Owen Mapley called on Kier Starmer and the incoming Labour government to begin work this year – starting with the Spending Review – to change the way the public sector works for communities across the country.
“The Spending Review must herald the end of short-termism and ad hoc instability,” he said.
“We encourage the government to embrace new and more sustainable approaches to planning and resourcing public services which have been severely depleted.
“It is an opportunity to give hope to those facing demands that far outstrip their constrained resources leading to growing waiting lists, public dissatisfaction and growing budget deficits.
“New approaches to capital funding can support the renewal of dilapidated public service infrastructure and allow investment in the latest technologies to improve service performance.”
Mapley said “a mission-driven government can redefine how public services are funded, empowered and supported”.
He called for more predictable funding cycles, which should lead to better-designed services, encourage innovation and increase transparency in decision-making, forming “a foundation for sustainable economic growth”.
Greater value for money can be found through shifting services towards early interventions, he said, and through better collaboration between central government and all public service organisations – not just in the public sector but also including local people and voluntary organisations.
Mapley also called for a “principled and sustainable approach to devolution, with place-based decision-making at its core”, which he said would strengthen accountability and the country’s efforts towards sustainable growth and net zero.
He made strong mention of propriety and standards – aspects of government felt by many to have declined in recent years and which formed a key part of Labour’s promise to the electorate.
“As custodians of standards in public finance, CIPFA is well placed to help achieve this goal,” Mapley said.
“We will work with the government to reform governance and audit, champion professionalism and renew people’s trust and confidence in public service.
“We hope and expect the new government to improve outcomes for service users, support our great public servants, and secure value for money for taxpayers. As the experts in public financial management, CIPFA and its members are ready to provide advice, support and partnership to pursue these important ambitions.”