DEC 2001
2.
MODERNISING GOVERNMENT - UNDERSTANDING THE CONTEXT
2.1 Efforts at modernising government take place within
a context. In every country global forces are transforming the functioning
of the market economy, wealth creation, the role of government, the
relationship between citizens and the State, and the functioning of the
Civil Service. Closer to home, Modernising Government is taking place in
the context of the enlargement and consolidation of the European Union,
and the devolution of some powers to regional authorities.
2.2 But, unlike in many other countries, in the UK
context Modernising is not being driven by a "crisis". In fact,
the economy is doing well. Both macro and micro economy indicators are
good and the fiscal situation is sound. Modernising Government therefore
is about the ongoing need to better respond to citizens’ needs. It
requires changing the government’s role, services and institutions to
better serve the public interest and the collective good. In this
sense, Modernising Government is not a project but a journey.
2.3 We felt that it was important to remember these
factors as we conducted our review. Our interviews took place in a single
week and we did not cover everything the Cabinet Office does – for
example the work of the Secretariats. We did not expect to find anything
really new or undiscovered and there is no doubt a more complex reality
behind our key observations.
2.4 Our purpose was to be your ears and eyes for a week,
to provide a new perspective and to report back what we heard from many
different observers of your work. This was our way of contributing to your
ongoing efforts at modernising government.
2.5 This
report sets out:
- general observations;
- comments on each chapter of the White Paper;
- general conclusions; and
- a few recommendations.
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