Cabinet Office
Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster John Hutton MP today published the Government's response to the Public Administration Select Committee's (PASC) report on Choice, Voice and Public Services. In it the Government spells out why Choice and Voice mechanisms are critical to driving up standards in public services and beneficial to public service users.
Welcoming PASC's conclusion that choice can be consistent with equity, the Government recognised that choice systems must be well designed with the specific intent of avoiding unfairness or segregation. Choice mechanisms mean allowing people alternatives in the public services they use, primarily through choice of provider and choice of service.
John Hutton said:
'The Government welcomes the PASC report and sees the Committee's comments and recommendations as a valuable contribution to the thinking on choice and voice.
'Our response outlines our commitment to the delivery and reform of public services. We believe that the strengthening of choice and voice mechanisms can contribute significantly to this important agenda.'
Voice mechanisms are the way in which people's opinions and preferences are heard. For instance, this could be through the ballot box, participation in the governance of public bodies, surveys and focus groups. The Government recognises the importance of voice mechanisms and is committed to strengthening them. For instance, working with local authorities, the Government is looking at using voice mechanisms to improve neighbourhoods. This will enable users to express their views about the effectiveness of services.
1. The Command Paper Choice and Voice in the Reform of Public Services is available on the OPSR website:
> Government response to the Public Administration Select Committee's Report - Choice, Voice and Public Services (pdf, 475kb)
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