Reforms needed to combat cable theft
‘Cable Theft on the Railway’ (HC 1609) identifies urgent reforms needed to combat cable theft which last year cost Network Rail more than £16 million and lead to over 35,000 disrupted journeys.
The metal recycling industry is worth £5.6 billion a year and employs almost 8,000 people, but police dismiss the 'Scrap Metal Dealers Act - 1964' which the report refers to as "Steptoe and Son" legislation.
New Work Programme too optimistic
'The Introduction of the Work Programme’ (HC 1701) concludes that the assumptions of the Programme, which replaces virtually all of the existing 'welfare to work' schemes, may be over-optimistic.
The National Audit Office (NAO) analysis suggests that 26% of the largest group of job seekers in the Programme will get jobs compared to the Department's estimate of 40%.
Budget targets add more pressure to health service
'Public Expenditure’ (HC 1499) examines the progress of the health and care services in the face of increasing demands to their budgets.
The report details that hospitals are resorting to short-term "salami slicing" as they try to find £20 billion in efficiency savings by 2014-15.
Joint Enterprise law examined
New legislation is urgently required to ensure justice for victims and defendants and to end numerous cases reaching the Court of Appeal, as the report 'Joint Enterprise' (HC 1597) identifies.
As a common law doctrine, Joint Enterprise has been developed by the courts over the years and has become so confusing for juries and courts alike that guidance is needed to ensure prosecutors reach the right verdict, particularly in cases of gang-related violence.
Smart meters roll-out plan announced
Government plans to install smart electricity and gas meters in all British homes a year ahead of deadline have been announced in ‘Preparations for the Roll-Out of Smart Meters’ (HC 1617)’.
This large complex scheme proposed by the European Directive is estimated to cost £11.7 billion and will provide 30 million UK homes with exact details of their gas and electricity usage, with significant uncertainties over the benefits involved.
Financial Conduct Authority considers future Bill
‘Financial Conduct Authority’ (HC 1574) announces a number of recommendations for Government consideration ahead of the drafting and publication of the Financial Services Bill due in early 2012.
A new regulatory framework proposes that the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) are assigned with protecting and enhancing confidence in financial services and markets, as well as protecting consumers by promoting competition.
Government confirms high speed rail strategy
The report 'High Speed Rail: Investing in Britain's Future - Decisions and Next Steps’ (Cm. 8247) confirms plans to implement a high speed rail network connecting London and Birmingham by 2026.
The first phase of the High Speed 2 (HS2) project is already being constructed and will be extended to Leeds and Manchester by 2033, according to the Department for Transport.
Concern over clarity of alcohol intake guidelines
MPs have criticised Government recommended alcohol consumption in the report 'Alcohol Guidelines’ (HC 1536), stressing that people should have at least two drink-free days a week.
The Science and Technology Committee has raised concerns over Government advice on sensible daily drinking limits implemented in the 1990s and suggests that alcohol guidelines are reviewed.
Better understanding of means-tested benefits required
As ‘Means Testing’ (HC 1627) reports, the poorest households rely heavily on means-tested benefits, making it imperative that the system is fully understood and payments distributed appropriately by Government departments.
The Government must ensure that departments fully understand how the new Universal Credit will work, as it replaces a number of existing means-tested benefits.