Update on national security strategy published
In the March 2008 'National Security Strategy for the United Kingdom' (Cm. 7291), the Government committed to presenting regular updates to provide a progress report, as well as to outline any evolution or adaptation in approach.
This update, 'Security for the Next Generation' (Cm. 7590), sets out what has been achieved in the past year, how the approach has been strengthened, the assessment of challenges ahead, and the response to those challenges.
Independent standards body for MPs proposed
The 'Parliamentary Standards Bill' (HC Bill 121) was introduced into the House of Commons on 23 June 2009 by Harriet Harman MP.
The Bill will establish as a body corporate a new Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority (IPSA), which will have functions in relation to MPs' salaries, allowances and financial interests.
Code of Conduct for MPs set out
The purpose of the 'Code of Conduct' is to assist Members of Parliament in the discharge of their obligations to the House of Commons, their constituents and the public at large.
Final report on Digital Britain published
In this White Paper, 'Digital Britain: Final Report' (Cm. 7650), the Government sets out a programme of action designed to position the UK as a long-term leader in communications, creating an industrial framework that will fully harness digital technology.
Committee outlines 'principles of good government'
This Report, 'Good Government' (HC 97-I), draws on and consolidates the Committee's work over the past decade in order to identify enduring principles of good government. It also applies these principles to set out proposals for reforming British government.
Relations between UK and Ireland 'closer than ever'
This Report, 'Cross-border Co-operation Between the Governments of the United Kingdom and the Republic of Ireland' (HC 78), finds that relations between the United Kingdom and the Republic of Ireland are closer than has ever been the case.
Co-operative arrangements in place in the spheres of policing and law enforcement have never run more smoothly, or been more effective, in countering crime and bringing its perpetrators to justice.
Government 'over-optimistic' with school building plans
The Building Schools for the Future Programme (BSF) from the Department for Children, Schools and Families (the Department) plans to renew every secondary school in the country by rebuilding half of them, structurally remodelling 35%, refurbishing 15%, and providing Information Communication Technology to all.
Icelandic investments showed 'misunderstanding and complacency'
The collapse of Icelandic financial institutions in the autumn of 2008 brought to light not only the surprisingly large amounts of money invested by local authorities, but also the fact that local authorities had invested nearly £1 billion in Iceland, funds that were consequently at risk.
This Report, 'Local Authority Investments'
(HC 164-I), presents the findings, conclusions and recommendations that follow the Committee's inquiry into local authority investments.
National energy efficiency plan needed, says Committee
With failure to meet its statutory obligation to end fuel poverty imminent, the Government should instigate an action plan as a matter of urgency to help the millions of UK households who remain in fuel poverty as a result of fuel price rises.
This Report, 'Energy Efficiency and Fuel Poverty'
(HC 37), recommends that the Winter Fuel Payment be made taxable and stopped for those paying higher rate tax.
Custodial sentences for knife-carriers 'ineffective'
Between 2005/06 and 2006/07, the number of knife homicides increased by over a quarter. There also appeared to be a rise in other serious knife violence during this year. A 48% increase in stab-related hospital admissions between 1997/98 and 2006/07 may indicate that knives are being used to inflict more serious wounds.
BBC Radio paying 'more than the market price' for presenters
In 2007-08, the BBC spent £462 million on its 16 radio stations. The BBC has set these 16 stations a combined efficiency savings target of £69 million over the five-year period to March 2013, representing an annual saving of 3%.
'Good progress' in financial management at FCO
In this Report, 'Financial Management in the Foreign and Commonwealth Office' (HC 289), the National Audit Office notes that the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (the Department) has made good progress in its financial management, aiming to establish itself as one of the best departments in Whitehall in this respect.
It has shown strong leadership in raising the profile of good financial management across the Department.