Value for Money savings programme forecast scrutinised
‘Progress with VFM Savings and Lessons for Cost Reduction Programmes: HM Treasury’ (HC 291) reports that the forecast made by government departments to save £35 billion between 2008-09 and 2010-11 is not viable.
The National Audit Office (NAO) concludes that HM Treasury's design addressed some weaknesses in earlier savings programmes, and departments have made some progress in their management of their programmes compared with previous spending periods.
Department reviews management of the Community Care Grant scheme
The report ‘The Community Care Grant: Department for Work and Pensions’ (HC 286) concludes that there is not enough clarity as to whether money from the Community Care Grant scheme is being claimed by people who need it most.
The Community Care Grant, supported by £141 million worth of funding aims to help vulnerable people and their families to establish themselves and remain in their community.
Government strives to improve UK marine area
‘UK Marine Policy Statement: A Draft for Consultation’ is the framework that outlines plans to ensure the UK marine area improves through environmental, social and economic considerations.
A new system of marine planning has been introduced through the Marine and Coastal Access Act 2009, the Marine (Scotland) Act 2010 (listed below) and proposed legislation in Northern Ireland.