Horizon scanning report: the future of local services and government
From Future of Local Services to the Public
Contents |
Summary
Susan Clayton and Wendy Shultz's report presents a 'digest' of both more and less well recognised issues which may impact on the future role of local governance and provision of local services. Such issues include:
- the effect of climate change
- demographic changes
- increasing levels of migration
- customer design and demand for 'personalised' services
- biomimicry
While seeking not to provide answers to the challenges posed by these future events nor to present them as 'facts', the report is designed to encourage reflection in those involved in policy formation and the planning of services.
Impacts
Clayton and Shultz cover a wide range of topics with global and local impacts. For example:
- the need for local government to consider services in the light of the need to reduce carbon emissions globally;
- the increased demand for adult social care in the light of shifts in demographics;
- the need for local government to deal with more diverse local communities with particular service requirements.
Relevance
The report presents important considerations to those working in all areas of local government, such as housing, community cohesion, and social care services.
References
Clayton, S and Schultz, W (2008) 'Local Government Horizon Scan 2015-2020' Local Government Association
