The National Audit Office, the Parliamentary watchdog, has criticised the Ministry of Defence for its project management in 1997/98. The top 25 MOD equipment projects are expected to cost £2.8 billion more than originally forecast and, on average, will enter service just over three and a half years later than originally estimated. 

Following the announcement of 19 NHS walk-in centres and the extension of NHS direct, the telephone helpline, new ways of delivering primary care are being explored in 171 pilot schemes. The Personal Medical Scheme Pilots will develop new ways of delivering modern and accessible primary care services at a local level.