shared services, says Freer. One organization, one payroll, one HR, one office is the way forward says Freer.
Local authority thinks its knows best, online services – personal budgets are again the way to provide services, not a one size fits all model. Like the airline, greater transparency is the model. Personalised budgets and trusting residents to provide for themselves.
One size fits all has to be abandoned Freer reiterates.
Reform public sector targets based on need. Public sector should devolve the power devolve the budget and give citizens more choice, says Freer.
Also about harnessing technology – Barnet has an iphone app!
No apology for easy council model, local authorities should think differently. Transparency and honesty, looking at different ways of doing things, leadership on the ground, let residents choose how they spend their money.
Harnessing public participation, not just about those who shout loudest.
Easy council can revolutionize cost base and improve efficiency.
Freer just recived a round of applause for his stirring specch.
Treasury spokesman talking about his department’s values.
Treasury not just about cost cutting
Maintaining public finances, obviously important, and public spending we can afford
Treasury concerned about value for money.
What can we afford in relationship to outcomes. The growth of the economy obviously important.
Transformational leadership and solid management. Treasury should set an example.
Everyone in public services are accountable to the taxpayer.
Treasury can't influence what happens in a particular area or part of the service but it can influence what happens overall, ie value for money.
Now talking about the improvement agenda.
Treasury agenda as well says spokesman.
Back office, benchmarking, non-negotiable - have to save money.
Services that are customer focused will drive transformation and joined up services are the aim, got to get away of sloppy accounting by taking away services or parts of services.
Tell us once programme is mentioned.
example of family dealing with a bereavement and contact with 41 departments, not the way to go.
Total Place gets another mention!
Better public services at less cost, Treasury looking at what it can do
Treasury setting challenges for Whitehall to free up the front line.
Treasury spokesman says challenge ahead is also an opportunity to raise its game, department keen to play its part in transforming services.
Now some thoughts from the CBI and the private sector
what is valued in publc services? Different question to answer.
People like idea of services delivered locally but abhor idea of postcode lottery, like the idea of choice but don't want to make decisions all the time, such are the paradoxes!
People interested in outcomes, not inputs - what have we got to show for the money?
High quality services are important for country's prosperity.
CBI's view is budget neeeds to be back in balance by 1015-16,
2015!
CBI view is that blance should be made by cuts, not raising tatxes
More for less not just a marketing mantra should be feasible
8 out of 10 people think services are inefficient
Economic climate is a catalyst for change says CBI man
no salami-slicing to cut budget
Allowing providers to innovate is one way. Need to be smarter and bolder in public services, people believe more can be done with less!
Opportunity, boom years were a missed chance, years ahead may remedy that
Fiscal fuel tanks running on vapour - quote of the day!
