Two interesting contributions to the idea that bigger isn't better:

'Saving money by doing the right thing' is a report by Locality - the network of development trusts and social action centres.

This report is both an academic study and draws on Locality’s work in communities. It shows how privatisation and standardisation doesn’t work for people and is more expensive than the alternatives of local, person centred approaches involving the voluntary and community sector. The report is here:

locality.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/Locality-Report-Diseconomies-web-version.pdf.

Judy Robinson of Involve Yorkshire and Humber explores the same theme in a blog, which sites the Social Prescribing Service of Voluntary Action Rotherham as an example of the voluntary sector providing accessible responsive services which meet a statutory provider's needs. Read the blog here:

www.involveyorkshirehumber.org.uk/blog/little-and-large-the-dis-economies-of-scale/