What’s wrong with Future Shape?

The administration had said that they were examining different models for service delivery. In fact the report outlines only one model – and that is the worst one they could choose, from the point of view of services, council staff and local democracy. It envisages large-scale outsourcing of services, with the vast bulk of council staff transferred out of direct council employment. It is a scheme that has been pioneered in the UK in Somerset county council where the council has a 10-year contract with multinational IBM to deliver services, through a joint venture called Southwest One. The problems associated with setting up that scheme have been explored in a prize-winning ITV Local documentary, “Public Money, Private Gain”. The difference between Southwest One and the scheme envisaged by Barnet ‘Future Shape’ is that Barnet plans to outsource even more services: its own report admits “...it is unproven at this scale”.

   The council has given no guarantees that transferred staff would enjoy the TUPE plus conditions that council unions are demanding. Without that, transferred workers might see their pay and conditions drastically reduced and their pensions threatened – this is what has happened to Barnet council care home workers transferred out of the council to work for Fremantle.

   The report shows that the council has given no consideration to the unions’ proposed alternative to ‘Future Shape’: improved in-house provision, developed in consultation with users and council staff.

   Professor Dexter Whitfield, of research organisation the European Services Strategy Unit, has been working with council unions to examine the process and implications of Future Shape. He spoke about his findings to a packed meeting of more than 300 council workers and Barnet residents on 11 November at the North London Business Park.

   So far the councils have submitted six briefings to the administration, but the administration has not responded to any of them. Professor Whitfield’s analysis of the 3 December Future Shape report, which is entitled ‘Failure to assess options for future shape of the council’, is available at www.barnetunison.me.uk.

What public consultation?

The trades council has sent the appallingly written ‘Future Shape’ report to the Plain English Campaign. We believe Barnet council is failing in its duty adequately to inform Barnet residents about its plans. When they do say something, it is in a language barely anyone understands.

   We have been campaigning for several weeks now, telling the public what the administration refuses to tell them. The impact we have had has been reflected in the considerable local press coverage we have received. And the public response so far convinces us that there is no appetite for the large-scale outsourcing that council leader Mike Freer’s administration is ramming through.

   On the contrary, there is deep concern that ‘Future Shape’ plans would erode and jeopardise public services and democratic accountability.

Campaigning ahead

The trades council, especially the council unions, together with concerned residents will be active over the next few months to promote our positive alternative to the administration’s ‘Future Shape’. Our future shape for Barnet involves improved in-house provision, with improvements coming through wide consultation with service users and council workers. We are pledged to resist the future that Mike Freer’s administration is shaping for us and invite you to join us in our campaign.

   We can use as much or little time as you have to spare, and can find a role for anyone. Campaigners have already organised public stalls, leafleted homes, talked to neighbours about the issues, attended meetings, asked questions at council meetings, blogged, signed petitions, and made suggestions for future campaigning.