Thursday, July 13, 2006Privatisation
Outsourcing or privatisation?
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South Tyneside Council intends to find a partner in the private sector to help deliver it's services, they are to spend 800,000 pounds securing the partnership which is intended initially to provide services such as Council tax collection, highways, and housing benefit. I have long been in favour of outsourcing as a means of cost reduction and the private sector, generally, has an enviable record on costs control and profitability when compared to public bodies, naturally Merv Butler, the South Tyneside Branch Secretary of Unison is almost incandescent, this is to be expected and is understandable. Those who have worked for local government for many years will have fears, terpidation, and worries about job security, working conditions, and wages, and because of this talks and consultations will be extensive and comprehensive to ensure a smooth transition. For the public, there are likely to be benefits as private operators seek to achieve targets in an atmosphere of ruthless efficiency, seeing each and every contact as a customer or service user. I recently had to contact a number of retailers via email, Blockbuster Video's HQ in Glasgow replied to me within five minutes, Debenhams within half an hour, Next within fourty minutes. Commercially I have dealt with Northumbrian Water who tend to reply to emails within 24 hours, Scottish Power are very good and reply within the hour, Ford Components at Tyne Dock replied within 30 minutes, and that was on a Sunday. Presently South Tyneside Borough Council find it difficult to reply to my mail within a month! Outsourcing or privatisation? YES PLEASE! Link The Shields Gazette |
About Me Curly Born in 1956 Sanddancer Sunderland fan Male Retailer Former Borough Councillor View my Profile Contact Email Curly south-shields AT blueyonder DOT co DOT uk Got a story? Got a tip off? Got some scandal? Let me know! 07941386870 Search Search this site Comments How do I make a comment on this blog? Links Curly's Corner Shop website Curly's Photoshop My Message Board Shields photo gallery RTG Message Board Sunderland AFC Blog Site Feed Blogroll Me! Past December 2004 January 2005 February 2005 March 2005 April 2005 May 2005 June 2005 July 2005 August 2005 September 2005 October 2005 November 2005 December 2005 January 2006 February 2006 March 2006 April 2006 May 2006 June 2006 July 2006 August 2006 September 2006 October 2006 November 2006 December 2006 January 2007 |