Modernisation of Commissioning moves one step closer

Government plans for transforming public sector commissioning are outlined in its Green Paper Modernising Commissioning: Increasing the role of charities, social enterprises, mutual and cooperatives in public service delivery.

Two key reasons lie behind plans to increase involvement of civil society organisations in delivery of public services; the first is to shift power from central government to local communities.

The aim is to change commissioning practices, to encourage greater involvement of people and communities in providing services that were the domain of the state.

Second, is to improve quality and efficiency of services by removing unnecessary duplication and equipping commissioners with good quality information needed to make informed decisions.

Minister for Civil Society Nick Hurd said:

“Public services must make better use of tax-payer’s money. We need smarter commissioning processes that take into account the social and environmental impact of organisations awarded contracts.

"Good performance in these areas can take pressure off other public services and so create efficiencies across the board.”

Deadline for comments on the Green Paper was 5 January 2011. Conclusions from consultation on the paper will be included in a wider Public Service Reform White Paper to be published early this year.

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