Some Puzzles and Paradoxes of the Efficiency Agenda—and a Way Forward

This article is a contribution from a local government practitioner to a more theoretical consideration of the Gershon efficiency agenda. It unpacks the concept of efficiency as it is currently interpreted for local authorities by the government and questions whether this reflects an adequate appreciation of the local government role. After exploring a series of practical difficulties in the measurement of efficiency, the author outlines an alternative approach, better integrated with other elements of the local government performance management regime.