Local government minister, John Healey, has unveiled new guidance on efficiency – and distributed the cash to pay for it regionally. Launching a ‘prospectus' for efficiency, Mr Healey paid tribute to councils' efficiency gains, but warned it ‘doesn't mean more can't be done, particularly when figures show that not all councils are making the most of the support and opportunities available to them'. Mr Healey also announced how the £185m cash for regional improvement and efficiency partnerships would be broken down to the regions over the next three years. Chair of the LGA improvement board, David Shakespeare, said the prospectus was an ‘important step'. But, he added: ‘Consideration should be given to streamlining the support provided by different government departments.' The Government also claimed 46% of councils were working with regional centres of excellence on procurement, and only 38% were involved in share procurement with other councils.
