Two hundred finance leaders from the public sector send their Christmas list to Government ahead of the Autumn Statement

ACCA (Association of Chartered Certified Accountants)

Ahead of the Autumn Statement, two hundred members of ACCA (the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants) working in public sector finance have called on the Government to focus on long term stability; to start to think strategically and to commit to investment in digital capability.

The senior finance leaders, employed in the NHS, local, and central Government, outlined what they would like to hear from the Chancellor on 23 November. Top of the list was moving focus from short-termism to long-term stability. Manj Kalar, ACCA’s head of public sector policy said: "The Government must commit to achieving long term stability for public sector finances. Short-term planning and budget allocation is not conducive to delivering efficiencies in the sector in the longer term. Annual budget allocations and spending plans encourage a ‘spend it, or lose it’ attitude which does little to promote longer term strategic thinking.

"Finance leaders would like to see three to five year commitments on budget allocations which will enable financial managers to make long-term strategic decisions which are far more likely to deliver value for the taxpayer."

Along with thinking long-term, the Government must approach funding for public services in a more strategic and holistic manner says Manj Kalar

"Salami-slicing of public service funding has been prevalent in recent years and has brought about unintended consequences, not least instigating a culture of siloed working and thinking. Instead Government should focus its budget allocation on desired service delivery outcomes, even where they cut across departmental remits, and resist the tendency to slice budgets across individual departments. A cross-governmental approach would promote greater collaboration, reduce duplication of effort and drive up efficiency in service delivery."

Manj Kalar backs calls from the respondents to improve digital performance in the public sector, where low levels of investment are causing problems.

"The digital capability of the public sector needs to be greatly improved. A lack of investment in IT infrastructure has left a legacy of systems that are fragmented and ineffective.

"The Government should prioritise investment in digital services in order for the public sector to deliver efficiency savings in the mid to long-term. Investment in training and development is also required to drive-up digital capability and capacity across the public sector.

"Our members have raised serious concerns with regard to further spending reductions impacting negatively on capacity. This could delay or prevent the delivery of digital services which aim to enhance efficiency across the sector."

Last but not least, the 200 finance pros highlighted the pressing need for a change in culture, to a focus on outcomes rather than process. As Manj Kalar explains: "Performance management across the public sector needs to have a greater focus on outcomes achieved.

"Greater innovation in the public sector will be key to delivering efficiencies and maximising value. A greater emphasis on outcomes achieved versus process adherence will help to drive up innovation in the sector."