Road death rate still 'unacceptably high'
Road accidents are the largest single cause of death for people between the ages of 5 and 35 in Britain and cost our economy some £18 billion each year. The number of deaths and injuries on roads far outweigh the figures for other transport modes and should be viewed as a major public health problem.
This Report from the Transport Committee, 'Ending the Scandal of Complacency: Road Safety Beyond 2010' (HC 460), examines the progress made in reducing death and injuries and in reducing danger to vulnerable road users.
Alcohol misuse costing NHS £2.7 billion per year
It is estimated that more than 10 million people are now regularly drinking above the guidelines set by Government, with the consequent ill health and injury.
This Report from the National Audit Office, 'Reducing Alcohol Harm: Health Services in England for Alcohol Misuse' (HC 1049), examines the health service provision in England in respect of dealing with alcohol misuse.
Government policies on rural economy examined
A report from the Rural Advocate to the Prime Minister in June 2008 estimated the untapped potential from rural business as between £236 billion and £347 billion per annum.
This Report from the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Committee, 'The Potential of England's Rural Economy' (HC 544-I), focuses on the potential of England's rural economy.
'No need' to extend pre-charge detention to 42 days
This is the Committee's thirteenth report, 'Counter-Terrorism Policy and Human Rights (Thirteenth Report): Counter-Terrorism Bill' (HL 172 / HC 1077), on aspects of the Government's counter-terrorism strategy since the 2005 election and the third to deal specifically with the Counter-Terrorism Bill.
Impact of rail franchises examined
Passenger rail services are provided by train operating companies under franchise agreements which generally run for 7-10 years. Whilst responsibility for the operation and condition of the track rests with Network Rail, the Department of Transport has ultimate responsibility where it affects passengers and has taken oversight responsibility for passenger rail franchising following the abolition of the Strategic Rail Authority in 2005.
This Report from the National Audit Office (NAO), 'Letting Rail Franchises 2005-2007' (HC 1047), examines rail franchises and the impact that they have had on franchises competition, the taxpayer, the passenger and the approach to managing rail franchises in general.
Bradford & Bingley nationalised
This Order, 'The Bradford & Bingley plc Transfer of Securities and Property etc, Order 2008', is made under the Banking (Special Provisions) Act 2008 and allows for shares in Bradford & Bingley to be transferred to the Treasury for the purpose of maintaining the stability of the UK financial system, as the Treasury consider that the circumstances could cause a serious threat to the stability of the system if the Order were not made.
More work needed to prove credibility of Diplomas
The 14-19 education reform programme aims to increase young people's participation in education and training beyond age 16 and raise their educational attainment. Central to the programme are new Diploma qualifications, being introduced between September 2008 and 2013, in 14 different occupational areas that offer a blend of academic and vocational learning.
Conduct of Ed Balls and Yvette Cooper examined
This Report from the Committee on Standards and Privileges, 'Conduct of Ed Balls and Yvette Cooper' (HC 1044), examines a complaint made against Ed Balls and Yvette Cooper that they may have incorrectly identified their home for the purpose of claims against the Additional Costs Allowance for the cost of their second home.
MPs’ Expenses and Allowances proposals for reform announced
‘MPs’ Expenses and Allowances: Supporting Parliament, Safeguarding the Taxpayer (Cm.7724) Twelfth Report' makes proposals for the reform of the regime for meeting the costs which Members of Parliament incur as a result of performing the roles for which they are elected.
In this publication, the Committee welcomes the recent public availability of expenses claims, the proposed Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority and the future external audit of expenses expenditures, and makes recommendations to improve their effectiveness.