In May 2017 Treasury and the State Services Commission released the government's response to the Productivity Commission's report on More Effective Social Services. (#4811) The response is made up of two documents, this one focused on specific responses to the recommendations and the separate 5-page Government response to the original report (#5485). The quote below comes from the Government response document.
"The Government agrees with the Productivity Commission that the system of social services needs to be more responsive and client-centred. This will require government to:
· build up knowledge about what works and apply this effectively to ensure good outcomes
· create the right relationships and enable collaboration across different services
· create an environment that lets agencies and other providers have a relentless focus on improving client and user outcomes
· create the infrastructure to support decision-making that is focused on long-term outcomes for people.
Investing in outcomes for the long-term.

The Government is focused on improving the lives of New Zealanders through the development and application of the social investment approach. This is about improving the lives of New Zealanders..." (From the Overview).

Background: In June 2014, the Productivity Commission was asked to look at ways to improve how government agencies commission and purchase social services. The final report was released in mid-September 2015. It makes several recommendations about how to make social services more responsive, client-focused, accountable and innovative.

The Commission's final report, More effective social services (#4811), and other material can be found here on the Commission's website.

In May 2017 the Treasury, in conjunction with the State Services Commission, released the Government Response to the Commission's report.

The relevant media statement from the Minister of State Services and Minister of Finance can be found on the Beehive website. (From the Treasury website). Record #5483