The narrow majority for Brexit in the recent EU Referendum could have substantial consequences for UK public procurement.
This may not have been the result that many of us voted for but given the Government feels it must now press ahead to take the UK out of the EU, it is important to take measure of and understand the potential...
The government is pressing ahead with the privatisation of many services and outsourcing. In fact, central and local government, the NHS and wider public sector are relentlessly extending the reach, scope and volume of public service outsourcing. A change in Conservative leader could accelerate this.
In part, this is a direct result of government policy to redefine and reduce the...
If ever there was a time for bold, brave focussed leadership in the voluntary and community sector, at both national and local level, surely it is now?
And this must particularly be case in respect of the local community and small charity sector, which are the backbone of strong communities and the catalyst for local social action.
Given contemporary social and...
The outcome of the UK wide referendum on 23rd June will have significant long term implications for the country’s governance, politics, economy, environment, public services, employment rights, social mobility, migration, refugees, asylum status ... and so much more.
Indeed, whatever the outcome, the referendum will result in what is effectively a new constitutional settlement, which will have implications for many...
Local government is changing and faces the most severe financial test for many decades, certainly in the experience and memories of both its political and executive leaders.
After more than five years of cuts in central government support, more are planned for the remainder of this Parliament. Worse still, the axe is not falling evenly across local authorities and nor...
“The Cabinet Office’s failure to manage the risks around the move to two independent shared service centres from the outset means that the programme has not achieved the significant anticipated savings and benefits to date. The Cabinet Office has begun to find its role in leading the programme but the delays have meant that technology has moved on significantly....
This Thursday’s council elections will inevitably result in changes of political administration and leadership across the country. Even where the same political party retains its majority, there will likely be significant changes in the membership of council cabinets and scrutiny committees.
The voluntary and community sector, on behalf of local communities, must be ready for such changes. Local leaders in...
Whilst the debate rages (or tries to) on the merits of the UK remaining a member of the European Union or leaving, there have been some significant changes to the EU public procurement regulations.
Whether the UK remains a member or not, it is almost certain that EU regulations will shape our own domestic procurement law for many years to...
English devolution is gathering pace. The Government is set on supporting devolution to combined local authorities and directly elected mayors across England. Local government is responding with enthusiasm and energy.
There are many arguments to be made for this policy though the extent of the devolved powers and the transfer of resources to support these powers bears detailed scrutiny and...