Matthew Hopkins, chief executive of Epsom and St Helier University Hospitals NHS Trust, added that the decision to halt the transaction "is not based on the ability of our staff, nor the quality of the services we provide".

BBC: Epsom Hospital acquisition plans halted

Mr Kelly said the council would decide whether to outsource services based on "residents' needs, value for money, the quality of the service and our ability to sustain that service".

BBC: Bury Council votes to allow services to be outsourced

In its place will be decentralised arrangements based on partnership, quality and efficiency to put doctors and nurses in the lead in shaping local services.

BBC: The Queen's speech in full

Similarly, the Philly Rising program relies on a collaborative, community-based approach to empower residents to tackle crime and quality of life issues and coordinate city services to better meet those challenges.

WHITEHOUSE: Community Engagement and Civic Collaboration