Local Government
The Government’s ambitious reform agenda for public service
provision, which challenges perceptions about the role and
structure of local government, in particular via the localism and
big society agendas, coincides with a generationally significant
deficit reduction programme. The pace at which these reforms and
cost reductions are being delivered are critically impacting all
public services.
In addition, demographic changes and recession-based economic
pressures mean that local authorities are also facing increasing
demands for services while demand for paid-for services, such as
leisure centres, is reducing.
To ride out this 'perfect storm', local authorities will need to
be resilient to withstand the significant medium-term financial
pressures, while maintaining - if not directly delivering - front
line services. Local government’s responses to these challenges
include a move towards a strategic commissioning role, with
services being delivered via a mixed economy, including in-house,
private sector, and third sector provision. In addition, there is a
growing trend for increased collaboration with other public sector
bodies - including via shared services, shared chief executives,
shared management teams - and even local authority mergers.
In this turbulent market, Grant Thornton has a national team of
experienced local government specialists, including those who have
held senior positions within the public sector, who can provide the
growing range of services and support that our clients require. Our
approach combines a deep knowledge of local government, supported
by an understanding of wider public sector issues, drawn from
working with associated delivery bodies, the Department of
Communities and Local Government and with private sector
organisations working in the sector.
The sector has tough spending limits up to 2014/15 with a sharp
focus on better public services for less. This requires a
relentless focus on delivery of commitments already made, together
with long-term strategic thinking around how services are
commissioned and delivered, and the infrastructure used to support
their delivery.
We take an active role in influencing and interpreting policy
developments affecting local government and responding to
Government consultation documents and their agencies. We also
produce client briefings on key issues and run topical update
seminars.
We offer a variety of services including, audit and assurance, tax and advisory services,
covering advice on: infrastructure
finance; efficient real estate and
asset management; public services
advisory and energy and
environment. We work closely with CIPFA providing training on
technical issues and in recognition of sound governance's impact on
future public sector management, we are proud to be sponsoring the
Corporate Governance category at the LGC Awards 2012.