10.04.13
22% of public sector leaders believe service quality improving
Funding and budget cuts remain the top concern of public sector leaders, a new survey by Ipsos MORI suggests. However, the research indicated a range of ways organisations were working to deliver the same quality of services in a different way.
51% of leaders cite cuts as their biggest concern, with the number rising to 74% for local government leaders. Just 16% of public sector leaders expect the economic situation of the UK to improve in the next 12 months and 85% are concerned about the impact of budget cuts in the next year.
But 94% understand the Government’s objectives and priorities for their sector well and 54% think their organisation provides a similar quality service since the cuts, with 22% stating it has improved and 22% saying the quality has suffered.
92% of leaders surveyed have developed new ways of working to deliver the same quality of services in a different way, including working in partnership with different organisations, cutting back on pay increases and reducing managerial and back office functions.
Head of political research at Ipsos MORI, Gideon Skinner said: “Public sector leaders display a mix of traditional British stoicism as much as pessimism when it comes to the current state of public services.
“Despite budget cuts and the challenges around implementing the reforms, as many think their services are getting better as worse, which matches what is happening among the public with satisfaction levels with several services still holding up. The question is, can this be preserved with the pressures on the public finances only likely to increase.”
Tell us what you think – have your say below, or email us directly at [email protected]