Professor of Politics and Governance at UK’s University of Southampton, Gerry Stoker, was one of the keynote presenters at the recent Local Government Association of Queensland’s annual conference. He advocates that councils consider moving to a public value management model wherein they provide the services that people want rather than concentrating all their efforts on cost savings.
He believes that the principles of the best value model are overly concerned with measurement and performance reviews. Professor Stoker describes this as “a targets and terror strategy” that doesn’t mean much to citizens but is much more a game played by one level of government on another.
“Efficiency gains will ultimately be swallowed up by increasing costs,” he said. “The test should be: Is your council achieving the outcomes your residents want?”
He said under a public value model, it is vital to develop avenues to find out what people actually want through meaningful market research.
“Move to smarter engagement with your residents,” Professor Stoker said. “Recognise that most people prefer to talk about actual services or operations rather than strategies for the future.
“But at the same time don’t be afraid to talk to people about budgetary matters and trade offs that may need to be made, such as setting priorities.”
He said that councils need to provide the resources and skills so their residents are able to participate, and then by building community identity ensure that they will want to have their say.
“It is important to provide a range of opportunities so people feel comfortable to have their say,” he said. “Some will prefer online surveys or a direct face to face interview rather than attending a public meeting. Be sure to respond to the feedback you have gathered so people know that their views have been considered.
“Local Government has a great role to play in the future of governance. In spite of global issues and global solutions, people still want to improve their own locality – where they are in control and that they own.”
For further information go to the University of Southampton’s Centre for Citizenship and Democracy website at www.soton.ac.uk/ccd
