Alan Downey, head of KPMG’s public sector business, comments on the Government’s “Open Public Services” White Paper:
“The White Paper marks a watershed in the approach to the delivery of public services and could usher in a revolution that will transform the public sector landscape.”
“In the future public services - schools, university education, housing or the NHS - all will be opened up to a range of providers, including voluntary and private sector organisations as well as existing in-house providers. The government is no longer to specify which sector should deliver which service, rather it will put money in the hands of service users and will give people the power to make choices that are best for them.”
“What the government needs to do next is to specify which services are to be opened up and how the principle of competition will be put into effect. It needs to move quickly to translate its statement of intent into practice: That means publishing a comprehensive list of the services that are to be opened up to competition and the timetable for allowing potential new providers to bid.”
“I have no doubt that the direction of travel is correct and will lead to radical improvements in the services provided to citizens and the value obtained by tax payers. As always, setting out the strategy is the easy bit. The hard work will come when the ideals of the White Paper are put into practice.”
For further information please contact:
Katrin Boettger
Phone/Direct Line: 02078964232
Mobile:07824475168
E-Mail: katrin.boettger@kpmg.co.uk
About KPMG
KPMG LLP, a UK limited liability partnership, is a subsidiary of KPMG Europe LLP and operates from 22 offices across the UK with nearly 11,000 partners and staff. The UK firm recorded a turnover of £1.6 billion in the year ended September 2010. KPMG is a global network of professional firms providing Audit, Tax, and Advisory services. We operate in 150 countries and have more than 138,000 professionals working in member firms around the world. The independent member firms of the KPMG network are affiliated with KPMG International Cooperative ("KPMG International"), a Swiss entity. KPMG International provides no client services.
