News archive

BBC presenter and journalist Annabel Tiffin has announced the winners of this years APSE Performance Networks awards which recognise the best and most improved councils in frontline service delivery.

APSE is pleased to announce the finalists in this year’s performance networks best and most improved performer awards, which will be held on the evening of 3 December 2015 at the Hilton Hotel, Blackpool.

APSE, the association for public service excellence, which works with over 250 councils across the UK, has responded to the Chancellor’s spending review by suggesting that local council frontline services, that are not on a statutory footing, are seriously at risk from  further cuts announced in the Chancellor’s statement.

Local councils have already faced budget reductions of up to 40% in some areas and now face a further cut to funding, which could be as high as 30%,  if planned changes to DCLG’s budget are pass-ported down to council level. Direct grants to local government have already fallen by 27%. Whilst councils can be applauded for their innovation in handling these financial challenges it is widely acknowledged across local government that many councils are now facing a tipping point.

UX Energy Services, one of the leading providers of energy procurement, risk management, carbon management and compliance services to corporate, I&C and government sectors has joined APSE Energy as a commercial partner.

APSE has contributed to the Insourcing debate with two research publications which draw together case studies on councils which have insourced services.

The issues of whether to insource or outsource local government refuse collection contracts, alongside other services was debated on the BBC Sunday Politics show (Sunday 8 November 2015). You can view excerpts from the programme, with APSE chief executive Paul O’Brien, on the APSE YouTube channel.

APSE has revealed the winners in the APSE Service Awards 2015. Presenter and meteorologist Sian Lloyd hosted the service awards on Thursday 3 September at the Brangwyn Hall, Swansea saying “Tonight’s celebration is to recognise the best in public services and to share that best practice with all”. Find out who the winners were here. 

New research from two leading local government think tanks has found that whilst 93% of local councils are reporting cuts to street scene and public realm budgets there is still and urgent need for councils to adopt different approaches to cope with the budget cuts.

After a gap of many decades, local authorities are getting involved in the generation and provision of energy. Councils across the UK are embracing renewable energy schemes with positive outcomes for local residents, businesses and for their own budgets. Not only are local energy schemes having a positive impact on energy pricing, helping to address fuel poverty, but they are also tackling local economic issues. This research shows that there is a renaissance in local energy.