Localising efficiency - More than just saving money

Following on from Best Value and organisational improvement through comprehensive audit and inspection, the Government's efficiency drive seeks to focus political and managerial attention at the local level on improving productivity and optimising resource use. This paper examines the practical managerial questions that need to be addressed by councils if they are to deliver improved services at higher levels of productivity. While improved efficiency is an important factor in local public service management, it remains a means and not an end in itself. Moreover, the multi-purpose character of local government requires a sophisticated approach to improving local service efficiency.