'Radically reconfigure' services, minister tells councils

Neill added that frontline services could be protected as finances get tighter if local authorities start to rethink procurement and become more transparent to get value for money. Speaking at the Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy (Cipfa) conference on 8 September 2010, the minister told the audience that the new government was putting councils "back in control of their own destinies" through advocating localism. "Many councils are already taking steps to make their own efficiencies through innovative and effective working. I want to see more sharing management, expertise and resources. Incremental changes won't be enough. Councils need to think about how they can radically reconfigure services," Neill said. "There is still waste to be driven out - greater transparency and accountability will help identify this potential. It is vital that we all look at where every penny is spent and that citizens are engaged in making these decisions. This is why we want all spending over £500 published online by January." He highlighted a number of local authorities that he believes are leading the way in the drive to make savings through great collaboration, which includes Westminster and Hammersmith and Fulham councils. The two authorities are planning to merge their education departments, which is expected to save £4m in total. Neill also said that the spending review, to be announced on 20 October, will "drive decentralisation across all areas that fund local government". "Departments are considering issues beyond their traditional remits including those that cross administrative boundaries," he added. Looking ahead, he acknowledged that councils will face "real challenges", but said there was still more to be done by local authorities. "There are many things we can do to ensure that frontline services are protected, and that local people are able to hold local government to account," he concluded.