The old culture of paternalism and inwardness needs to be swept away. The framework in which councils operate needs to be renewed. Chapter Two - bringing about change 4. The Government will introduce legislation to establish this new framework which will provide opportunities and incentives for councils to modernise. The Government will motivate and manage the process of change in partnership with local government.
Councils can do much today to reform, and many councils have begun to modernise themselves already.
The Government will establish a scheme to select beacon councils to serve as pace-setters and centres of excellence. Councils will be able to seek beacon status for particular services, or for the council as a whole. Those councils which are in touch with local people, have strong and effective links with business, have modern management structures and deliver best value will become beacon councils. Councils with beacon status will get increased scope to act for the benefit of their local community. Chapter Three - new political structures 6.