The challenge of local government delivery

This article focuses on the challenge facing transformed local government in actually delivering the developmental role and services set out in the Constitution. The White Paper on Local Government sets out an extremely ambitious agenda, identifying municipalities as a main vehicle for improving living conditions for the majority of the population. Successful delivery is critical. The current UK Local Government reform programme is based on the concept of ‘best value’, ie the continuous search to improve the quality, efficiency and effectiveness of public services through year‐on‐year improvement. The article suggests a simple and straightforward implementation model based on three integrated elements: an annual member cycle for the systematic consideration and review of the application of resources to identified priority community needs; adopting a limited number of critical success factors and incorporating these into officer performance appraisal.

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Executive Director, Solace International, Pontefract, West Yorkshire; Former Chief Executive of the South Yorkshire Metropolitan County Council; Chair of Northern Counties Housing Association; Independent member of West Yorkshire Police Authority; Member of the Audit and Performance Committee; Chair of Ackworth Moor Top School Governors, Trustee/Director of Homeless International; Director of South African Housing Support Network Trust with special UK support responsibility for Ivory Park Township in Midrand, Khayalami.