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Council leaders, civil servants and business leaders met on Wednesday in London to discuss how local authorities could lead the way in public sector efficiency. The meeting was organised by the LGA and chaired jointly by LGA chairman, Dame Margaret Eaton, and communities secretary, Eric Pickles. The seminar was part of a long-term project to help councils realise more savings and continue to deliver value for money. ‘Town halls have been delivering major savings for years and want to ensure that councils and the rest of the public sector can learn from the best performers,' said Dame Margaret. ‘We want to bring together senior figures from local government, ministers, senior civil servants, business and the voluntary sector to have a hard look at how best we can do more for less in these difficult financial times. ‘Councils know cuts are coming and have brought forward proposals for wide-ranging reform to make big savings by radically simplifying the whole public sector,' she added. ‘Local government is the most efficient part of the public sector and has repeatedly exceeded savings targets set by the Government. ‘Whitehall and the rest of the public sector should look at the example set by the best councils as they try to work out how to make public money go further. ‘We believe it is important to work with the Government and others to make sure we cut waste and bureaucracy throughout the public sector, and ensure councils can carry on doing their vital work which touches every family and business in Britain.'

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WHITEHALL

Authorities urged to 'take lead' at LGA summit

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