Cutting costly senior managers sounds like a sensible way to cut costs in local government – but actually they do have a purpose, says Blair McPherson.

My personal experience as a director in a large local authority is that the current harsh financial climate is seen as an opportunity to bring the public sector in line with perceived slimmer more efficient private sector management structures. Much of this seems to be based on anecdotal evidence gained at the bar and golf club resulting in arbitrary targets which are financially driven.