Direct method vs tender touch

Article Abstract:

It has become common for district councils to opt to sell off their direct service organisation (DSO), especially in order to avoid the restrictions of the Local Authorities (Goods and Services) Act, under which they cannot sell to other authorities or in the private market. In many cases, externalisation has been chosen, giving the DSO a high level of commercial freedom. However, there are now signs that externalisation may not give all the benefits originally anticipated, and could cause prices to rise and quality to fall.

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Workers at the deep end

Article Abstract:

It has become increasingly common in the UK for local councils to transfer the running of leisure centres to their employees. This trend has led to significant improvements in customer numbers, quality of service, investment and income. It is also being seen by councils as a way of divesting themselves of the problems associated with leisure centres, many of which are in poor repair and have suffered from insufficient investment. It is possible that councils will also move out of other forms of leisure provision.

Commercial and Institutional Building Construction, Nonresidential construction, not elsewhere classified, Recreational Buildings, Construction, Leisure industry, Recreational facilities

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Town halls' winning slogan: new chiefs, new performance

Article Abstract:

Many local authorities in the UK have adopted the corporate management model. This transition is likely to become even more common if approval is given to a private member's Bill that would pave the way for Cabinet-style control of local authorities. The corporate management model is no longer regarded as merely a passing trend, and seems likely to become firmly established. It has already been shown to be successful in Kirklees, England, where there has been a significant rise in cross-service working.

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