Lifting the Burdens Task Force

Lefting the burdens task force logo The Task Force was an independent practitioner body that was set up by Communities and Local Government to review the burdens that may exist as a consequence of the relationship between Central and Local Government.

The Task Force undertook a series of reviews, looking at the requirements relating to individual Government departments, service areas or outcomes, which culminated in the publication of a report containing a set of recommendations for burden reduction.

The Task Force completed departmental or thematic reviews, covering the following departments:

Communities and Local Government (Housing & Planning)
Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
Department for Culture, Media and Sport
Department for Children, Schools and Families
Department of Health
Department for Work and Pensions
Home Office and Youth Justice

The Task Force also reviewed the 2007 Comprehensive Spending Review, Local Area Agreements, Financial Management burdens and Economic Development and Regeneration. They also wrote discussion papers and have responded to a number of Government and other public sector consultations.

When the Task Force concluded its work in November 2008, a final report was published summarising their findings and recommendations. This report along with the others can be accessed by the following link www.communities.gov.uk/liftingburdens/.

The reviews and recommendations contained on the website are those of the authors and do not necessarily represent the views or proposed policies of Communities and Local Government.