Public Services at the Crossroads
Article
In the recent past, too much of the reform agenda has been focused on the relationship between government and the public services. This has been reflected in an emphasis on top-down performance management. In large part this report is about various forms of decentralisation. However, this implies new bargains and responsibilities on all sides, as well as a change of approach at the centre. Decentralisation can only happen if local government and the public service workforce take on the challenge of becoming more ambitious, more accountable and more responsive to their users and their local public. Meanwhile, we also need to engender new behaviours and attitudes on the part of citizens and service users themselves. As well as being equipped with the information, capabilities and support necessary to navigate and govern their services, the public should also be encouraged and expected to exhibit responsibility in their use of them.
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