Treasury commits to PSA roll-out
The government is committed to rolling out public service agreements to all higher level local authorities by 2003, public finance accountants have heard today.
In his first speech since re-election, chief secretary to the treasury Andrew Smith spelled out the government’s aims for local government in the new parliament.
He told delegates at the CIPFA national conference in Bournemouth that tax collector PSAs, which had been piloted in 20 local authorities around the UK, would be introduced in all 150 authorities, claiming it as one of the ambitious attempts to set goals for local service provision.
‘This is a key priority for the next two years,’ Smith said.
He claimed local authorities would be given increased autonomy in how services were delivered provided they met a minimum high and uniform standard. Local authorities would be able to provide extra services in those areas with special needs.
One delegate, however, issued a plea for reduced bureaucracy. Smith responded saying the government should be told where bureaucracy was too onerous.
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