Most public sector workers are now served by shared human resources and finance systems, it said, with work continuing to join other front and back office services. The DWP's shared services scheme had delivered £50 million in savings by April last year, and the Front Office Shared Services Programme is focusing on opportunities for local councils to share front line services.

The report also underlined the importance of the use of systems with "open, common standards" in the public sector.

In the coming years, there will be more focus on public influence on services, improving service professionalism and providing more central leadership on services.