Rt Hon Stephen Byers, Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions

It is nearly a year since I became Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions. In that time we have taken some important steps to help us deliver our huge improvement programme - to ensure that the country's transport system and our local communities are put on the best footing for the future.

I am pleased to introduce this edition of Public Service Review: DTLR and use this opportunity to update you on how we are doing, and outline our priorities for the coming months.

It has been a busy time. Improving transport is a significant challenge. Our plans are set out in the Transport 10-Year Plan, which came into effect last April. That gives us a blueprint. Over the next year our immediate focus will be to improve the performance of the rail industry - helped through the implementation of the SRA's Strategic Plan, Railtrack's transfer out of administration, and the implementation of the new arrangements for the modernisation of the London Underground.

Working in partnership with councils, we will be improving other areas of public transport - supporting local government as they implement their five-year local transport plans. And for aviation - we will be initiating consultation on future airport developments and publishing an aviation white paper.

We have also been driving forward policies and local initiatives that help make sure our communities are safe, prosperous and sustainable. A key part of this has been our drive to renew some of our most deprived communities, tackling homelessness and providing a decent home for everyone.

Clearly for this to happen strong local leadership with a focus on delivering high quality, Best Value services to local people is essential. Implementation of the Local Government White Paper will see good performing councils earn greater freedoms. On the planning side, we have been developing policies to streamline the planning process - making it more efficient - and promote a sustainable pattern of land use.

The DTLR plays a key role in the Government's strategy for investing in the country's infrastructure and developing successful communities. Working in partnership with local councils, the rail industry, and community groups, our work will continue with vigour over the coming months. Only together, with a focus on delivering results, can we hope to make a reality the vision of a better future for everyone - delivering reliable, efficient transport and high quality public services for all.

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