In this time of uncertainty over the services we receive from the public sector it is very much worthwhile looking at who will be expected to deliver, how much and how.
Services are already shrinking and staff are being laid off in their thousands across the country. Do not be under any illusion, it's going on here too.
The people who live, work and study in the Borough need to be involved in the important decision making that will be taking place at various places as to how any shortfall will be picked up or, even more importantly, if it will at all.
The Government has made a number of woolly statements that services that cannot be afforded should be handed over to the community. Who does this mean? Undoubtedly there are capable people within our communities but they don't have the administrative backup to be efficient. Some may say this applies equally to local government and other statutory bodies but we know in reality that in the main we have a reasonably efficient and accountable system in place. This is about to change.
Volunteers will need to be supported in their delivery of services. Who will give that support? Presumably not the public sector as they wont have the money. This then leaves either the Voluntary and Community Sector (VCS) or private/social enterprise.
If we are looking at the VCS then who are we talking about? Do Mr and Mrs Resident know who VCS are? Do they have trust in their ability to facilitate and deliver important public services? Will they have a say in that provision? Unlikely - under the current system of public involvement the bog standard way is to invite the people who are already involved to 'public' meetings - these people tend to be outnumbered by 'officers' from agencies and organizations. The problems experienced by the public sector will be viewed as opportunities by the VCS, they will already be positioning themselves to pick up the juiciest bits. The same applies to the private sector, there will be interest shown in anything that can make profit but services that cannot be made to pay (largely those delivered to our most vulnerable) WILL STILL NEED TO BE PAID FOR! Who is going to pick up the tab?
It is well recognised that many people do not mind who does what as long as it is actually done. However there are a large number of people who do care but are unable to get involved for a number of reasons ranging from work commitments to health problems to child care to travel problems. These people need to be included - YOU have the right to have your voice heard - WE have a responsibility now that we have elected this government to ensure that the 'woolly' is translated into workable solutions. THEY need to facilitate the meaningful involvement of as many interested people as is humanly possible.
Lots of questions - not so many answers...
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