The Government’s strategy for public service reform has the needs of communities at its heart. Local authorities are being encouraged to exercise their leadership role and focus on these needs to deliver improved outcomes for residents.

There is an increasing emphasis on delivery through partnerships focusing on shared priorities within Local Area Agreements. This includes an enhanced role for the Third Sector. The challenge is to secure improved outcomes whilst achieving greater efficiencies across organisations. Ultimately this requires a fundamental change in how services work.

It is now widely accepted across the political spectrum that citizens and communities have a key role to play in shaping places and public services. We have reached a turning point in understanding the contribution end-users can play in ensuring public services become more responsive.