The State of the State finds that the public want greater spending on services and perceptions of social inequality have grown. It finds that investment in skills could make a significant difference to some of the UK’s pervasive economic issues including productivity and regional disparity. And it finds frontline public sector professionals are too often hampered by out-of-date technology and working environments. But amid these challenges, The State of the State finds much to be positive about. Our research shows that public sector leaders are enthused by the prospect of increased spending, public support is strong for government action on big issues like climate change and the thriving public sector ethos at the frontline remains one of the UK’s core strengths.

Key conclusions

Combining the three perspectives in our research offers real insight into issues at the heart of a new domestic agenda. Our key observations are:



The public and the public sector want to know what post-austerity looks like. Public service leaders are best placed to make their own devolved decisions, but many want direction from national governments on the shape of post-austerity, sector-wide reform. At the frontline, professionals want that reform to include greater use of mobile technology to reduce their administrative burden and boost their productivity.



Infrastructure and skills investment should be deployed to tackle economic inequalities. The public think that economic inequalities in the UK are getting worse and public sector leaders believe transport infrastructure investment could tackle them if deployed with purpose. Our research also suggests that a range of the UK’s economic and social challenges converge around skills – and so investment in skills provision could make a substanial difference to the UK’s post-Brexit future.



The UK has an opportunity to consolidate its environmental leadership. Public concerns on climate change have spiked in the past year, support for government intervention is strong and the UK has a window of opportunity to consolidate its environmental leadership when Glasgow plays host to the COP26 summit in 2020.



Resolving the social care crisis needs political will. As the Queen’s Speech recognised, underfunding in the social care system continues to blight lives and exacerbate demand on the NHS. Leaders across the public services want to see social care rise as a political priority and our survey finds it may be emerging as a priority for the public. Our research suggests that cross-party political leadership may be the best route to new funding arrangements – perhaps considering systems around the world as a starting point for UK options.



The UK could set the global gold standard in public administration. Brexit may be dominating a substantial part of Civil Service capacity, but it has enhanced government capability and stimulated cross-departmental working. Leaving the EU is an era-defining challenge for government departments but beyond Brexit, the UK will be in a strong position to set the global gold standard for public administration, exporting UK expertise, experience of successful transformation and digital know-how.