HC Deb 01 April 1998 vol 309 c1241

The Chancellor was asked—

Better Government Programme

2. Mr. Derek Twigg

If he will make a statement on the involvement of local government in his better government programme. [35802]

The Parliamentary Secretary, Office of Public Service (Mr. Peter Kilfoyle)

Local government is a key partner in the better government programme. Our White Paper will address working across the organisational boundaries in the public sector so that all involved can deliver simpler, more effective, more coherent and more cohesive government.

Mr. Twigg

I thank my hon. Friend for that answer, and welcome the fact that the Government are involving local government in the better government programme. I am sure that he will welcome the enthusiasm and commitment of local government workers—the front-line workers. How is he involving those workers in the better government programme?

Mr. Kilfoyle

The commitment of front-line delivery workers is a sine qua non for the success of the better government agenda. To that end, I have conducted seminars as far north as Edinburgh and as far south as Southampton, meeting front-line workers and finding out their concerns and their priorities for the better delivery of service.