26 November 2004
Senior public sector figures have spelled out their disappointment with the government after this year's Queen's Speech failed to outline an overarching vision for the future of public services.
The legislative programme outlined at the state opening of Parliament on November 23 was dominated by security and crime, and had little to say about frontline services.
Trade unions and public sector organisations gave the speech, the last before an expected general election in May, a lukewarm reception and highlighted a series of apparent shortcomings.
Dave Prentis, general secretary of the largest public sector union Unison, said ministers needed to recognise that capacity in services was more important than their philosophy of choice. 'The government must concentrate on giving the electorate what it voted for – good local hospitals, schools, and transport. These are the things that will win it the next election,' he added.
Chris Keates, general secretary of the National Association of Schoolmasters/Union of Women Teachers, called on the government to stop its demands for change.
'It is disappointing to note that after nearly two terms in office, the government is still talking about continuing to reform public services, despite having achieved so much,' she said. 'It is high time this mantra was dropped.'
Sir Sandy Bruce-Lockhart, chair of the Local Government Association, chided ministers for their 'piecemeal' approach to offering users integrated services. 'The government is reluctant to make a consistent and coherent long-term improvement to public services by freeing up councils to join up public services at a local level,' he said.
He warned that the education Bill, which confirms the move to direct school funding as announced by Charles Clarke earlier this year, would 'blow public service reform off course'. It also heralds the introduction of a streamlined inspections system for schools.
Bruce-Lockhart's comments were echoed by Nicholas Boles, director of the think-tank Policy Exchange. 'More laws dictated from Whitehall will not solve problems on the ground unless local communities are given a greater say in how they are implemented,' he said.
The Queen's Speech comprised 37 Bills, of which three, on gambling, school transport and mental capacity, have been carried over from the last parliamentary session. Eight Bills will be published in draft form, including those on mental health, youth justice, Welsh transport, and delivering rural services.
A neighbourhoods Bill will give authorities more powers to tackle environmental blights such as abandoned cars, fly-tipping and noise nuisance by imposing spot fines.
If, as expected, the election is called for May, much of this legislation will not make it on to the statute book.
The government will prioritise Bills that introduce identity cards; set up an organised crime fighting agency; give the police wider powers to test suspects for drugs; and create a single equalities commission to fight discrimination.
PFnov2004
