Local Government

I quite understand that concern. The arrangements that we put in place need to deal with those concerns and to cater for the counter argument—in some places, and in some posts, blanket open competition might create difficulties. That is precisely the balance of factors that I am weighing up at the moment. I quite understand the interest in ensuring that the final decision is set out soon and in a clear manner. That is imperative, because councils will want to try and hold on to the best of their officers to get through the period of transition and implementation.