Royal Mail 'urgently needs' modernisation
This Review, 'Modernise or Decline: Policies to Maintain the Universal Postal Service in the United Kingdom - An Independent Review of the UK Postal Services Sector' (Cm. 7529), was established to maintain the universal postal service, that is the collection, sorting, transportation and delivery of letters to all 28 million businesses and residential addresses.
Delivery of National Curriculum tests examined
'The Sutherland Inquiry' is an independent inquiry remitted by the Office of the Qualifications and Examinations Regulator (Ofqual) and the Secretary of State for Children, Schools and Families, into the delivery of the National Curriculum tests in 2008.
Government responds to review on use of restraint
In July 2007, following the findings of the coroner in the inquests over the tragic deaths of Gareth Myatt and Adam Rickwood, the Ministry of Justice and the Department for Children, Schools and Families (DCSF) commissioned an independent review of the use of restraint in Young Offender Institutions (YOIs), Secure Training Centres (STCs) and Secure Children's Homes (SCHs).
This Report, 'Government Response to Use of Restraint in Juvenile Secure Settings' (Cm. 7501), presents the Government's response to the independent review.
Government builds on welfare reform plans
The Government's vision for the welfare state is one where everyone is required to fulfill their responsibilities to prepare for, look for, and take up work with support provided at all stages - particularly given the recent economic downturn.
This White Paper, 'Raising Expectations and Increasing Support: Reforming Welfare for the Future' (Cm. 7506), follows the consultation paper, 'No One Written Off: Reforming Welfare to Reward Responsibility' (Cm. 7363), which was itself based on the reforms proposed by David Freud in his Report 'Reducing Dependency, Increasing Opportunity: Options for the Future of Welfare to Work'. It sets out how the Government plans to take the proposals forward.
Recent progress in healthcare considered
The Healthcare Commission is the independent watchdog for England. Its function is to assess and report on the quality and safety of services provide by the National Health Service (NHS) and independent sector.
This Report, 'State of Healthcare 2008' (HC 11), is the fifth and final annual 'State of Healthcare Report' as the Commission is to be replaced by the Care Quality Commission on 1 April 2009.
Upkeep of Occupied Royal Palaces examined
The Occupied Royal Palaces Estate is held in trust for the nation and is used to support the official duties of the Sovereign. The Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) is ultimately responsible for the upkeep of the Estate but in 1991 delegated the responsibility for running and maintaining the Estate to the Royal Household.
This report, 'Maintaining the Occupied Royal Palaces' (HC 1043), examines how the Property Services Department, through which the Household runs and maintains the Estate, plans and delivers its maintenance work.
Queen's Speech outlines plans for legislation
The Queen's Speech, officially known as 'Her Majesty's Most Gracious Speech to Both Houses of Parliament - Delivered on Wednesday, 3rd December 2008' (Cm. Unnumbered), outlines the Government's legislative programme for the 2008-09 session of Parliament.
First Report from Committee on Climate Change
The inaugural Report from the new Committee on Climate Change (CCC), 'Building a Low-Carbon Economy - the UK's Contribution to Tackling Climate Change', offers independent and expert analysis of current levels of greenhouse gas emissions and the steps that the United Kingdom (UK) will need to take in order to significantly reduce emissions and tackle climate change.
New vision for getting people back into work
Professor Paul Gregg's independent Review, 'Realising Potential: A Vision for Personalised Conditionality and Support', was commissioned by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) to look at how more people can be helped out of benefits and into work.