I understand why people might say my position on local government is slightly contradictory – that I am removing a power on one side while saying I favour strong local government on the other. I have instigated a major review of the funding of what local government delivers with a view to strengthening the sector. The dual mandate provisions will force local authority members to have a clear view of their responsibilities and of how they will function in the future. I want the position of local councillor to be a full-time career opportunity. That is the way this is being driven, which is correct. We are putting new financial management, IT and human resources systems in place and there are enormous costs for local authorities. I accept the point regarding better local government. Many councillors have said that a lot of money has gone in at the top end but they are not seeing the delivery.