Although local government has been achieving efficiency savings through organisational and service improvements for some time, the publication of the Gershon review in England and “Making the Connections” in Wales has provided increased focus, impetus and challenge.
The First Minister published “Making the Connections – Delivering Better Public Services for Wales”, his vision of the future of Welsh public services in Wales, in October 2004. The document is a high level vision for public services which rejects the consumer choice model currently being followed in the English environment and instead stresses voluntary collaboration and joint working between public bodies in Wales. The vision is based around the idea of integrated public services and coordination rather than competition. It also establishes a vision for a “Welsh Public Service” sharing common goals and working together in a more integrated way.
The principles underpinning ‘Making the Connections’ support a process of voluntary collaboration and encouragement to work together, with the prospect of sanctions if this does not occur after a reasonable passage of time. This approach has been welcomed by Welsh local government who have already developed many examples of joint working but accept the need for this to dramatically accelerate.
To further promote and develop joint working arrangements the Association has, together with SOLACE Wales, established four Regional Partnership Boards:
- Central Wales Plus Partnership Board
- Connecting South East Wales
- North Wales Partnership Board
- Regional Partnership Forum for South West Wales
Through these Boards, councils are pooling expertise, sharing best practice and will increasingly plan and deliver joint services. This will not only lead to improved public services but should also see substantial efficiency savings. A number of key subjects and services are being identified as priority areas for efficiency and joint working improvement in local government, ranging from waste, to school transport, contact centres and back-office functions. The Boards are supported by WLGA Regional Coordinators funded by the Assembly Government’s “Making the Connections” Fund.
For more information contact: Paul Charkiw