LONDON -- British Prime Minister Tony Blair's new government involves a series of changes in the responsibilities of government departments, some of which have been given new names. This will mean reorganizations of offices involving a great deal of aggravation for those concerned. It seems inevitable that in some cases government business will be disrupted while the moves are taking place and new channels of communication are being established. Newspaper reports suggest that some of the reorganization was decided at the last moment without adequate thought having been given to the implications for efficiency and delivery of policy. Some changes were probably also made to satisfy the personal egos of some of those involved.
Some changes may make sense in due course once the problems of reorganization have been overcome. The Department of Education and Employment has become the Department of Education and Skills while the Department of Social Security has become the Department of Work and Pensions. But a good deal of coordination will be needed between the sections responsible for "skills" and the sections responsible for "work."
No doubt the newly expanded Cabinet Office under John Prescott, the deputy prime minister, will become involved in the task of ensuring "joined up government" (a favorite phrase of ministers in the government). I expect that there will be endless interdepartmental committee meetings needed before the reorganization can be effective in improving delivery of government promises.