The approach to public sector reform from this government and the previous coalition has been characterised by two factors. There is a push factor - create sufficient heat to make it too uncomfortable to maintain the status quo -and a pull factor - create the belief that there is a better place to be. All those classically trained in change management will recognise this framework - fear of staying where we are and comfort there is a safe place to go to. We saw this in City Deals, combined authorities and now in devolution deals. There is yet much to understand about the balance between the push and pull factors being deployed by the Government. The push factors are strong, well-defined and unrelenting. They are characterised by the narrative of austerity and a public welfare narrative that the State and its officials are a necessary evil and must be seen and treated as such. The evil is defined in terms of 'self-serving', 'wasteful', a 'drag anchor' on social and economic progress. The necessity lies in the safety net of services for those who remain on the outside of economic and social opportunity.
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