Managing conflicting demands within today’s local authorities

Local Government today faces a barrage of conflicting and complex demands to increase efficiency, save money and work in a more integrated way with other local public sector organisations. In addition they have to ensure that they continue to support the local economy and foster economic diversity. Pressure falls on the Procurement department to help produce the savings, efficiencies and collaboration opportunities to meet these demands. Spikes Cavell is helping local authorities provide the insight and tools they need to manage their spend intelligence requirements. Spikes Cavell’s successful track record within local authorities means that almost 60% of them have already benefited from the range of spend intelligence services we provide.

The demands of CSR 07

Local Governments universally recognise that the CSR 07 settlement presents them with monumental challenges. With an average of only 1% real terms rise in grant over the next three years, Sir Simon Milton, Local Government Association Chairman declared it to be the “worst settlement for local government in a decade”. He went on to say that “The money allocated to local government is simply not enough for councils to provide everything ministers have promised….” Added to this is the need for local authorities to achieve a 3% efficiency target, which equates to £4.9bn. Given the savings that local authorities have already made, the challenge now will be how to deliver against the new targets, particularly with the large increase in the cashable element. Spikes Cavell spend intelligence solutions can help your local authority to identify those savings opportunities, target your focus to assessing collaborative opportunities and measure your progress. To find out how Spikes Cavell could deliver results for your local authority organisation contact us for more information.