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