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I am really surprised that so little questioning and concern has been expressed regarding the Government's recent public sector policy announcements. I cannot help feeling that the likely impact on our sector resembles a severe storm gathering momentum in the distance. In terms of local government, significant changes appear to be accompanying large cuts. Local government may be given a far greater role in local matters with responsibility for integrated public service within the new budget constraints, Big Society and area-based budgets. Stephen Weigel is chief executive at Tandridge DC And while there are numerous contradictions from government ministers, I believe these are probably aberrations, and that there is an overall, genuine desire on the part of the new coalition to empower local government and other local public representatives to ensure the challenges are managed in the best possible way. But this could also be read as a strategy to avoid criticism and divert attention away from Whitehall. At present, much is being made of the Big Society and localism approaches. However, there is a lack of data on exactly where the cuts will be targeted, and even less detail on the impact locally for people and businesses on service and local government support. With large budgets being ring-fenced for protection, a much larger proportion of cuts will be put on to local government. I have noticed that in other countries such as Greece, the announcement of these large budget reductions has led to significant public reactions – something that has not occurred to date in the UK, and again may reflect our current culture and attitude. In France and Germany, the thunder of public option appears to have arrived before the lightning. I have heard comments that some politicians need to change their behaviour and views, now that they are in government as opposed to Opposition. Central and local government must seize this opportunity to communicate and listen to one another, and compromise to broker the best outcome for our new Big Society, so it comes together nationally from a stronger local base. Something both central government and local government will be acutely aware of is the reaction of workers, trade unions, the public and local businesses. I believe the eye of the storm will be on us during 2011, and will be the loudest thunder of public reaction we have experienced for many years. Stephen Weigel is chief executive at Tandridge DC

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WHITEHALL

District View

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