Public Service Integration Research Programme

This document is a research report titled 'Level Measures', which focuses on public service integration within local government in England. The report outlines the key challenges faced in delivering local public services amid rising inflation and demographic pressures, particularly in the context of the Levelling Up White Paper and the Levelling Up and Regeneration Bill. It emphasizes the importance of maintaining social cohesion and economic stability at the local level during times of national and international turmoil. The study aims to identify the principles and policies necessary for establishing a modern and sustainable public service delivery framework. Through extensive engagement with local authorities, including regional roundtables and interviews with senior leaders, the report identifies seven principles crucial for effective public service integration. These principles include the need for reliable funding, a holistic understanding of interconnected services, trust between government tiers, and improved performance data sharing. The findings highlight the complexities of local service delivery and propose solutions to enhance public service effectiveness.