The public sector and its costs to taxpayers have long been under the microscope. However, the focus on what local authorities will or will not receive in settlements pales into insignificance with the current reports into standards of care in the National Health Service.

As advocates on behalf of local communities, working with public sector partners in the health sector to improve the standards of care provided is a laudable stance. Examining services to ensure they integrate properly, avoid duplication and provide optimum value for money is all very well (and vitally important) but reading into the Keogh report does provide food for thought that this is the time for a real rethink of the health services provided.