My challenge to you is to understand our business if you want to offer us effective services. These are real challenges, calling for hard work and leadership. I hope that in reflecting upon how you will rise to them, you think about Bernard's comments about Best Value, Beacon Councils and the Local Government Bill. Above all, I hope you reflect on the real difference Information Age Government in Local Government can make to your customers. Central government Finally, my challenge to those of you in central government departments and agencies.
Central government faces a range of challenges.
Some are technical, some are legal. We must maintain existing systems whilst introducing new ones. We must start putting policy outcomes at the top of our agenda. And we must be willing to take managed risks. This programme is as daunting as it is important.