§ 50. Mrs. Virginia Bottomleyasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will make a statement on progress on the financial management initiative launched in May 1982.
§ Mr. BrookeThe financial management initiative has successfully stimulated better planning and control in the public services. We have begun to see the valuable results. 341W Objectives are set with clearer targets for what is to be achieved, by when and at what cost. There are many more measures of output and performance and regular evaluations of what has been achieved. Individual managers are much more aware of their costs and responsibilities, and are increasingly managing budgets which give them the initiative to make savings and improve the effectiveness of services. Work continues in each Department to make these approaches more widespread.