What is Modernising Government?
The Modernising Government programme is the Government's agenda for modernising public services. It is a simple concept in that public services should:
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be open and accountable in their dealings with people
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work in partnership
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be inclusive
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deliver on its commitments
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deliver what people really want.
It is about making life better for people and making dealing with government easier and convenient.
Modernising Government is a long term project that aims to transform all public services including local authorities, health, education, benefits, job centres, etc.
Key policies and principles
The Modernising Government White Paper (published in March 1999) sets out key policies and principles to modernise public services.
It is about:
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putting the needs of citizens first, not those of the service provider. This also means making services more accessible and convenient. People should be able to choose how they wish to contact us, whether by phone, letter through Council offices such as our network of One Stop Shops, or via the Council's web site.
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working in partnership with other agencies (i.e. joined-up government) to ensure people get added value from the services we deliver without the need for you to keep providing the same information to different departments.We are currently piloting joint working with other agencies such as the Benefits Agency and Inland Revenue to provide you with a more integrated service. In future, we aim to develop this into other areas such as health information and advice.
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using new forms of technology to improve the services we deliver. We have extended Internet access and training opportunities through our network of libraries and local learning centres. The Council's website now provides people with the opportunity to find information and obtain services 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
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reviewing the way the Council takes decisions on your behalf and carries out its business.
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valuing public services and public servants at their true worth.