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Commercialisation: Safeguarding the future of local public service delivery

Our latest report has been developed in association with leading publication, Local Government Chronicle, to assess the commercial challenges, the commercial models available and the strategies being adopted by local authorities and other public bodies across the UK. 

Falling revenues, political and economic uncertainty and austerity have all increased pressure on local authorities and other public sector bodies, and present a real risk to their ambitions to deliver effective services and build economic and cultural development in their areas. While there has long been talk of the need to commercialise public services, failure to do so now threatens their ability to safeguard local public services. Conversely, ministers are urging caution about commercialisation with some raising legitimate concerns about risk.

We consulted over 150 local authorities, conducted in-depth interviews and hosted a roundtable, gaining views from senior executives, elected members, trading company directors, local enterprise partnerships and the private sector to provide real insight into this rapidly developing agenda.

Our report addresses critical issues such as:

  • How financially viable is public sector-led commercial activity and what are the options for the sector?
  • What can we learn from the successes and failures of local authorities and other public bodies so far?
  • In which areas do local authorities expect additional revenues in the future?
  • How will risk be managed in light of concerns from ministers?
  • Does the sector have the skills to deliver its commercial objectives?

Download the report

Report produced in association with
LGC

The public sector team at DWF has been advising an increasing number of organisations on commercial matters in recent years and in producing this report, we hope to provide the insight and advise to help you develop and implement your commercial strategies in the coming years.

DWF is delighted to have been appointed to the Crown Commercial Service framework for Wider Public Sector – Legal Services. For more information or to appoint us through the framework, please contact a member of the team.

DWF - Crown Commerical Services Supplier

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