Editorial
Page 4
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Service first
Wherever local government officers gather inevitably they will turn their thoughts and conversation to privatisation of their services. There is no doubt that the Government will pursue its course to hive off as many services as it can, in pursuit of public expenditure economy.
This was not the main theme at Torquay this week when the Institute of Solid Waste management held its annual conference. But there were discussions, albeit private ones.
Few local government men welcome the prospect of losing even a small part of their departmental responsibility. Consequently they will use every conceivable argument to justify retention of their services.
It seems to us that all they are retaining are the headaches which always accompany fleet operation. They could operate much more efficiently, in their principal role, if they gave up the responsibility for transport services but retain their authority.
Their principal duty is to ensure that the community is receiving a high standard of service at the lowest possible cost. This can be achieved by using private contractors, engaged on contract but supervised by the men at 'City Hall'. That way they delegate their authority but retain their responsibility — and their status.
As pressure mounts to cut expenditure so also will it mount on individual officers. Those who put realistic plans before their councils are those who will in the end prove their worth.
In local government the maximum should always be 'service before self'.