Committee outlines 'principles of good government'

The Report concludes that many aspects of Britain's governing structures and principles work well, despite opinions to the contrary that are sometimes expressed.

The Committee also finds, however, that there are significant features of Britain's political system that inhibit good government. In particular, the Committee concludes that there are too many ministers and a political culture that is too focused on responding to media demands.

This has resulted in an excessive number of initiatives being launched and laws being introduced, which in turn reduces government's ability to decide and follow a clear and consistent direction.

The Committee urges government to place less emphasis on responding to short-term political pressures and instead urges a stronger focus on ensuring good basic administration in government.

The Committee's conclusions about government in Britain are based on five requirements that it has identified as prerequisites for good government:

• (1) Good people: the need to recruit and cultivate people with the right skills and abilities to undertake the work of government effectively.
• (2) Good process: appropriate structures, systems and procedures in place to develop and implement policies successfully.
• (3) Good accountability: adequate arrangements for holding both elected and appointed officials to account for their decisions and actions.
• (4) Good performance: effective performance assessment to identify how well government is meeting its objectives and where it could improve.
• (5) Good standards: high ethical standards exhibited by people in public life, underpinned by robust ethical regulation and strong ethical leadership.

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