Ongoing research: The role of councils as strategic commissioners

Author: Localis - Apr 13, 2011

Posted in: Reform and Personalisation of Public Services / The total approach in the delivery of public services / Work in progress

The current economic climate provides an opportunity and a challenge for local government to operate radically differently, ensuring the provision of better services at lower cost. With extended powers to innovate, trade and commission services in new ways, and a focus on shared budgets and problem solving according to defined ‘place’, this project will demonstrate that councils can, in collaboration with the private and third sectors, reduce waste and bureaucracy and solve many of the complex social issues which affect local areas. This agenda links closely with current thinking around the decentralization agenda and particularly the Big Society and Total Place.

For more details on this project please contact Tom Shakespeare: tom.shakespeare@localis.org.uk

• "Localis is fast gaining a reputation for pre-empting the localist agenda, producing thought provoking research and practical policy ideas"Anthony Seldon, author and political commentator
• "Localis’ commitment to decentralisation crosses party boundaries, and their research illuminates policy problems with new practical thinking"Prof George Jones, LSE
• "Localis offers a great blend of a passion for innovation, grounded practical ideas and unswerving belief in the possibilities of local governance"Derek Myers, Chief Executive, Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea

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