In an ever-shifting landscape of public governance and services, the year 2024 promises to bring about notable transformations and challenges for the public sector. As we explore the public sector trends across different facets of the public sector, the common thread is the call for adaptability and innovation
The challenges may be complex, but so too, are the opportunities for positive change and growth. As the public sector navigates the complexities of the year ahead, organisations must remain resilient, flexible, and ready to adapt to the dynamic forces that govern their future.
Examining public sector trends in details
Here, we will look into the specific trends shaping the realms of central & local government, the health sector, and emergency services, providing an overview of the landscape that will define the public sector in 2024. As the public sector navigates the intricacies of the year ahead, it must remain resilient, flexible, and ready to adapt to the dynamic forces that govern its future.
Central and local government trends
- Financial Struggles and Section 114 Notices: Local governments across the UK will continue to grapple with financial difficulties in 2024, stemming from increasing economic pressures and the impact of inflation. As costs rise, the budgets allocated to these vital institutions are stretched to their limits. According to the ONS, public sector debts are at levels last seen in the 60s – this may even lead to the rise of Section 114 notices, which serve as a formal declaration of local authority bankruptcy.
- Rise of Commissioners: One notable shift in the local government sector will be the increasing prominence of commissioners who will take on a more central role in running local authorities facing severe challenges to manage budgetary affairs hoping to deliver real transformations.
- Real-Term Budget Reductions: Both central and local governments confront the grim reality of budget reductions in 2024. Striving to achieve more with less underscores the need for creativity and efficiency in maintaining and improving essential services.
- Hybrid Working Adoption: Central government agencies continue embracing hybrid working models, reflecting an evolving workforce landscape with flexible arrangements that combine in-person and remote work.
- Aging Demographics and Service Demands: The aging UK population amplifies the demand for social services, increasing strain on local governments. Addressing the needs of this growing demographic will be a priority in 2024, alongside persistent pressures to raise salaries for public sector workers, as they remain the backbone of delivering these vital services.
Health sector trends
- Increasing Budgets: Unlike their counterparts in local government, the health sector will see an increase in budgets in 2024. This will come as welcome news for the NHS and other healthcare providers, as they have been under immense strain in recent years.
- Backlogs and Challenges: However, the challenges for the health sector are far from over. Backlogs in healthcare provision, which have been exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, will continue to be a pressing issue. The demand for healthcare services will keep growing, requiring effective solutions to address this mounting surge.
- Industrial Action Continues: The health sector is likely to experience ongoing industrial action, as healthcare workers advocate for better working conditions and remuneration.
- Integrated Care Services (ICS): ICS organisations play an influential role in shaping the healthcare agenda in 2024. Emphasising cost-effectiveness, improved care, and collaboration with the NHS and local authorities, this approach decentralises care, making it more accessible and will relieve pressure on hospitals. The community-centred model will gain momentum in 2024, and the responsible parties will be held more accountable for their respective roles, which will be key in rebuilding trust in services.
Emergency service trends
- Budgetary Pressures: In the emergency services sector, budgetary pressures will force organisations to scrutinise their operations for potential efficiencies in 2024. Ensuring that every pound is spent wisely and optimally is the order of the day.
- Reducing Spending on Private Ambulance Services: Ambulance trusts will face mounting pressure to reduce spending on private ambulance services. This shift reflects a growing emphasis on developing in-house capabilities to meet the ever-increasing demand for timely and efficient emergency response.
- Retaining Skilled Staff: Retaining skilled paramedics and police personnel will be a top priority in 2024. According to a House of Lords Public Service Committee report, the public sector is not being creative enough in retaining and attracting talent. Organisations will need to look to technology, which is currently underutilised in the sector, to offer better flexibility in work-life balance, improve scheduling, and actively recognise the value of these highly skilled individuals who play a critical role in public safety.
As we look ahead to 2024, it’s clear that the public sector in the UK faces a multitude of challenges. Financial difficulties, budget cuts, and growing demands place immense pressure on local governments, while the health sector grapples with backlogs, workforce concerns, and the imperative to integrate care services. Emergency services must ensure efficiency and the retention of skilled personnel.
The future, however, also holds the promise of innovation and collaboration. Local governments will need to find new and inventive ways to transform their operations and continue providing essential services. In the health sector, integrated care services and a focus on community-centered care will lead the way toward a more efficient and patient-centric healthcare system. Emergency services are on the path to enhancing their operations while keeping a firm grip on highly skilled personnel.
If the public sector can navigate these challenges, embrace innovation, and forge strong collaborations, that will determine its success in the years to come. As the public sector adapts to the changing landscape, it remains a cornerstone of society, dedicated to the welfare of our ever-growing communities.
This piece was written and provided by Chris Hornung, Managing Director of Public Sector at Totalmobile.
