FOREWORD

The Rt Hon Gordon Brown MP
Prime Minister

The Rt Hon Harriet Harman QC MP
Leader of the House of Commons

This Green Paper, Preparing Britain for the Future—the Draft Legislative Programme 2008-09, sets out the Government's plans for legislation in next year's Parliamentary session. It also refers to related non-legislative action. More importantly, it invites you to have your say on what the Government's priorities should be. It is the job of Government to understand and propose solutions to the challenges that face our country. We want you to have your say as it is you who would be affected by changes to our laws. Last year we opened up the legislative process for the first time. This year we are broadening the consultation process to give you more time to comment, more ways to tell us your thoughts and more time to shape the final legislative programme ahead of the Queen's Speech towards the end of the year.

These proposed bills and other, non-legislative actions are organised into four themes that reflect the core direction of this Government. The first is Economic Stability. Our first priority is to ensure that we steer the economy and our people through the global downturn and that we are well prepared for future opportunities and challenges. We are taking important steps to address the impact of issues in the credit and housing markets and encourage saving to deliver that stability.

The second theme is Making the most of your potential — with bills which would build a fairer and more equal Britain and ensure people make the most of their abilities. The Government is bringing forward proposals for a right to time off to train, enhanced flexible working, fair treatment of agency workers and welfare reform to enhance skills and get people ready for work to ensure that the benefits of economic growth are available to all, not just some.

Our third theme is the Personalisation and Improvement of Public Services. In the next Parliamentary session we are proposing changes to further put patients, parents, tenants and citizens in control of what services they receive with further reforms to our health, education and police services.

Our fourth theme is Handing power back to people. People want to work with and direct Government to do things for them, not just have their Government do things to them. We propose to give people and local communities more voice in how their services and neighbourhoods are run.

Along with other members of the Cabinet, we will be holding public meetings, hosting online discussions, and reading your comments on this Draft Legislative Programme. In this document, and on the website, www.commonsleader.gov.uk/draftprogramme you will find ways to comment on this programme; on individual bills; and on specific questions around key policy areas. We look forward to working with you to develop the best possible programme for the future.