Funding of political parties examined
This Report explores options for reforming the funding of
political parties. Undertaken in response to a request by the Prime Minister
following recent controversy surrounding peerages for donors and loans made to
political parties, the report acknowledges that there is a widespread public
disenchantment with party politics and politicians.
IRA set on political strategy
This assessment, part of the Independent Monitoring
Commission's (IMC) six-monthly cycle of reporting on paramilitary activity,
concludes that the IRA has undergone substantial changes and is firmly set on a
political strategy.
Delays in single payment subsidies to farmers
The Single Payment Scheme replaced previous EU subsidies to
farmers based on agricultural production with one payment for land management.
The European Commission gave some discretion to Member States over how to
implement the scheme: the Rural Payments Agency is responsible for
administering single payment scheme payments in England.
Number of poorly performing schools in England
falling
Around £837m was spent in 2004-05 on national programmes
to help poorly performing schools - schools failing or at risk of failing to
provide an acceptable standard of education.
Children in care suffer ill health and educational
underachievement
Examining the question ‘What is the best way to care for
children unable to grow up with their birth parents?’, this Report also
reviews children’s services reforms carried out under the
Every
Child Matters programme, and puts forward numerous proposals including
creating a Centre of Excellence for Children’s and Families' Services.
Local bus services across the UK
Buses are a key local service, but usage has been in
decline since the 1950s. The Report examines the particular problems local
authorities face in developing and implementing effective bus strategies.
Security in Retirement: Responses to the
consultation process
Over the next 50 years, demographic changes will mean only
two people in employment for every one person in retirement. The UK pensions
system needs to be reformed to ensure long-term sustainability.
Reforms to tenancy law proposed
This Report contains proposals for reform of the law
regarding the termination of a tenancy by a landlord, due to the tenant having
broken the terms of the tenancy agreement.