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The Committee has found much that it can welcome in the ODPM Annual Report and Accounts 2003, however this report singles out several areas where there is still progress to be made.
2002-2003 has seen several changes for the ODPM in ministers and PSA targets. We are concerned that this has led to inconsistent management and unreliable reporting on the progress in implementing targets. Changes in targets can make it appear that progress has been made more quickly than it actually has. Any changes should be kept to a minimum and in all cases, adequate explanation for the changes should be given.
Targets are becoming increasingly complex posing major challenges in terms of producing meaningful ways to report progress. It is better to have more simpler targets than fewer complex ones. If the targets are too complex devising measures to monitor them is in danger of becoming an end in itself rather than ensuring the effective delivery of public services.
The Annual Report 2002-2003 does not present consistent information which compares spending with targets and objectives within standard time frames. The ODPM met its target to reduce its underspend, however, the target was not challenging enough and we think it should be far more ambitious.
There has been only limited progress in some key ODPM programmes. The lack of progress in reforming the planning system has brought an extended period of uncertainty and could delay some key decisions on new schemes. The programme to promote housing developments in the South East and to tackle low housing demand in the Midlands and the North requires major cross-Government commitments. The ODPM needs to work harder to secure those commitments.
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