The future of public services—what has the budget actually changed?

On 27 November, GGI hosted a webinar to discuss the recent budget's implications for public services, gathering insights from an expert panel.

The conversation was led by Andrew Corbett-Nolan, GGI’s chief executive, with contributions from Daniel Regan, public advisor and associate director at Woburn Partners, and journalist and author Stefan Stern. They discussed the evolving challenges and opportunities in the public sector against the backdrop of fiscal policy.

The session helped to underscore the complexity of managing public services in the current fiscal climate. While the budget may not have ushered in sweeping reforms, it highlighted the critical role of governance, innovation, and community collaboration in shaping the future.

Economic realities and public services
The panel opened by dissecting the budget's immediate and long-term effects. Daniel Regan highlighted the pressures on public sector organisations to deliver more with constrained resources, emphasising the need for innovation and collaboration. Stefan Stern pointed out that the budget revealed a lack of transformative strategies, which could leave public services grappling with outdated funding models.

Leadership in times of constraint
Andrew Corbett-Nolan brought attention to the leadership challenges inherent in navigating these turbulent times. He stressed the importance of adaptability, effective governance and transparent decision-making. This theme prompted several questions about how boards can better align strategic goals with operational realities.

Community and co-production
The panellists unanimously agreed on the rising importance of community involvement in public services. Daniel Regan underscored how coproduction with citizens could lead to more tailored and effective solutions. Stefan Stern added that the budget missed an opportunity to empower local governments, which are often better positioned to drive grassroots change.

Sector-specific insights
Stefan Stern explored the nuanced impacts across sectors. For healthcare, he said, the focus was on workforce challenges and resource allocation, while in education, concerns centred around inequitable funding and the potential for innovation in governance. The audience shared examples of successes and challenges from their own organisations.

Future pathways
The panel reflected on the need for a paradigm shift in public service delivery. Andrew Corbett-Nolan argued that while budgets define constraints, leadership defines possibilities. He called for more strategic investments in governance and innovation, urging public service leaders to prioritise long-term resilience.