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A recent report from the thinktank Demos highlights that the government’s ambitious missions risk falling short without greater involvement from various sectors, including businesses and the general public. The report asserts that the traditional “command and control” approach is no longer viable.
Demos is advocating for a strategy of “mass mobilisation” which would engage businesses, charities, unions, and citizens to drive forward key initiatives pledged by the government. These initiatives encompass critical areas such as economic growth, transition to clean energy, crime reduction, revitalizing the NHS, and reforming education.
Although Keir Starmer has expressed a vision of transforming the state to better serve its citizens, there exists a division within Whitehall on the best pathway to accomplish these missions. Some officials support empowering local communities and services to lead changes, while others adhere to a more traditional centralised approach reminiscent of Tony Blair’s tenure.
The Demos report cautions that central authority cannot singularly achieve its objectives, emphasizing that a “command and control” model is inadequate for meaningful reform. It underscores the need for the government to redistribute power and facilitate community engagement.
In the context of healthcare reform, Wes Streeting announced a new direction for the NHS by centralizing some powers back into the Department of Health and Social Care, while also committing to empowering localized healthcare providers.
Chancellor Rachel Reeves reiterated recent cuts to administrative costs by 15% to enhance funding for services directly impacting the public.
Highlighting the necessity for broader public participation, Demos recommends utilizing participatory approaches to engage citizens in the mission initiatives and promoting active civic involvement through volunteering efforts.
The report also proposes establishing external “mission councils” aligned with specific government missions to galvanize collective efforts from all societal sectors towards shared objectives.
Polly Curtis, Demos’s chief executive, stated, “The missions outline a new governance model grounded in clear priorities and collaborative partnerships among the state, business, and society. Attempting to achieve these goals through strict command and control methods is destined for failure. A transformative approach is required, placing partnership at the core of government to unify the nation in advancing together.”
In response to these calls for collaboration, No 10 has initiated a new “partnerships unit” aimed at enhancing connections with society at large.
Nevertheless, the report—sponsored by Serco and the National Council for Voluntary Organisations—raises concerns about Westminster’s tendency to be introspective. It points out several structural and institutional barriers that may hinder mass engagement with national missions.
“There are substantial challenges related to mobilizing support for missions,” the report states. “A significant risk exists that the focus within Westminster and Whitehall may remain overly concentrated on internal reforms and the government’s legislative agenda. While these changes are necessary, they alone will not suffice. We are apprehensive that the government might overlook a vital opportunity to engage all national stakeholders in unified missions over the coming years.”
The Cabinet Office has been contacted for a response regarding these findings.
Source
www.theguardian.com