Council backs radical ‘easyJet’ services plan

Residents will have to pay extra for some local services after a London council voted to adopt a radical ‘easyJet model’ to deliver public services.

Under the so-called ‘easyCouncil model’ scheme, seen by many as a blueprint for a possible future Tory government, householders in the borough of Barnet who are seeking planning consent will be able to pay extra to jump the queue, just as budget airline customers can pay more to board the plane first.

Residents will also be able to pay more for services such as extra rubbish collections, while recipients of adult social care will be able to choose to spend a limited budget on respite care or on a cleaner.

Barnet council said the move was designed to bring private-sector flexibility and choice to the provision of public services – but the strategy has already hit some turbulence.

In September, the council’s attempts to end live-in wardens for older people in sheltered housing were suspended by the high court pending a judicial review.

Earlier this month, the high court allowed the review on the grounds that the council may have failed to adequately assess the impact the cuts would have on elderly and disabled residents.