More effective social services: Productivity Commission seeks views

The Productivity Commission has just released the issues paper on its new inquiry into improving outcomes for New Zealanders from social services. Submissions are invited by 18 November. Video introducing the inquiry: http://bit.ly/socipvid

The Commission has been asked to look at ways to improve how government agencies commission and purchase social services. This will include how agencies identify the needs of people who use the services, how they choose organisations to provide the services, and how the contracts between agencies and organisations work.

The inquiry aims to shed light on how commissioning and purchasing influence the quality and effectiveness of social services, and suggest measures government agencies and others could take to promote better outcomes in the future. The inquiry will conduct case studies on employment services, Whanau Ora, services for people with disabilities, and home-based care of older people.

Inquiry timeline

18 November 2014: Due date for submissions on Issues paper
March 2015: Draft report released for submissions
30 June 2015: Final report due to Government

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