Press Release
Wednesday 9 December 2009
CIPFA and SOLACE call for clear manifesto promises on public sector cuts
The political parties need to publish transparent proposals on how they would manage public service funding cuts in their forthcoming election manifestos. After the General Election, the Government will need to tackle this issue with real urgency, according to a major new discussion paper.
The call comes from the Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy (CIPFA) and the Society of Local Authority Chief Executives and Senior Managers (SOLACE) in After the Downturn – managing a significant and sustained adjustment in public sector Funding.
After the Downturn was written with input from a range of public sector professionals. It sets out the potential scale of the funding cuts and puts forward three strategic options that Government and the public sector should consider after the next General Election:
- Redefining the relationship between the state and the individual – a reconsideration of three variables: the services provided by the State; the people to whom they are provided; and the way they are funded.
- A significant de-layering of the public sector with many more decisions taken locally with minimal oversight – transferring greater power and responsibility to local authorities and reducing much costly central government control and oversight.
- A major initiative to maximise economies by much more effective collaboration between public bodies – encouraging efficiencies by better joining-up between public bodies, reducing duplication and removing blockages.
Steve Freer, CIPFA Chief Executive said:
‘We are going to have to get used to receiving fewer services. The big challenge for government and public bodies will be to make the right judgements about where cuts should fall. The right way forward must be to engage local people, staff and stakeholders in a serious debate about priorities. We can then make sure we protect the activities which matter most.’
Mike Bennett, Assistant Director-General of SOLACE said:
‘Our report lays bare the challenge facing public services. The need to pay off the UK’s significant debts will mean that public services will no longer be able to continue in their current form. Greater efficiency alone will not be enough to deliver the transformation that is needed. We are arguing for a new deal in public services where people matter more than process and local decision makers are given the freedom to lead.’
ENDS
Contacts
Guy Roberts or Chloe Forbes
CIPFA Press Office
t 020 7543 5712/5787
Graham Taylor
SOLACE
t 07958 932728
Notes to Editors:
The CIPFA/SOLACE discussion paper:
After the Downturn – managing a significant and sustained adjustment in public sector funding can be seen at
www.cipfa.org.uk.
About CIPFA
CIPFA, the Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy, is the professional body for people in public finance. Our 14,000 members work throughout the public services, in national audit agencies, in major accountancy firms, and in other bodies where public money needs to be effectively and efficiently managed. As the world’s only professional accountancy body to specialise in public services, CIPFA’s portfolio of qualifications are the foundation for a career in public finance. They include the benchmark professional qualification for public sector accountants as well as a postgraduate diploma for people already working in leadership positions.
They are taught by our in-house CIPFA Education and Training Centre as well as other places of learning around the world. We also champion high performance in public services, translating our experience and insight into clear advice and practical services. They include information and guidance, courses and conferences, property and asset management solutions, consultancy and interim people for a range of public sector clients.
Globally, CIPFA shows the way in public finance by standing up for sound public financial management and good governance. We work with donors, partner governments, accountancy bodies and the public sector around the world to advance public finance and support better public services.
About SOLACE
The Society of Local Authority Chief Executives and Senior Managers (SOLACE) is the UK professional body for top managers.
SOLACE represents 1,700 of the most senior executives in UK local government and the wider public service, including 95% of council chiefs. SOLACE gives them influence, gives them an unrivalled network and is a source of support when they need it most.
