Despite the uncertainty around the outcome of the general election, there is common ground among the main political parties about the need to pursue the Total Place agenda. Guy Clifton and Nigel Keohane look ahead to see how it might unfold in the next 12 months.
Looking ahead during a general election campaign can often be a hazardous exercise. It is less problematic, however, when national political parties share a common cause. And one such common cause is Total Place.
Last month, the Government published its report on Total Place and set out how this would be taken forward.
In April 2011, major change is being heralded, with high-performing local authorities encouraged to come forward and bid for a ‘single offer' – where they would receive additional freedoms, budgets and responsibilities for their areas. Others may put forward an ‘innovative policy offer – where budgets in specific policy areas would be devolved.
These moves could augur radical reform of the shape and nature of public services and democratic decision-making across the England. The key questions are:
