Interesting...Tony Goldman who at one time was Director General, Civil Aviation in the former Department of the Environment, Transport and The Regions, and is now I think involved in a role within the JAA or Eurocontrol, was about eight years ago quoted as saying that controller computer-based support tools
"...will enable all controllers to achieve the performance of the best".
Since this notion was obviously fed to the DETR at the time, one can speculate as to the Government's real objective particularly as Gonzo says,
...The ATCOs were regularly outperforming it anyway...
.
Perhaps it also has something to do with workforce supply and demand...? After all, a declining pool* of 'star performers' whether in ATC, Formula 1 or on the soccer pitch can command premium rates of pay...
* retirements/emigration/medical cancellations, etc