Nine out of ten council finance professionals would prefer public services were outsourced to social enterprises than the private sector, according to new research.
A poll carried out by the Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy (CIPFA) and consultancy group E3M found social enterprises were better trusted over value for money, expertise, trust and lower levels of risk.
Social enterprises were judged to be suitable providers for all public services, but in particular youth services, sport and leisure, and environment and park services, according to the survey.
CIPFA chief executive Rob Whiteman said: “We would encourage local authorities to look beyond conventional private sector partnerships, and explore how social enterprises in their areas could support greater citizen engagement with services and investments in place.’’
