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As we approach the end of November (traditionally the first output from the Beaujolais Nouveau harvest) many councils are looking to partnerships and business service re-engineering for quick wins to cut costs and protect services. "In any business of our complexity, and at a time when demand exceeds the resources available, it's vital that we move swiftly forward, without costly or unforeseen mistakes arising as a result." Local government is not always recognised for what it is – a large, complex business, with many products and an even greater number of customers wanting bespoke services. Many people are focused on process and have preconceived ideas without the necessary data or knowledge about where savings and efficiencies can be achieved, and the timescales involved. In any business of our complexity, and at a time when demand exceeds the resources available, it's vital that we move swiftly forward, without costly or unforeseen mistakes arising as a result. I understand that in some areas discussions are taking place where proposals involve employing expensive consultants to analyse the work of potential partner organisations over 12 weeks, and implementing their proposals to make savings from April 2010. What's more, the ideas coming forward involve shedding permanent staff, some with up to 40 years service, and still showing savings from day one with no impact on frontline services. I support partnership working and shared service delivery. In my experience the best outcomes in efficiency and service delivery come from good leadership, trust and careful change management, with the support of staff and others. Given the choice between a glass of Beaujolais Nouveau each weekend or something like a Chiroubles, I would opt for the latter. It costs a similar amount to produce, bottle and label, but through care and attention and time to mature, there is no comparison in terms of quality and longevity of the final product. Also Beaujolais uses a single grape offering less choice and opportunity to vary the product, unlike Bordeaux which generally blends at least three grapes giving the opportunity of greater choice to meet changes in the consumer palate. In the same way private sector companies are often able to concentrate on less variety and complexity than local government. There's a risk that quick solutions may change our range of services for the worse. Beaujolais Nouveau may have easy drinkability, but there is a lot of cheap jug wine out there. Surely we want to avoid this outcome in local government service terms – after all, nobody I know would choose Beaujolais Nouveau all year round and many would avoid the experience completely. Stephen Weigel is chief executive of Tandridge DC

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WHITEHALL

District View

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