Many public service organisations are raising their
game to meet the demands of 21st century citizens, according
to citizens first, the first Modernising Government annual report
out today.
The report highlights more than 45 examples in which
even a small shift in approach has made all the difference to the
public.
Citizens first has been produced in an
easy-to-read magazine style to help bring the modernising government
agenda to life.
This was "not to blow our own trumpet, but to
show that progress is being made….to motivate us all", said
Cabinet Office Minister of State Ian McCartney who launched the report
at the TUC Conference in Glasgow.
He said the report was mainly aimed at helping to
encourage the public sector.
"All too often people, including politicians,
run down public services and the people working in them. But all manner
of improvements are being made that give a better deal for
citizens."
He said that in July’s Spending Review, public
services were given the investment they need to deliver reforms as well
as tough new targets to meet in the highest priority areas, published
openly in the new Public Service Agreements.
Mr McCartney said,
"We still have much to do, but it’s a good
start."
Citizens first shows how central government is
working in partnership with town halls and the private and voluntary
sectors to meet people’s aspirations in the 21st century.
Education, health, welfare, business and social
inclusion are just some of the topics put under the spotlight in the
report.
For example: modern policy means that homelessness is
being tackled in a new way; modern service delivery finds an estate
agent-style shop to help pick out the right council house; latest
technology helps parents select a school for their children from the
comfort of their own home; modern management has given local government
staff new ways of working.
Mr McCartney said that many public services had
improved thanks to the application of new technologies which have made
it much easier for people of all ages to get the information – and the
results – that they want.
Others have moved ahead because of closer attention
to traditional values such as listening carefully to what customers want
– and then delivering.
Welcoming the "impressive" examples in the
report, the Prime Minister says in a foreword:
"I am passionate about public service. A central
task of this Government is to make the argument for public services, to
move beyond the false choice between big and small government to a
constructive debate about how we make government as effective as
possible.
"Investment is the first step. That’s why in
July, the Chancellor of the Exchequer announced the biggest investment
in public services of modern times. This is a huge opportunity for
everyone who works in public services.
"But with that opportunity comes a real
responsibility – a responsibility to use those resources effectively,
efficiently and imaginatively.
"That is why our investment is tied to clear
targets. By being specific about what outcomes we want but
flexible about how they should be achieved, we can free up public
services to innovate. In particular we can give power to those at the
front line who know best how to improve services and meet the needs of
their users."
