Re-organisation of Welsh councils not the way forward re-affirms Beecham
10 July 2006
A re-organisation of local government in Wales should not be seen as the way forward for improving public services. That was a key message delivered today by Sir Jeremy Beecham in his published Review of Local Service Delivery.
Today’s report which has been warmly welcomed by the Welsh Local Government Association also clearly states that there will not be a diversion from the already extensive public services reform programme in Wales.
Responding to today’s report Cllr Derek Vaughan, WLGA Leader said:
“The report presents real challenges and there is no room for complacency. Beecham’s insistence for public services to become more citizen centred and tougher on performance are key messages which we fully recognise. Similarly the emphasis on public sector bodies working together at a level hitherto unheard of is fully supported within Welsh local government.”
Cllr Vaughan added:
“Local government is already making great progress in delivering efficiencies. The WLGA has recently undertaken a survey which highlights that Welsh local government has exceeded its efficiency target. Soon we will present figures to be audited which demonstrate efficiency savings of almost double our target!”
“We are already working together more closely than ever before and have established regional boards to pool resources and expertise and to drive joint planning and delivery of services. Local Government has also submitted an all-Wales expression of interest to set up a national 101 Non- Emergency number which will bring services closer in Wales.”
“Whilst there remains room for considerable improvement there is no doubt that the Beecham Review will bring new impetus to this challenge.”
The Welsh Assembly Government has also invested nearly £2m through the Making the Connections Improvement Fund to support public services to further develop collaboration in Wales including examining Waste management systems, back office services and new innovations around Telecare.
For copies of the Review of Local Service Delivery please click the link on the right.
For more information contact: Paul Charkiw