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Open Public Services White Paper - first thoughts

 Cabinet Office, HM Government, July 11th 2011

 What is its intention?

'The Open Public Services White Paper sets out how the Government will improve public services. By putting choice and control in the hands of individuals and neighbourhoods, public services will become more responsive to peoples' needs.'

What does it say?

The White Paper provides the context and principles behind plans that are already in development, such as through the proposed NHS reforms and the Localism Bill. It refers to three levels of public services: individual, neighbourhood and commissioned services, and sets out five key reform principles: increasing choice, decentralising power, opening up public services to a diverse range of providers, ensuring fair access to public services and accountability to users and taxpayers. It includes the following specific proposals:

  • expanding personal budgets to shift financial control and choice to individuals

  • extending community budget pilots and payment by results

  • development of neighbourhood councils to take over local services and expand community ownership (including community right to buy and community asset transfer).

  • introduction of more “fair access” policies including targeting funding at more disadvantaged areas

There is a commitment to regularly assessing barriers faced by new providers, particularly “smaller private, voluntary and charitable enterprises”, and a new national training programme for commissioners.

What are our first thoughts?

  • We are pleased the White Paper recognises the potential of voluntary organisations to play an active role in delivering innovative services that meet the needs of the most disadvantaged.

  •  We are concerned that, rather than opening up opportunities, the reforms will create an environment where local voluntary organisations are unable to compete with large private sector companies.

  •  We want to see more intelligent local commissioning practice that recognises the value the local voluntary sector contributes to communities, economies and environment.

  • We welcome the commitment to ensuring that the voluntary sector shouldn’t bear a disproportionate reduction in public spending but we know from our research that Yorkshire & Humber, and the north, is already suffering a disproportionate level of cuts in comparison to other regions. The voluntary and public sectors need capacity, time and proper evaluation to make good decisions on service reform.

  • We think that clarity about accountability between public bodies (at different levels) and decentralised services needs more detail. For example, between the neighbourhood and a Parish Council.

What happens next?

  1. July – September: consultation period.

  2. November: the Government will indicate how these proposals will go forward, including new legislation.

How can you get involved?

More information

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