FINANCE

Integration is the history lesson we must remember

The Localis Level Measures research programme and report reinforces how the whole eco-system of public services needs to work closer than ever to lead and define what levelling up means at the local level, says Andrew Foster.

History tells us that things will improve.

Macro-economic challenges will lessen, advances in technology will offer hope (but may create new issues of their own), and demographic pressures will change. But right now, the complex and challenging nature of delivering public services at a local level has never been under more pressure.

Rising inflation and increasing costs of energy, foods and other products are fuelling significant increases in the cost of delivering public services, and constantly evolving demographic pressures are creating further budgetary and social challenges that will not be solved by local government alone.

But history offers another insight that is sometimes overlooked when, understandably, the primary focus has to remain on service delivery during such tough times. Public service integration – collaboration between different services within local government and with external partners across other sectors – can make a very real and significant difference.

Integration can be that ecosystem of delivery – where innovations in technology are complemented by shared learning and practice across organisations, with actors adopting relational rather than contractual mindsets. It will mean the role of the public sector worker, local authorities, and their private and not-for-profit sector partners, will need to change if regions are to be successful in providing meaningful support for their communities. But get this right and strategic partnering will support the long-term provision of services where the emphasis is clearly on the needs and outcomes of residents and communities.

Integration is also a clear recommendation coming from the Localis Level Measures report; a significant research programme that provides invaluable insight and understanding for some of the most complex challenges affecting our communities and shines a light on how they are being solved.

The relationship between public, third and private sectors has never been more important, and Level Measures reinforces how the whole eco-system of public services needs to work closer than ever to lead and define what levelling up means at the local level. There is no value in paying lip service to the lessons from history. It is now time to really take note and respond to such insight.

Andrew Foster is Strategic Partnerships Director - Capital Local Public Services

•Level Measures can be downloaded here 

Opinion: Level Measures

This article is sponsored content for The MJ

FINANCE

Co-production is the key to success

By Georgina Walton | 08 November 2024

Georgina Walton and David Rees look at how the innovative use of co-production at Kent CC is improving the deployment of technology enabled care to support t...

FINANCE

Five star performance for Everyone Active

06 November 2024

Leisure operator Everyone Active celebrates five awards at ukactive Awards 2024, including top honours for National Centre and Outstanding Organisation of th...

FINANCE

Are women finally breaking the leadership glass ceiling?

By Dawn Faulkner | 06 November 2024

Dawn Faulkner looks at the recent changes in national and local leadership and believes genuine progress is being made in both the private and public sectors.

FINANCE

The measure of success is a shift in how councillors are viewed

By By Mo Baines | 06 November 2024

Many across the sector have welcomed the announcement of proposals to review the standards regime for councillors, says Mo Baines. But successful implementat...

Popular articles by Andrew Foster