WIREDGOV

CBI welcomes Open Public Services White Paper

John Cridland, CBI Director-General, said:

“Our public services are in urgent need of reform and the private sector is keen to get on with the job of helping transform them so the public can receive better quality services.

“Citizens should be able to choose from any willing and qualified provider and, like the Government, we believe the best provider should deliver every time.

“This White Paper sets out more than just principles, outlining specific areas which could be opened up. This includes local planning departments, courts and helping excluded children. The Government now needs to be even bolder in turning these ideas into reality on the ground.

“The Work Programme shows how companies of all sizes are successfully working in partnership with social enterprises, community groups and charities. While it is right to recognise the benefits mutuals and smaller providers can offer, the principle of any willing provider also means that larger firms should be able to bring their expertise to bear, and when they achieve better outcomes they should be able to make a reasonable profit. We think the Government could have made this much clearer in the White Paper.”

Notes to Editors: