CIPFA conference, Our Place funding, Kent and North Yorks cuts, Purbeck and Selby savings

CIPFA calls for end to localism “rhetoric”
The Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accounting (CIPFA) used its annual conference this week to launch a discussion paper on the future of local government. CIPFA CEO Steve Freer said: “We need to see meaningful engagement with local public bodies and for the rhetoric of localism to fast become a reality. We’ve heard over the past few days of CIPFA conference how well local public services have managed the impact of reduced funding so far. However public sector leaders both here and in our research are expressing major concerns for the sustainability of frontline services over the next few years.”

Meanwhile at the CIPFA conference incoming president Jaki Salisbury said that there needed to be a “proper conversation” about schools, the NHS and international development rather than them simply being removed from the funding debate. “There is an urgent need for a sense of where we are trying to get to so that our organisations are able to steer the right course,” she said.

Our Place gets £4.3m
The government has announced £4.3m in new funding for the Our Place programme. One hundred communities will be helped to improve, design and deliver local services, building on the success of the Neighbourhood Community Budget Pilots that have been running for the last year. Communities Minister Don Foster said: “We know there’s a real appetite out there for people to volunteer and for local government, the voluntary sector and business to actively engage. And as the 12 pilot programmes have proved with a bit of support, encouragement and advice, community-led approaches can successfully tackle local issues and deliver real results.”

Kent looks for savings
Kent County Council has to save an extra £239m by 2018 following the recent spending review. The council is looking to undergo a “complete transformation” to find the savings and its leader recently said that up to £40m could be saved in adult social care through a reduction on the admin side.

North Yorks cuts adult social care
North Yorkshire County Council is to cut adult social care. The council has a savings target of £92m by 2015 and will offer free social care only to elderly or disabled people judged to have substantial needs. Currently adults with moderate needs or above can receive care. The change will affect around 1000 people. The Leader of the council said that North Yorkshire has been one in only 20 councils who bring people with moderate needs into the care system.

Selby saves through procurement
Selby District Council has saved £330,000 over the last three years through a procurement partnership with neighbouring district councils. The North Yorkshire Procurement partnership consists of Selby, Scarbourough and Ryedale District Councils and was launched in 2009.

Purbeck looks to share services
The Christchurch and East Dorset Partnership shared services agreement may welcome a new partner after Purbeck District Council asked to join it. A business case documenting the pros and cons of expanding the partnership is being constructed.