Public Services White Paper launched
The government has launched its white paper on the reform of public services. After much delay the Cabinet Office has published the Open Public Services white paper which will be followed over the summer by ‘a wide-ranging discussion with individuals, communities, public sector staff, providers and others with an interest in how public services are delivered’ on a dedicated website. The paper’s plans are based on 5 principles, choice, decentralisation, diversity, fairness and accountability. It sets out the direction government wishes commissioning of most public services to go in and could redefine the nature of the local public sector. Katy Wing, NAVCA’s Director of Improving Local Services, said “The Open Public Service White Paper has the potential to harness the power of local charities and voluntary organisations. But this won’t happen unless the Government ensures an intelligent approach to commissioning by placing social value at the heart of public services. “We are pleased to see the unequivocal recognition in the white paper that action is needed to remove barriers for small, local organisations. NAVCA’s commissioning and procurement team knows the difficulties local charities face and we will offer the Government constructive proposals to make commissioning work better for smaller charities. “Intelligent commissioning benefits local citizens and communities - those that pay for and use the services. It allows proper recognition of the wider social value local voluntary organisations bring to service delivery, such as volunteering and the close involvement of local people in shaping services.”
