A ten year learning prorgamme has been launched to change understanding and behaviour about sustainable development. Details are set out in a report by the programme’s sponsors, the Sustainable Development Education Panel. The report was welcomed by Deputy Prime Minister John Prescott and the DfEE Green Minister, Charles Clarke.
The programme seeks to encourage all public bodies to adopt sustainable development as a strategic issue. 

The EU Telecoms Council has agreed a Directive that opens the way for electronic signatures. DTI Minister, Michael Wills said the Directive is consistent with the Electronic Commerce Bill which is due for publication shortly.
Electronic signatures are a key element of information age government. They are the means of identification and authentication when conducting business with public bodies. People need to be confident about the identity of the person sending an electronic message. 

Barnett N J, Crowther D E A
The International Journal of Public Sector Management, (UK), 1998 Vol 11 No 6. Start page: 425. No of pages: 15
Outlines and contrasts the approach to local government in southern and northern Europe with the UK exemplifying the northern approach of large units. Notes the development of an instrumental attitude in the UK that views community considerations on economic terms.