An idea whose time has come?
Thumbing through Cornwall Council's four-year strategic plan the other day I was struck by the clarity and vision running through the sections on how to "purchase" services rather than simply provide them. They seemed strangely familiar. Had I read this somewhere before?
Probably not, but if you spend too long in second-hand book shops you risk coming across "Smart Contracting For Local Government Services." Published in 1999, it's a 232-page appreciation of all that privatisation can do for busy executives who just don't have time to run things themselves. If it's not yet top of the reading list at County Hall, I forecast it soon will be. £86.95 hardback.
The author? A chap called Kevin Lavery. Probably just a coincidence.
I'm Â鶹¹ÙÍøÊ×Ò³Èë¿Ú Radio Devon’s Graham Smith, blogging on news, views and some fresh insights into West Country life, particularly the way government works locally and nationally.
Comment number 1.
At 19th Apr 2010, John wrote:You can get it for less than £10 (including postage) from America, second-hand but unread!
Complain about this comment (Comment number 1)
Comment number 2.
At 19th Apr 2010, Graham Smith wrote:Thanks John - have you read it? What did you think?
Complain about this comment (Comment number 2)
Comment number 3.
At 21st Apr 2010, AccurateChronometer wrote:"Probably just a coincidence."
More probably not.
Complain about this comment (Comment number 3)
Comment number 4.
At 22nd Apr 2010, Graham Smith wrote:Fascinating, many thanks. Any more stuff like this?
Complain about this comment (Comment number 4)
Comment number 5.
At 25th Apr 2010, AccurateChronometer wrote:This comment was removed because the moderators found it broke the house rules. Explain.
Complain about this comment (Comment number 5)
Comment number 6.
At 25th Apr 2010, AccurateChronometer wrote:How about this...The KEVIN LAVERY CHALLENGE :
Complain about this comment (Comment number 6)
Comment number 7.
At 26th Apr 2010, Graham Smith wrote:Good questions and a good idea to use the Freedom of Information procedure. I'd love to see the answers.
Complain about this comment (Comment number 7)