"Target culture" in the public services has done a good job, but is now being scaled back, according to the Communities Secretary, John Denham.

Debating the post-election strategy for the public services with Today presenter James Naughtie, Mr Denham said targets had been needed because public services "were near collapse" when Labour came to power, but that the system was now moving to one of public rights to certain standards of service.

To get the latest election news from Radio 4, subscribe to our RSS feed .

Get in touch with Today via email , Twitter or Facebook or text us on 84844.