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As a local government chief executive, I often hear that, since the turn of the century, we have presided over a period of unprecedented change. Things are certainly different, no doubt. And if performance indicators are to be believed, services have definitely improved. But what is also evident is that the public are less satisfied with services, in spite of these improvements. In Stratford-upon-Avon DC, like many others, we go into the new financial year with a reduced number of staff and budget, but with little reduction in services. However, the message that will go out in sections of the national media is that local government continues to waste money, and anyone who leaves is receiving a massive pay-off, all at the hard-pressed taxpayers' expense, irrespective of the facts. Grudgingly, we have to accept that, for many of the public, words about local government speak far louder than actions. However, that should not detract us from improving what we deliver, particularly in terms of value for money. Having a passion for delivering great customer service, means rising above the way local government is portrayed, and ensuring we deliver better services, whatever is put in our way. The public have a right to demand better service standards, and we must thrive on meeting those demands. But, the way local government shares this creativity and innovation is just as important. The recent Beacon awards gave an opportunity for such excellence to be ‘showcased'. Innovation from across the country was there for all to see, and sharing the learning will be even more noteworthy. There are few better ways of providing value for money in the public sector than helping others in the local government family to benefit from our lessons learned. All that said, we would not be human if we did not want to shout from the highest mountains that the stories in the press are short of the reality we all experience on a daily basis. Come to think of it, and better still, let us use negative stories to motivate us to show what good we do in local government. I bet that story will not be front page news! Paul Lankester is chief executive of Stratford-upon-Avon DC

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WHITEHALL

District View

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