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The Cabinet Office is right at the heart of government. Our task is to make sure government works effectively and delivers on the priorities of the British people. This has become more important than ever as the UK, like every country in the world, has felt the impact of the global recession.

Supporting government and its partners to protect people now, and ensure Britain comes through this downturn stronger, has been a key priority for the Cabinet Office over the past year. We have played a major role in co-ordinating the policies to provide urgent help for those businesses and families hit hardest. But we have also kept our sights on the need to take the right decisions so Britain is in a strong position to benefit as the world economy recovers. The new National Economic Council, which the Cabinet Office supports, is providing the leadership to ensure both these goals are met.

A global recession also needs a global response. The Prime Minister, and the Government, have played a key role in shaping the international community's response to this unprecedented crisis. The G20 Summit in London was widely hailed as an important step in speeding up recovery. I am proud of the major role that the Cabinet Office played in supporting the Prime Minister to ensure the summit was a success.

When businesses and families are looking closely at their own budgets, it is vital that the Government steps up its drive to deliver high-quality, responsive and personalised public services, delivering maximum value for every pound of investment. The best way to achieve this is to give people more power to shape the services on which they depend. The Cabinet Office is central to this goal, improving co-ordination and cutting duplication. By getting departments to work together better, we save money to invest in front-line services and new priorities.

It is also important to spread best practice and support innovation. The newly formed Innovators Council will, for example, encourage ideas from public and frontline staff to ensure we continue improving our public services.

Prosperity must go hand-in-hand with ensuring people are secure, whether from terrorism or natural disasters. The Cabinet Office brings together the country's security and intelligence agencies to counter the terrorist threat. It is our job, too, to draw up plans - and put them into action if needed - to tackle a range of national emergencies, from flooding to pandemic flu.

A strong society is one in which everyone has the chance to make the most of their talents and potential. Our Social Exclusion Task Force champions the needs of the most disadvantaged in society. The New Opportunities White Paper, published earlier this year, set out ambitious plans to help everyone in Britain turn their aspirations into success. Produced by the Cabinet Office’s Strategy Unit and 10 Whitehall departments, it sets out how we will improve support for people at key stages of their lives.

Our charities, voluntary organisations and social enterprises will have an important role in achieving this goal. The third sector in Britain has never been stronger but we want to support them to do even more. I am determined to see social enterprise at the heart of government, planning for building Britain’s future and delivering better public services. As well as backing the third sector through increased funding, we are working with them to encourage partnership and boost the number of volunteers.

Out of the headlines, the Cabinet Office keeps government working smoothly and focusing on what matters most. I’d like to thank all Cabinet Office staff for their hard work over the past few months, and previous ministers, Rt Hon. Liam Byrne MP, Tom Watson MP and Kevin Brennan MP for their considerable contributions.