Report of the Local Government Efficiency Review Group

that just because these recommendations do not carry a figure with them
does not imply that they are any less important. In some cases however the
Group is confident that these additional recommendations would lead to
significant savings, even if it was not possible to put a specific figure on the
savings involved. Other non-financial recommendations are also not taken
into account in the figures above, but would lead to significant
improvements in service quality.
14.3 Implementation Plan
14.3.1 The implementation and the timing of the implementation of the individual
recommendations contained in this Report are matters for the Government.
The Group has set out in respect of each recommendation, as appropriate,
an indicative timeframe for delivery and the associated efficiency gains and
savings that can be potentially achieved.
14.3.2 It is acknowledged that the implementation of some of the recommendations
within the envisaged timescales will be challenging and will require
determined engagement by the relevant interests involved. Nevertheless, it
is essential that the recommendations be carried forward without delay.
The Group therefore recommends that appropriate arrangements are put in
place as soon as possible to oversee and monitor the implementation of the
recommendations and to ensure that the efficiency gains and savings are
attained within the timescales identified. One possible approach is that a
small Local Government Efficiency Review Implementation Group is
established, with an independent chairperson.
14.3.3 An annual report on progress made in the implementation of the Report’s
recommendations and the attainment of the efficiency gains and savings
against the indicative timeframes should be made by the Implementation
Group to the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government.
14.3.4 The Group further recommends that local efficiency review groups, where
they are not already established, be set up in each county and city council
(and where appropriate each joint administrative area) to drive forward the
implementation of the recommendations at the local level. These groups
should be appropriately represented by local authority staff with requisite
skills and seniority in the implementation areas concerned, and focus on
leading and nurturing an efficiency culture and awareness of the need for
efficiencies throughout the organisation.
14.3.5 The process should involve identifying efficiency measures that are already
being undertaken at different stages of implementation, and new efficiency
measures (including those proposed in the present Review) that will be
undertaken within the local authority, in particular those that will provide
measurable benefits with an emphasis on financial, staffing or resource
savings, and service improvements.
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