A new Management Consultancies Association (MCA) policy paper, “We can cut the deficit: Ten proven ways of reducing the public sector deficit while improving public services” sets out ten suggestions for cutting the public sector deficit. The paper, which has been circulated to senior figures within the three main political parties, reveals how public procurement could be reformed, the value of built assets could be unlocked and back office functions could be made more efficient.
Alan Leaman, Chief Executive of the MCA said:
“We can reduce the deficit while continuing to raise the performance of our public services. The current crisis in the government’s finances could be the catalyst for a giant step forward in the organisation and effectiveness of the public sector. Organisations of the scale and complexity of modern government can secure these sorts of savings, given the will and the skills to do so. Whatever the result of the election, it is vital that the incoming administration takes swift action to reduce the deficit.”
The policy tips suggested by members of the MCA could save the government over £25bn each year while protecting and improving frontline services. Major savings identified include £11bn savings across London by increasing government agency collaboration, £8bn which could be saved by sharing services, and over £6bn which could be saved by applying Lean principles to the NHS. Contributors to the report include Alsbridge, Atos Origin, Bourton Group, Digital Public, EC Harris, Navigant, PIPC and PricewaterhouseCoopers.