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PSE | NEWS Visit http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com for more rss feeds. http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/CoreCode/rss/rssdisplay.aspx en-gb Copyright http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com, 2013 Wed, 19 Jun 2013 22:51:21 GMT http://backend.userland.com/rss RSS.NET: http://www.rssdotnet.com/ 15 LGA warns of dangerous condition of roads Britain’s local road network could become unusable if the country sees more flooding or severe winter weather, the LGA has warned. It has written to chief secretary to the Treasury, Danny Alexander, urging the Government to provide greater capital funding for road maintenance. The backlog of repairs is growing longer, and is... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/lga-warns-of-dangerous-condition-of-roads 433 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/lga-warns-of-dangerous-condition-of-roads Wed, 19 Jun 2013 11:33:00 GMT 60% of ex-claimants claim again within two years - PAC The DWP lacks the information necessary to challenge performance of jobcentres effectively and to improve value for money, the latest Public Accounts Committee (PAC) report states. The department does not measure how many people each centre helps into work, and does not have a complete understanding of why claimants leave the system. But... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/60-of-ex-claimants-claim-again-within-two-years--pac 445 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/60-of-ex-claimants-claim-again-within-two-years--pac Wed, 19 Jun 2013 11:31:00 GMT 'Significant' skills shortage in civil service - NAO The Government still needs to build capacity in the senior civil service, a new report from the National Audit Office (NAO) shows. There are significant skills shortages in the service, particularly in commerce, project management, digital delivery and change leadership, and reforms must change the long-standing culture of the senior... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/significant-skills-shortage-in-civil-service--nao 455,434 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/significant-skills-shortage-in-civil-service--nao Wed, 19 Jun 2013 11:30:00 GMT Energy efficiency boost for Ealing Council Ealing Council is to implement energy efficiency upgrades to save over 1,000 tonnes of carbon in a partnership with E.ON. Three buildings will see technological improvements to the efficiency of heating and mechanical equipment, as well as advanced boiler optimisation, new lighting control systems and upgrades to the building management... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/energy-efficiency-boost-for-ealing-council 437 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/energy-efficiency-boost-for-ealing-council Tue, 18 Jun 2013 11:36:00 GMT MoD enforces over 700 compulsory redundancies The third round of defence cuts will see 4,480 Army personnel made redundant today. The redundancies are part of a long-term plan to reduce the number of soldiers from 102,000 to 82,000 by 2017 and to double the number of reserves by 2018. The MoD said that 84% had volunteered for redundancy, and those serving in Afghanistan will not be... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/mod-enforces-over-700-compulsory-redundancies 434 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/mod-enforces-over-700-compulsory-redundancies Tue, 18 Jun 2013 11:35:00 GMT Nesta urges use of RCT to evaluate innovation Greater use of randomised control trials (RCT) could help the Government evaluate the effectiveness of business support schemes, a new report by Nesta suggests. A pilot run in Manchester from 2009 randomly allocated ‘Creative Credit’ vouchers to SMEs applying to invest in creative projects, to investigate their effect on... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/nesta-urges-use-of-rct-to-evaluate-innovation 438,455 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/nesta-urges-use-of-rct-to-evaluate-innovation Tue, 18 Jun 2013 11:25:00 GMT £1m grand innovation challenge launched The Technology Strategy Board (TSB) will provide the £1m prize money for a new ‘grand innovation challenge’ announced by Prime Minister David Cameron at the G8 Innovation Conference. Cameron said: “More than any time in history our world is being shaped by innovation, new ideas, new technologies and new... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/1m-grand-innovation-challenge-launched 438 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/1m-grand-innovation-challenge-launched Mon, 17 Jun 2013 11:34:00 GMT All schools should have academy freedoms - Labour Responsibilities and powers given to academies and free schools should be shared with all state schools in England, shadow education secretary Stephen Twigg is to propose. Setting out Labour’s education strategy, Twigg will state that all schools should be allowed to control their curriculum, budgets and school calendar, regardless... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/all-schools-should-have-academy-freedoms--labour 453 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/all-schools-should-have-academy-freedoms--labour Mon, 17 Jun 2013 11:33:00 GMT TaxPayers' Alliance demands pay and pensions cuts for public workers Public spending on “useless projects” has cost households £4,500 each, the TaxPayers’ Alliance has warned in a new report, which urges the Government to chop £53bn off the pay and pensions packages of public sector workers to bring them into line with the private sector average. The anti-tax pressure group... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/taxpayers-alliance-demands-pay-and-pensions-cuts-for-public-workers 433 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/taxpayers-alliance-demands-pay-and-pensions-cuts-for-public-workers Mon, 17 Jun 2013 11:32:00 GMT Whitehall reform blueprint urges more political control of civil service The Prime Minister should appoint departmental permanent secretaries, not just have the power of veto over their hiring, a new report by the IPPR recommends. They could be chosen from a list prepared by the Civil Service Commission, which regulates recruitment and promotes the values of the civil service, it suggests, while it also... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/whitehall-reform-blueprint-urges-more-political-control-of-civil-service 440,455 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/whitehall-reform-blueprint-urges-more-political-control-of-civil-service Mon, 17 Jun 2013 11:30:00 GMT Early evidence that probation reforms cutting reoffending - MoJ Payment by results pilots at two prisons have seen a slight drop in reoffending rates, figures from the Ministry of Justice show. Schemes at Peterborough and Doncaster prisons provide support for offenders to access housing, employment and financial services. Both are measuring reconviction rates in the 12 months following... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/early-evidence-that-probation-reforms-cutting-reoffending--moj 454 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/early-evidence-that-probation-reforms-cutting-reoffending--moj Fri, 14 Jun 2013 12:05:00 GMT Social Value Ambassador appointed Chris White MP has been appointed as Social Value Ambassador, minister for civil society Nick Hurd announced.  The Social Value Act, introduced as a Private Members Bill by White in 2010, aims to open up opportunities for social enterprises to deliver public services and encourage local authorities to procure services with more... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/social-value-ambassador-appointed 438 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/social-value-ambassador-appointed Fri, 14 Jun 2013 12:05:00 GMT Mental health increasing cause of sickness absence GPs need more training to make better use of the fit note system, new research from the Institute for Employment Studies (IES) and the University of Liverpool shows. The study, conducted for the DWP, found that over a third of fit notes are issued for mild-to-moderate mental health disorders such as stress, anxiety and depression. 41% of... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/mental-health-increasing-cause-of-sickness-absence 455,445 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/mental-health-increasing-cause-of-sickness-absence Fri, 14 Jun 2013 12:02:00 GMT Change in financial management must be accelerated - NAO The scale of the challenge for financial managers in Government is “stark”, the National Audit Office (NAO) has warned. The financial consolidation programme is now expected to last longer than originally planned and further improvements will be needed to support delivery with reduced resources in the longer term. The NAO... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/change-in-financial-management-must-be-accelerated-nao 436 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/change-in-financial-management-must-be-accelerated-nao Thu, 13 Jun 2013 12:36:00 GMT Smart pupils 'not sufficiently challenged' - Ofsted Schools are failing the brightest pupils due to a culture of low expectations, the chief inspector of Ofsted has warned. A new report shows that two-thirds of pupils who achieved a level 5 in primary school for maths and English failed to get an A* or A in both subjects at GCSE. 27% of previously high-attaining students failed to get at... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/smart-pupils-not-sufficiently-challenged--ofsted 453,455 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/smart-pupils-not-sufficiently-challenged--ofsted Thu, 13 Jun 2013 12:35:00 GMT OWIO to support wind energy projects The Government is to set up a new Offshore Wind Investment Organisation (OWIO), business and energy minister Michael Fallon has announced. OWIO will be a joint venture between industry and government, and Fallon is due to set out more details at Renewable UK's Offshore Wind 2013 conference in Manchester. Fallon also highlighted... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/owio-to-support-wind-energy-projects 437 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/owio-to-support-wind-energy-projects Wed, 12 Jun 2013 11:35:00 GMT 6% pay cuts for British workers British workers have had their wages hit hard to keep their jobs, new research from the Institute of Fiscal Studies (IFS) shows. Over the last five years, workers saw pay cuts of 6% in real terms. Historically wages rise by about 2% a year, meaning people are around 15% worse off than they would have been if wage trends before the... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/6-pay-cuts-for-british-workers 433,434 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/6-pay-cuts-for-british-workers Wed, 12 Jun 2013 11:32:00 GMT Council leaders fear bankruptcy and service failures Nine out of ten council leaders expect some local authorities to face bankruptcy, or to fail to deliver vital services over the next three years, new research demonstrates. A PwC report found that councils were struggling as they adjust to reduced levels of funding, with the possibility of greater cuts in the upcoming public spending... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/council-leaders-fear-bankruptcy-and-service-failures 438,455 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/council-leaders-fear-bankruptcy-and-service-failures Wed, 12 Jun 2013 11:30:00 GMT Safety pledge launched at CIWM conference The Chartered Institute of Wastes Management (CIWM) has launched a voluntary Health, Safety and Welfare Pledge for the waste and resource management sector to help raise awareness and go beyond the basic legal requirements. The pledge is supported by the Environment Services Association (ESA), the Welsh Local Government Association and... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/safety-pledge-launched-at-ciwm-conference 435 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/safety-pledge-launched-at-ciwm-conference Tue, 11 Jun 2013 12:34:00 GMT Liverpool seeks housing partner to build 2,500 homes An official housing partner for Liverpool City Council could help to deliver 1,500 new homes and bring a further 1,000 properties back into use. The Mayor of Liverpool has announced a bidding event on July 1 to let public and private organisations know about the plans. The partnership will run from 2014-19 and the council will consider an... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/liverpool-seeks-housing-partner-to-build-2500-homes 441 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/liverpool-seeks-housing-partner-to-build-2500-homes Tue, 11 Jun 2013 12:32:00 GMT 'Shocking' variation in early death rates A new website allows people to compare their council’s performance on four major causes of early avoidable death. The Longer Lives site, published by Public Health England (PHE), shows local variation in early death rates, with local authorities rated using a traffic light system. Above-average progress in tackling avoidable deaths... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/shocking-variation-in-early-death-rates 455,445 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/shocking-variation-in-early-death-rates Tue, 11 Jun 2013 12:30:00 GMT £1.8m funding for homelessness initiative The 15 councils responsible for placing the most families in bed and breakfast accommodation are being encouraged to bid for cash from a £1.8m Government fund to test new solutions. Nearly 80% of the 760 families placed in such lodgings for longer than six weeks come from Barking and Dagenham, Birmingham, Brent, Crawley, Croydon... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/18m-funding-for-homelessness-initiative 441,442 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/18m-funding-for-homelessness-initiative Mon, 10 Jun 2013 11:06:00 GMT Minimum earning requirements 'causing anguish' New migration rules are “tearing British families apart”, the all-party parliamentary group on migration has said. In a new report, the group of MPs described how new minimum earning requirements, introduced last July, were causing partners and sometimes children to be separated from the rest of their family. Any British... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/minimum-earning-requirements-causing-anguish- 433 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/minimum-earning-requirements-causing-anguish- Mon, 10 Jun 2013 11:04:00 GMT 'Inexcusable' lack of protection for sex exploitation victims Children vulnerable to sexual exploitation are being failed by local authorities, police and the justice system, MPs have warned in a new report. The Commons Home Affairs Select Committee examined several high-profile cases from the past few years and found children left unprotected by the system. Rochdale and Rotherham councils, for... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/inexcusable-lack-of-protection-for-sex-exploitation-victims 454 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/inexcusable-lack-of-protection-for-sex-exploitation-victims Mon, 10 Jun 2013 11:02:00 GMT Personal Independence Payment roll-out to replace DLA begins today PIP, or Personal Independence Payment, will be rolled out from today for working-age claimants. The new benefit was trialled in the north of England in April and replaces Disability Living Allowance (DLA). PIP is designed to support independent lives, the Government has stated, with a new face-to-face assessment and regular reviews to... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/personal-independence-payment-roll-out-to-replace-dla-begins-today 455,445 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/personal-independence-payment-roll-out-to-replace-dla-begins-today Mon, 10 Jun 2013 11:00:00 GMT Ex-soldiers fast-tracked to teach Former soldiers will be able to qualify as teachers in half the normal time under a new Government scheme. Achieving qualified teacher status (QTS) usually takes a three-year degree and one year teacher training course. The Government believes it will help invoke discipline in schools, but critics warn that “a military ethos belongs... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/ex-soldiers-fast-tracked-to-teach 453 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/ex-soldiers-fast-tracked-to-teach Fri, 07 Jun 2013 11:35:00 GMT Glasgow data breach 'beggars belief' - ICO The Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) has fined Glasgow City Council £150,000 for failing to protect personal data and breaching the Data Protection Act. The fine follows the loss of two unencrypted laptops, one of which contained personal information on 20,143 people. A further 74 unencrypted laptops remain unaccounted... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/glasgow-data-breach-beggars-belief--ico 439 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/glasgow-data-breach-beggars-belief--ico Fri, 07 Jun 2013 11:32:00 GMT Cuts mean councils may fail to meet legal obligations - PAC The DCLG does not fully understand the overall impact funding reductions will have on local services, a new report from the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) has warned. The report investigates the financial sustainability of local authorities halfway through a period of significant cuts. The Government has not done enough to model how... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/cuts-mean-councils-may-fail-to-meet-legal-obligations--pac 433,455 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/cuts-mean-councils-may-fail-to-meet-legal-obligations--pac Fri, 07 Jun 2013 11:30:00 GMT Criteria for charitable status should be decided by Parliament - PASC The Charity Commission is being asked to do too much with too little, the Commons Public Administration Spending Committee (PASC) has warned. In a new report, PASC states that the public benefit test, used to determine charitable status, is “critically flawed”. The responsibility for determining criteria for charitable status... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/criteria-for-charitable-status-should-be-decided-by-parliament--pasc 438 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/criteria-for-charitable-status-should-be-decided-by-parliament--pasc Thu, 06 Jun 2013 11:15:00 GMT Miliband would cap welfare spending Labour will cap social security spending, Ed Miliband is to announce. The party leader will also set out how councils could be allowed to renegotiate rents with landlords to cut housing benefit and use the savings for house building. Only people who pay into the welfare system for more than two years should receive jobseeker’s... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/miliband-would-cap-welfare-spending 436,455 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/miliband-would-cap-welfare-spending Thu, 06 Jun 2013 11:13:00 GMT Lord Brown calls for civil service review There should be a royal commission into the civil service, Lord Browne will recommend today. In a speech to the Institute for Government, the Government’s lead business adviser to the civil service will criticise the service’s structures, processes and lines of accountability as outdated. He is also to recommend a... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/lord-brown-calls-for-civil-service-review 434 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/lord-brown-calls-for-civil-service-review Thu, 06 Jun 2013 11:10:00 GMT Finance trainee programme for West Midlands The Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy (CIPFA) is piloting a new finance trainee programme for apprenticeships in the West Midlands. The programme is specifically targeted to young people not in education, work or training, and offers the opportunity to work in local public and private organisations. After twelve... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/finance-trainee-programme-for-west-midlands 434 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/finance-trainee-programme-for-west-midlands Wed, 05 Jun 2013 11:25:00 GMT Social media boosts family services in Cheshire Family support services in East Cheshire are set to benefit from a new social media campaign. Cheshire East Council and East Cheshire NHS Trust are sharing ideas via a closed social-media style website. The project, Patient and Family Echo, allows staff from both organisations to anonymously share ideas on how to improve the service. It... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/social-media-boosts-family-services-in-cheshire 455,434 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/social-media-boosts-family-services-in-cheshire Wed, 05 Jun 2013 11:22:00 GMT Thameslink rolling stock delays threatening 2018 delivery date Delays of more than three years in the Thameslink rolling stock programme are threatening to undo otherwise good progress that’s been made on the project as a whole, according to a new report from the National Audit Office. Phase one of the programme cost £1.704bn, was completed on time and was £143 million under budget... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/thameslink-rolling-stock-delays-threatening-2018-delivery-date 433 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/thameslink-rolling-stock-delays-threatening-2018-delivery-date Wed, 05 Jun 2013 11:20:00 GMT More elderly in 'problem debt' - Age UK 1.1 million older people are considered to be in ‘problem debt’, new research published by the International Longevity Centre – UK (ILC-UK) and Age UK shows. Data covering 2002-2010 shows around 6% of over 50s in England were facing debt problems in 2010, and the proportion with problem debt has risen from 23% in... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/more-elderly-in-problem-debt--age-uk 442 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/more-elderly-in-problem-debt--age-uk Tue, 04 Jun 2013 11:35:00 GMT 'I-levels' could replace GCSEs GCSEs could be replaced with Intermediate levels, or I-levels, it has been reported. A draft paper seen by The Times proposes changing lettered grades to a numbered scale, where 8 is the highest and 1 the lowest. The paper also suggests removing coursework in formal assessments in eight core subjects, apart from... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/i-levels-could-replace-gcses 453 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/i-levels-could-replace-gcses Tue, 04 Jun 2013 11:30:00 GMT Bus cuts 'could spell the end' - Campaign for Better Transport Local bus networks could face collapse if the upcoming spending review sees further cuts to funding, the Campaign for Better Transport has warned. A Freedom of Information request to the DfT shows that removing the bus service operators grant (BSOG) would cost the economy £3.7bn by 2022 and result in one in seven bus journeys being... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/bus-cuts-could-spell-the-end-campaign-for-better-transport 433,455 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/bus-cuts-could-spell-the-end-campaign-for-better-transport Tue, 04 Jun 2013 11:28:00 GMT DWP and HMRC staff on strike Civil servants at the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) and HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) are striking over cuts this week in a series of regional walkouts. Members of the PCS union are striking as part of the union’s three-month civil service-wide campaign of industrial action over pay, pensions and jobs. They are also... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/dwp-and-hmrc-staff-on-strike 434 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/dwp-and-hmrc-staff-on-strike Mon, 03 Jun 2013 11:07:00 GMT Further 'local pinch point' highways funding awarded Transport secretary Patrick McLoughlin has announced £165m of funding to help tackle congested roads. The second tranche of funding from the £190m Local Pinch Point Fund has awarded money to 62 schemes. Combined with local contributions, the total investment is now over £300m. The fund will support improvements and... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/further-local-pinch-point-highways-funding-awarded 433 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/further-local-pinch-point-highways-funding-awarded Mon, 03 Jun 2013 11:06:00 GMT Top schools exercising 'social selection' - Sutton Trust State-funded secondary schools are becoming more socially exclusive, new research by the Sutton Trust indicates. One in six of these schools has greater exclusivity than local state schools and the national average. The Sutton Trust is calling for new admission procedures to rectify this, by using lotteries or mixed levels of ability to... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/top-schools-exercising-social-selection--sutton-trust 453,442 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/top-schools-exercising-social-selection--sutton-trust Mon, 03 Jun 2013 11:05:00 GMT MPs could be recalled for misconduct by 2015 - Maude A string of lobbying scandals over the weekend involving MPs and peers from a range of parties has pushed the Government to pledge reform. Although reforms such as a register of lobbyists and a right to recall, allowing voters to force a by-election, were included in the Coalition Agreement in 2010, there has been little progress to date... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/mps-could-be-recalled-for-misconduct-by-2015--maude 436,455 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/mps-could-be-recalled-for-misconduct-by-2015--maude Mon, 03 Jun 2013 11:00:00 GMT The public sector professional goes to B-school Dan LeClair, executive vice president & chief operating officer at AACSB International (the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business) makes the case for public sector professionals to develop their careers with a business qualification. Now more than ever, public sector professionals such as government officials and... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/the-public-sector-professional-goes-to-b-school 447,434 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/the-public-sector-professional-goes-to-b-school Sat, 01 Jun 2013 17:15:00 GMT A changing probation service Heather Munro, chief executive of the London Probation Trust, discusses the improvements and efficiencies it has implemented to be awarded four stars in the ‘Recognised for Excellence’ programme by the British Quality Foundation. Probation is one of the areas of the public sector undergoing some of the most radical change... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/a-changing-probation-service 454,451 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/a-changing-probation-service Sat, 01 Jun 2013 17:00:00 GMT The power of public sector procurement as a driver for innovation Following the Government pledge in this year’s budget to expand the Small Business Research Initiative (SBRI) five-fold, Stephen Browning, head of the SBRI at the Technology Strategy Board, explains why the public sector should invest in contracts with innovative businesses to solve challenges with technology. In the UK, we have an... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/the-power-of-public-sector-procurement-as-a-driver-for-innovation 447,438 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/the-power-of-public-sector-procurement-as-a-driver-for-innovation Sat, 01 Jun 2013 16:45:00 GMT The ABC of efficiency - activity based costing is back in favour Campbell McLundie, a partner at business advisers and accountants Scott-Moncrieff, makes the case for a bold new commercial approach to costing. In a climate where public sector bodies are facing increasing financial scrutiny, and are under growing pressure to deliver more services and even more value for money, innovative financial... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/the-abc-of-efficiency--activity-based-costing-is-back-in-favour 447,438 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/the-abc-of-efficiency--activity-based-costing-is-back-in-favour Sat, 01 Jun 2013 16:15:00 GMT Champions against poverty Tackling poverty requires a resilient, integrated approach. Huw Lewis, communities and tackling poverty minister for the Welsh Government, talks to PSE about the appointment of a team of individuals to take this forward. A struggling economy, severe austerity measures and dramatic welfare reform mean poverty is becoming an everyday... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/champions-against-poverty 451,442 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/champions-against-poverty Sat, 01 Jun 2013 15:45:00 GMT Policy perspectives, strategic insight and informed debate at CIWM Conference 2013 Chartered Institution of Wastes Management (CIWM) chief executive officer Steve Lee outlines the focus of the upcoming annual conference. What is the waste industry’s role in building a circular economy? Are product design and standards the best way to achieve real waste prevention? What does the future waste policy landscape... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/policy-perspectives-strategic-insight-and-informed-debate-at-ciwm-conference-2013 446,444 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/policy-perspectives-strategic-insight-and-informed-debate-at-ciwm-conference-2013 Sat, 01 Jun 2013 15:00:00 GMT UK needs to maintain recycling momentum Fay Dashper, recycling operations manager at the Alliance for Beverage Cartons and the Environment (ACE) UK, says local authorities face a challenge trying to maintain momentum on recycling. Recycling is part of everyday life and has been transformed from an ideology to part of people’s daily routines in just over a decade.... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/uk-needs-to-maintain-recycling-momentum 447,437 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/uk-needs-to-maintain-recycling-momentum Sat, 01 Jun 2013 14:45:00 GMT Retrofit for the future Leeds City Council is now in the second phase of an innovative retrofitting agreement that uses energy performance contracting to transfer risk to the private sector. PSE talks to the council’s executive project manager, Polly Cook. Following the success of the multi-award winning RE:FIT model in London, Core Cities asked for... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/retrofit-for-the-future 437,446 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/retrofit-for-the-future Sat, 01 Jun 2013 14:15:00 GMT Smart meters and local authorities Stephen Passmore, technical delivery manager at the Energy Saving Trust, explains how smart metering can cut costs for local authorities and make public buildings more energy efficient. The old adage – if you can’t measure it you can’t manage it – often rings true. Local authorities will now be getting a sharper... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/smart-meters-and-local-authorities 447,437 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/smart-meters-and-local-authorities Sat, 01 Jun 2013 14:00:00 GMT Opening up the water market The Government confirmed in the Queen’s Speech in May that it is to introduce a Water Bill, which will increase competition across the sector, improve the management of water supplied, encourage more sustainable water abstraction, and perhaps change flood insurance arrangements. The Bill is likely to be published this summer, according... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/opening-up-the-water-market 433,446 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/opening-up-the-water-market Sat, 01 Jun 2013 12:15:00 GMT Risky Business It is tempting to go with the lowest quote when budgets are tight, but with building engineering projects cheapest is rarely best, says Blane Judd, chief executive of the Building & Engineering Services Association (B&ES). That old saying about peanuts and monkeys has never been truer than today. This lengthy recession has really... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/risky-business 447,443 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/risky-business Sat, 01 Jun 2013 11:30:00 GMT Using data to fight fraud Data-matching is a vital tool in tackling fraud and error for local authorities. James Flannery, investigations manager at Gravesham Borough Council in Kent, explains how it has been used to uncover issues in its social housing stock. A pilot project to use new data-matching technology to reduce fraud and error has had good results... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/using-data-to-fight-fraud 439,446 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/using-data-to-fight-fraud Sat, 01 Jun 2013 11:15:00 GMT Lessons from the best-rated council websites Hinckley & Bosworth Borough Council reached the top ‘four star’ ranking for council websites for the first time in Socitm’s ‘Better connected’ survey this year, and has been speaking at events about how it’s managed it. PSE caught up with the council’s web officer, Anne Jones. Council websites... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/lessons-from-the-best-rated-council-websites 439,446 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/lessons-from-the-best-rated-council-websites Sat, 01 Jun 2013 11:00:00 GMT The public sector procurement and outsourcing skills gap David Noble, chief executive of the Chartered Institute of Purchasing & Supply (CIPS), talks about the public sector procurement and outsourcing skills gap and what can be done to improve it. The current financial malaise we find ourselves in and the lack of economic growth continues to be the defining theme of our time. It has been... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/the-public-sector-procurement-and-outsourcing-skills-gap 447,438 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/the-public-sector-procurement-and-outsourcing-skills-gap Sat, 01 Jun 2013 11:00:00 GMT Tailored telecare from trained staff Linda Harper, Leslee Merry and Fran Gudger describe the partnership approach behind Trafford’s ambitious telecare scheme, and the training given to staff to enable it. Why should local authorities outsource telecare services to private sector companies when the capability to do so exists in-house? Trafford City Council has... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/tailored-telecare-from-trained-staff 451,441 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/tailored-telecare-from-trained-staff Sat, 01 Jun 2013 10:15:00 GMT 'Job security without role security' Dr John McGurk, learning and development adviser at the CIPD, talks to PSE about best practice in council innovation. Getting councils to innovate can be challenging, particularly if there is no need to develop any new ways of working and a lack of capacity to devote to new ideas when resources are tight. But without radical... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/job-security-without-role-security 451,440 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/job-security-without-role-security Sat, 01 Jun 2013 10:00:00 GMT Councils should use business rates - Social Enterprise UK A new business rates regime could boost local enterprise, according to a new report published by Social Enterprise UK, 3Space and Meanwhile Space. The report is a practical resource for local councils, recommending the establishment of business rate policies to support long-term and sustainable social and economic value... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/councils-should-use-business-rates--social-enterprise-uk 433,455 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/councils-should-use-business-rates--social-enterprise-uk Fri, 31 May 2013 13:05:00 GMT 'Flexible' approach to spending review The upcoming Spending Review will shift funding to projects that do the most to support economic growth, chief secretary to the Treasury, Danny Alexander, has announced. Speaking to the Manchester Chamber of Commerce, he said the review will “show flexibility” but will stick to the overall plan of curbing total spending, and... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/flexible-approach-to-spending-review 433 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/flexible-approach-to-spending-review Fri, 31 May 2013 13:02:00 GMT Demand outstrips availability of apprenticeships Almost 370,000 people applied to the National Apprenticeship Service between February and April this year, with competition for places increasingly difficult. The number of online applicants has increased by 32% from the same period in 2012. Vacancies have only increased by 15%, to almost 33,000, and the ratio of applicants to vacancies... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/demand-outstrips-availability-of-apprenticeships 434 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/demand-outstrips-availability-of-apprenticeships Fri, 31 May 2013 13:00:00 GMT UK accused of discrimination against EU citizens The UK is to be taken to the European Court of Justice over assessments for EU migrants entitled to receive benefits in the UK. An extra residency test, the right-to-reside, allegedly breaches EU law by restricting access to benefits for people from the EU living and working in the UK. The charity Advice on Individual Rights in... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/uk-accused-of-discrimination-against-eu-citizens 433,436,445 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/uk-accused-of-discrimination-against-eu-citizens Thu, 30 May 2013 11:40:00 GMT New limits on inspections of businesses A new statutory National Enforcement Code has come into effect to limit the number of health and safety inspections councils can implement on businesses. The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) code will remove thousands of businesses from inspections, including most shops and offices. Checks will continue on poor performing businesses and... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/new-limits-on-inspections-of-businesses 435 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/new-limits-on-inspections-of-businesses Thu, 30 May 2013 11:35:00 GMT New planning rules are 'panic measure' - LGA New planning rules come into force today to allow businesses and developers to change the use of buildings from one type to another, without needing planning permission, for up to two years. The Local Government Association (LGA) has urged Government to let local areas decide for themselves whether a change of use is appropriate, but... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/new-planning-rules-are-panic-measure--lga 441,455 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/new-planning-rules-are-panic-measure--lga Thu, 30 May 2013 11:30:00 GMT Council pension schemes paying far more to investment managers Council pension funds paid £347m to investment managers last year, up 9% on the 2011 figure. Research by the Daily Telegraph into 89 Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS) funds showed that the funds themselves increased in value by only 4%. Edi Truell, chairman of the London Pensions Fund Authority (LPFA), said: “These... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/council-pension-schemes-paying-far-more-to-investment-managers 434 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/council-pension-schemes-paying-far-more-to-investment-managers Wed, 29 May 2013 11:51:00 GMT Hammond denies being obstructive over MoD budget talks Defence secretary Philip Hammond has denied being a “hold-out” by refusing so far to agree to cuts to the MoD budget with the Treasury. It was reported yesterday that seven departments had signed off a reduction in their budgets for 2015-16 with Chancellor George Osborne – though this still only totalled about 20% of the... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/hammond-denies-being-obstructive-over-mod-budget-talks 436 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/hammond-denies-being-obstructive-over-mod-budget-talks Wed, 29 May 2013 11:50:00 GMT 'Widen the ringfence' around schools and health - LGA LGA chairman Sir Merrick Cockell has urged the Government to widen the budgetary ringfence around schools and health to incorporate local services that help the elderly stay independent longer and ensure children are ready for school. “This will ultimately save money by reducing pressure on our hospitals, police and prisons,”... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/widen-the-ringfence-around-schools-and-health--lga 433,455 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/widen-the-ringfence-around-schools-and-health--lga Wed, 29 May 2013 11:49:00 GMT First report from Major Projects Authority 'overturns Whitehall secrecy' Progress being made on some of the biggest public sector projects, worth over £350bn, has been detailed in the first annual report from the new body set up to oversee the works. The Major Projects Authority (MPA), launched in 2011, says it has helped save £1.7bn so far, partly for intervening to re-scope or close failing... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/first-report-from-major-projects-authority-overturns-whitehall-secrecy 438 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/first-report-from-major-projects-authority-overturns-whitehall-secrecy Tue, 28 May 2013 09:57:00 GMT MoJ considering privatising courtrooms and staff Radical plans to privatise the court system to save £1bn a year are being considered at the top levels of Whitehall, according to a report in The Times today. The newspaper said the plans would “end the system that has existed since Magna Carta”, with court buildings and staff transferred to private companies. Its... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/moj-considering-privatising-courtrooms-and-staff 443 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/moj-considering-privatising-courtrooms-and-staff Tue, 28 May 2013 09:56:00 GMT Calls for time limits on use of police bail Tens of thousands of people are languishing on police bail waiting to see if charges will ever be brought against them, a BBC investigation has found. Nearly 1,000 people have been kept on police bail for more than six months by the Metropolitan Police alone, a freedom of information request found – though some forces, like... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/calls-for-time-limits-on-use-of-police-bail 454 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/calls-for-time-limits-on-use-of-police-bail Tue, 28 May 2013 09:55:00 GMT Communities department agrees 'substantial' further budget cuts The Department for Communities & Local Government (DCLG) is one of seven Whitehall ministries to have reached agreement with the Treasury over further cuts to its budget for the 2015-16 financial year, thought to total around 10%.  The Chancellor said this morning that 20% of the £11.5bn in cuts he wants departments to make... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/communities-department-agrees-substantial-further-budget-cuts 433,455 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/communities-department-agrees-substantial-further-budget-cuts Tue, 28 May 2013 09:54:00 GMT Pensions scheme could lead to salary cuts - IoD Auto-enrolment in the Government’s pension scheme could lead to businesses being forced to cut or freeze salaries, the Institute of Directors (IoD) has warned. A survey of employers found that most – 98% – were aware of the requirement to contribute to employee’s pensions, introduced last October. 62% were also... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/pensions-scheme-could-lead-to-salary-cuts--iod 434 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/pensions-scheme-could-lead-to-salary-cuts--iod Fri, 24 May 2013 13:10:00 GMT 4Children and NCB named DfE's strategic partner A new partnership has been formed as the Department for Educations’ VCSE sector strategic partner for the next two years. 4Children and the National Children’s Bureau will work with a consortium of organisations to bring together leading practice in online resources, knowledge exchange and cross-sector working. The... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/4children-and-ncb-named-dfes-strategic-partner- 453 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/4children-and-ncb-named-dfes-strategic-partner- Fri, 24 May 2013 13:09:00 GMT PCCs increase policing budgets - MPs Over a third of Police and Crime Commissioners (PCCs) are spending more than the police authorities they were elected to replace, the Commons Home Affairs Select Committee has warned. The committee found that 17 out of 41 PCCs have set higher budgets than their predecessor’s, with the largest increase in Hampshire at 133%. The... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/pccs-increase-policing-budgets--mps 454,455 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/pccs-increase-policing-budgets--mps Fri, 24 May 2013 13:08:00 GMT Harlow modernisation for 4,500 homes A £22m programme has been launched to modernise council homes in Harlow. The council will upgrade over 4,500 homes between June 2013 and March 2014 as part of a larger, five-year £100m housing investment project. Internal improvements will bring around 1,800 homes up to the Government’s Decent Homes standard, including... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/harlow-modernisation-for-4500-homes 441 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/harlow-modernisation-for-4500-homes Thu, 23 May 2013 11:20:00 GMT Million+ calls for lower tuition fees Limiting tuition fees to £6,000 per year could be achieved whilst remaining cost neutral to universities and the Treasury, the Million+ group of universities has proposed. The group commissioned a study by London Economics, which found that mixing the previous and current system of funding could reduce lending costs, as not all... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/million-calls-for-lower-tuition-fees 453 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/million-calls-for-lower-tuition-fees Thu, 23 May 2013 11:19:00 GMT Human rights guidance published for councils New guidance has been launched to help local authorities understand their human rights obligations when commissioning and procuring home care for older people. The Equality and Human Rights Commission has published the guidance, which highlights how human rights breaches can include physical and financial abuse, and the disregard of... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/human-rights-guidance-published-for-councils 442 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/human-rights-guidance-published-for-councils Thu, 23 May 2013 11:18:00 GMT Austerity a 'drag' on economy - IMF The UK economy is still a long way from “a strong and sustainable recovery”, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) has warned. Austerity measures could be offset by more infrastructure spending, it suggested. Speaking at a press conference in London, deputy managing director, David Lipton, said: “It would be, in our... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/austerity-a-drag-on-economy--imf 433 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/austerity-a-drag-on-economy--imf Wed, 22 May 2013 17:13:00 GMT School funding not linked to performance - Reform The Government should lift the ringfencing of the schools budget, the think tank Reform has argued. There is no link between higher spending and quality of teaching, or pupil achievement, its new research suggests. The report, 'Must Do Better: Spending on Schools', states that spending could and should be cut, without compromising... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/school-funding-not-linked-to-performance-reform 453,455 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/school-funding-not-linked-to-performance-reform Wed, 22 May 2013 16:40:00 GMT PSN 'genuine enabler' for collaboration The Public Services Network (PSN) could help deliver collaboration and service transformation to meet increasing demand for services in the public sector, the industry association for PSN suppliers, PSNGB, has argued. A survey of 25 senior public sector executives showed the top challenges were budget cuts (82%), as well as change and... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/psn-genuine-enabler-for-collaboration 439,440 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/psn-genuine-enabler-for-collaboration Tue, 21 May 2013 11:32:00 GMT Gay marriage 'wrecking amendment' rejected by MPs The legislation to introduce same-sex marriage survived backbench Tory opposition last night and will receive its third and final reading in the House of Commons later today. A “wrecking” amendment to extend civil partnerships to heterosexual couples tabled by former children’s minister Tim Loughton, was defeated by 375... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/gay-marriage-wrecking-amendment-rejected-by-mps 442 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/gay-marriage-wrecking-amendment-rejected-by-mps Tue, 21 May 2013 11:31:00 GMT Work Programme 'not reaching most disadvantaged' - MPs The Welfare to Work programme may still be failing people in most difficult circumstances, MPs on the Work and Pensions Committee have found. Their report highlights evidence of ‘parking’ – where those most difficult to get into work are ignored by the providers as the costs and problems outweigh the benefits to... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/work-programme-not-reaching-most-disadvantaged-mps 455,434 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/work-programme-not-reaching-most-disadvantaged-mps Tue, 21 May 2013 11:25:00 GMT Big rise in complaints to Home Office, DWP and MoJ New data published by the Parliamentary Ombudsman highlights the variation in complaints to different Government departments. The move aims to encourage public sector organisations to use complaints to improve the services they offer. The report also sets out action that needs to be taken to address issues of increased... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/big-rise-in-complaints-to-home-office-dwp-and-moj 435 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/big-rise-in-complaints-to-home-office-dwp-and-moj Mon, 20 May 2013 11:00:00 GMT Ipsa may recommend salary increase for MPs MPs could receive a £10,000 pay rise, if reports suggesting that the Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority (Ipsa) thinks that salaries are lagging behind civil service pay are true. The current salary for MPs is £65,738 a year, although an Ipsa survey published in January showed that on average MPs thought they should... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/ipsa-may-recommend-salary-increase-for-mps 434 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/ipsa-may-recommend-salary-increase-for-mps Mon, 20 May 2013 11:00:00 GMT New standards published to improve legislation The Government must comply with new standards for good legislation, the House of Commons Political and Constitutional Reform Committee has urged. The committee considered criticisms of the quality and quantity of legislation, and has published a draft code of legislative standards. It recommends the creation of a joint legislative... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/new-standards-published-to-improve-legislation 438 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/new-standards-published-to-improve-legislation Mon, 20 May 2013 11:00:00 GMT Gay marriage 'wrecking' amendment could cost £4bn Amendments to the Gay Marriage Bill could delay its introduction by 18-24 months and cost the taxpayer an extra £4bn, Downing Street has warned. Tory opponents are widely seen to be seeking to wreck the Bill through an amendment to grant civil partnerships to heterosexual couples. The Bill will be debated in the House of Commons... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/gay-marriage-wrecking-amendment-could-cost-4bn 442,455 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/gay-marriage-wrecking-amendment-could-cost-4bn Mon, 20 May 2013 10:55:00 GMT Renewable subsidies harming green growth - Civitas Green energy projects to meet EU directives by 2020 will cost every home £600 a year, Civitas has warned. A new paper, Are Green Times Just Around the Corner? Criticises “unprofitable renewables” and warns that subsidies are discouraging innovation, keeping green energy inefficient and unviable. Increasing energy... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/renewable-subsidies-harming-green-growth--civitas 437 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/renewable-subsidies-harming-green-growth--civitas Fri, 17 May 2013 13:06:00 GMT IPCC investigation made 'fundamental errors' The Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) has been criticised for making “fundamental errors” and for clearing police officers of any blame for the death of a man in custody. A review by criminologist Dr Sylvia Casale, commissioned by IPCC chair Anne Owers, highlighted 17 recommendations for the... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/ipcc-investigation-made-fundamental-errors 454 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/ipcc-investigation-made-fundamental-errors Fri, 17 May 2013 13:05:00 GMT A single fire service for England? - Knight review The fire and rescue service must be “transformed”, a Government-commissioned review has urged. Sir Ken Knight, who has had a 40-year career in firefighting, including as a chief fire officer, found that significant change must be made to make the service more efficient and effective. Having 46 separate fire authorities was not... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/a-single-fire-service-for-england--knight-review 440,455 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/a-single-fire-service-for-england--knight-review Fri, 17 May 2013 13:03:00 GMT UK 'failing' vulnerable children - BMA Austerity policies of cutting welfare benefits and social care could “set the country back even further”, a report by the British Medical Association (BMA) has warned. The report highlights recent international data that ranked the UK 16 out of 29 nations in terms of child wellbeing and last month saw the highest number of... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/uk-failing-vulnerable-children--bma 442,445 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/uk-failing-vulnerable-children--bma Thu, 16 May 2013 13:30:00 GMT £3.3bn funding gap for HS2 - NAO The NAO has identified an estimated £3.3bn funding gap in the costs for HS2 over four years from 2017/18 – 2020/21. The Government has yet to decide how to fill this gap, a new review warns. The Department for Transport said the report was overly simplistic. The NAO review into the DfT’s planning for the project... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/33bn-funding-gap-for-hs2--nao 433 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/33bn-funding-gap-for-hs2--nao Thu, 16 May 2013 13:15:00 GMT LGA calls for Government to lift housing cap Removing the cap on the amount of funding that councils can borrow to invest in housing could allow 60,000 new homes to be built over the next five years, the LGA has stated. The association is calling for a commitment in the next spending round to remove “unnecessary” restrictions on council investment. The Government cap... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/lga-calls-for-government-to-lift-housing-cap 441,455 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/lga-calls-for-government-to-lift-housing-cap Thu, 16 May 2013 13:15:00 GMT 'Hidden' food waste should be audited - TiR The food industry should be required to audit its supply chains to cut down on waste, campaigners have urged. This is Rubbish (TiR) has published a new report calling for more transparency in the system, to shift part of the blame from individual households. The industry generates over half of the 18-20 million tonnes wasted in the... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/hidden-food-waste-should-be-audited-tir 444 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/hidden-food-waste-should-be-audited-tir Wed, 15 May 2013 14:15:00 GMT Reducing welfare system 'danger' - OECD Income inequality in the UK increased by more in the first three years of the economic crisis than in the previous 12 years, new data from the Organisation for European Economic Co-operation (OECD) shows. The report covered 34 developed nations, and found that in the UK the “pain of the crisis was not evenly shared”. The OECD... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/reducing-welfare-system-danger--oecd 433,445 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/reducing-welfare-system-danger--oecd Wed, 15 May 2013 14:15:00 GMT Welsh government reviews advice services The Welsh government has published a review into services providing free advice for the public, as they manage reduced funding and rising demand. Organisations such as the Citizen’s Advice Bureau and Shelter Cymru have been analysed to ensure people can still access the services they need. The entire sector is expected to lose... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/welsh-government-reviews-advice-services 442 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/welsh-government-reviews-advice-services Wed, 15 May 2013 14:15:00 GMT £10m to tackle 'revolving door' of care for homeless people Homeless people are more likely to be admitted to hospital or A&E, and are often discharged without their health and housing problems effectively addressed. The Government is providing £10m funding to help address this, by supporting voluntary organisations to work with the NHS and local authorities to create services to provide... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/10m-to-tackle-revolving-door-of-care-for-homeless-people 442 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/10m-to-tackle-revolving-door-of-care-for-homeless-people Tue, 14 May 2013 11:15:00 GMT Electoral Commission sets out proposals to cut fraud Postal voting should be restricted to minimise the opportunity for electoral fraud, the Electoral Commission has suggested. A new consultation has been published seeking views on possible changes to arrangements for voting in person at polling stations, by proxy or by post. The first phase of the Electoral Commission’s review into... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/electoral-commission-sets-out-proposals-to-cut-fraud 454,455 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/electoral-commission-sets-out-proposals-to-cut-fraud Tue, 14 May 2013 11:15:00 GMT High speed network for Blackpool Blackpool Council will set up its own high speed internet infrastructure, to cut costs and boost digital efficiency across Lancashire. The Networking People (TNP) will design and build a council-owned wide area network and manage it for five years. The £3.2m contract will connect schools, libraries, businesses and public buildings... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/high-speed-network-for-blackpool 439 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/high-speed-network-for-blackpool Tue, 14 May 2013 11:15:00 GMT Cameron in 'impossible situation' over Europe Former foreign secretary Sir Malcolm Rifkind has criticised Tory ministers who have broken ranks over Europe, saying they would vote to leave the EU if a referendum was held now.  Both education secretary Michael Gove and defence secretary Philip Hammond spoke out on Sunday, and this week Conservative backbenchers are pushing for an... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/cameron-in-impossible-situation-over-europe 436,455 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/cameron-in-impossible-situation-over-europe Mon, 13 May 2013 10:51:00 GMT Gove calls for pupil premium to be protected Funding to help the most disadvantaged pupils should be protected from cuts during the next Spending Review, education secretary Michael Gove has urged. The pupil premium is paid to schools for each student who is eligible for free school meals, or who has been in care for more than six months continuously. Schools must be able to show... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/gove-calls-for-pupil-premium-to-be-protected 453 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/gove-calls-for-pupil-premium-to-be-protected Mon, 13 May 2013 10:49:00 GMT Huhne and Pryce on early release from prison Former cabinet minister Chris Huhne and his ex-wife Vicky Pryce have been freed from jail after 62 days. The pair had been convicted in March for perverting the course of justice and sentenced to eight months in prison. Under terms of their early release, Huhne and Pryce will have to wear electronic tags.  After months of denial... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/huhne-and-pryce-on-early-release-from-prison 454 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/huhne-and-pryce-on-early-release-from-prison Mon, 13 May 2013 10:45:00 GMT Dual diagnosis for addiction and mental health problems People suffering from mental illness and substance abuse issues have reported a marked improvement through the intervention of the drug and alcohol rehabilitation charity Westminster Drug Project (WDP).  The charity, launched in August 2011, has supported a 60% improvement in the mental health of people accessing its dual diagnosis... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/dual-diagnosis-for-addiction-and-mental-health-problems 445 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/dual-diagnosis-for-addiction-and-mental-health-problems Mon, 13 May 2013 10:39:00 GMT Buildings to be converted for other use - Pickles New measures to allow buildings to be converted for other uses without planning permission have been introduced by communities secretary Eric Pickles. The move aims to reduce bureaucracy on developing empty and underused buildings into homes and businesses. It will apply to high street premises, agricultural buildings under 500m2, offices... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/buildings-to-be-converted-for-other-use--pickles 441 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/buildings-to-be-converted-for-other-use--pickles Fri, 10 May 2013 12:45:00 GMT Cuts to local services a 'mathematical certainty' - LGA If Government delivers a further 10% cut on funding for local government in the next spending round, money for non-statutory services could have to be reduced by up to 90%. The LGA has mapped the likely impact of further spending reductions, modelling dramatic cuts across a broad combination of services in 2015/16. This could include... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/cuts-to-local-services-a-mathematical-certainty--lga 438 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/cuts-to-local-services-a-mathematical-certainty--lga Fri, 10 May 2013 12:45:00 GMT Heathrow needs third runway - transport committee The Government should reject ‘Boris Island’ and expand Heathrow airport instead, MPs have recommended. The House of Commons Transport Committee warned that constructing a new airport on the Thames Estuary would be hugely expensive. It could also harm estuary wildlife. The Committee says that a third and potentially even a... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/heathrow-needs-third-runway--transport-committee 433 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/heathrow-needs-third-runway--transport-committee Fri, 10 May 2013 12:45:00 GMT Childcare reform must 'get the balance right' - Clegg Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg could block reform to childcare ratios, following concerns from charities and parents groups. David Cameron planned to implement changes in ratios from September, increasing the number of children carers can look after. For children aged one and under, the ratio is set to rise from 3 to 4, and the two-year... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/childcare-reform-must-get-the-balance-right--clegg 440 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/childcare-reform-must-get-the-balance-right--clegg Thu, 09 May 2013 13:30:00 GMT Probation to be privatised via PbR - Grayling £500m of probation contracts will be outsourced, justice secretary Chris Grayling has announced. It is part of a Government drive to outsource more than half the work supervising criminals in the community and broaden rehabilitation services to the 45,000 people on sentences of less than a year. Just under 60% of those on... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/probation-to-be-privatised-via-pbr--grayling 454,455 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/probation-to-be-privatised-via-pbr--grayling Thu, 09 May 2013 13:30:00 GMT 'Big barriers' to community budgets, PAC finds Pilots to pool local council and agency budgets are facing serious barriers, a Public Accounts Committee (PAC) hearing into the integration of public services and community budgets has heard. Four council areas are trialling pooled budgets: West Cheshire, Essex, Greater Manchester and the west London tri-borough area. However, the NAO... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/big-barriers-to-community-budgets-pac-finds 440 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/big-barriers-to-community-budgets-pac-finds Wed, 08 May 2013 12:45:00 GMT 75% of councils not ready for mobile - Socitm Socitm has published a new briefing for councils to improve their use of digital and mobile engagement tools when interacting with residents. Based on survey data from all council websites, the briefing shows that 23% of all visits to council websites are made via mobile devices, but that 75% of councils’ readiness for mobile was... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/75-of-councils-not-ready-for-mobile--socitm 439 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/75-of-councils-not-ready-for-mobile--socitm Wed, 08 May 2013 12:45:00 GMT Immigration to be restricted - Queen's Speech The Queen’s speech has focused on measures to restrict EU migrants moving to Britain. The Government is introducing an Immigration Bill which includes reduced access to welfare and introduces fines for private landlords who do not check the immigration status of their tenants. Jobseeker’s Allowance will be restricted to... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/immigration-to-be-restricted--queens-speech 436,455 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/immigration-to-be-restricted--queens-speech Wed, 08 May 2013 12:45:00 GMT £150m extra support for carers Carers will be given new rights through legislation set out in the Queen’s Speech tomorrow. A statutory right will be introduced for carers to access financial support, back-up help from professional carers, or adaptations to their homes. The number of people caring for elderly relatives with dementia is forecast to grow by... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/150m-extra-support-for-carers 445 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/150m-extra-support-for-carers Tue, 07 May 2013 13:00:00 GMT Demos calls for students and parents to inspect schools The current system of school inspection is “profoundly toxic” the think tank Demos has warned in a new report. Detoxifying School Accountability, published today, calls for Ofsted inspections to be replaced by ‘multi-perspective inspections’ taking views from parents, students and teachers. A yearly approach... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/demos-calls-for-students-and-parents-to-inspect-schools 453,455 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/demos-calls-for-students-and-parents-to-inspect-schools Tue, 07 May 2013 13:00:00 GMT Lord Lawson calls for UK to leave the EU The UK should leave the European Union, former chancellor of the exchequer Lord Lawson has urged. He suggests the economic gains that could be made from the exit would outweigh the costs. Prime Minister David Cameron has stated he will hold a referendum on EU membership next parliament, but only after renegotiating the terms of the... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/lord-lawson-calls-for-uk-to-leave-the-eu 436 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/lord-lawson-calls-for-uk-to-leave-the-eu Tue, 07 May 2013 13:00:00 GMT LGA taskforce to reduce roadworks disruption A new taskforce comprising councils, utility companies and businesses has been set up to try and tackle cost and disruption caused by roadworks. The move follows research from the LGA, which found that poorly re-surfaced roads cost taxpayers almost half a billion pounds over the past two years. 20% of works had to be redone at the expense... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/lga-taskforce-to-reduce-roadworks-disruption 441 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/lga-taskforce-to-reduce-roadworks-disruption Fri, 03 May 2013 12:00:00 GMT Mutual Respect campaign for road safety A new campaign to boost road safety has been awarded £424,000 funding, Scottish transport minister Keith Brown has announced. Cycling Scotland’s Mutual Respect Campaign will be launched in August, for cyclists, motorists and pedestrians. It ties in with the first Rail Cycle Hub at Stirling rail station. Brown said:... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/mutual-respect-campaign-for-road-safety 435 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/mutual-respect-campaign-for-road-safety Fri, 03 May 2013 12:00:00 GMT UKIP election successes send 'loud and clear message' Local election results are showing a “remarkable” success for UKIP, party leader Nigel Farage has stated. Public support for UKIP has risen dramatically, and the party has won 42 seats so far, with counting in the local elections ongoing this morning. In Lincolnshire, UKIP won 16 seats to become the official... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/ukip-election-successes-send-loud-and-clear-message 436,455 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/ukip-election-successes-send-loud-and-clear-message Fri, 03 May 2013 12:00:00 GMT 'Nudge unit' part-privatisation likely to be first of many The Cabinet Office’s Behavioural Insights Team, usually known as the ‘nudge unit’, is being spun out into a part-privatised entity that will partner with a business. Cabinet Office minister Francis Maude’s spokesman called it “great news” and said “dozens more” such units within Whitehall... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/nudge-unit-part-privatisation-likely-to-be-first-of-many 440,455 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/nudge-unit-part-privatisation-likely-to-be-first-of-many Wed, 01 May 2013 08:00:00 GMT GMRAPS launches to control local street works Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) has launched the Greater Manchester Road Activity Permits Scheme (GMRAPS) in partnership with the Greater Manchester Combined Authority. The scheme will coordinate road and street works across ten councils, managed by a central unit. Any organisation wishing to carry out construction will have to... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/gmraps-launches-to-control-local-street-works 443 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/gmraps-launches-to-control-local-street-works Tue, 30 Apr 2013 09:30:00 GMT Restrictions proposed for prisoner privileges Prison ‘privileges’ will have to be earned from November, as the Ministry of Justice introduces changes to the Incentives and Earned Privileges scheme. Satellite and cable TV will be banned altogether, and male prisoners in England and Wales will not be allowed TVs in their cells if they are put on ‘basic’ level... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/restrictions-proposed-for-prisoner-privileges 454,455 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/restrictions-proposed-for-prisoner-privileges Tue, 30 Apr 2013 09:30:00 GMT Women 1st launches diversity guide A new guide has been launched for employers to support women in the workplace and increase the number of women working in senior positions across the service industry. Women 1st has published ‘The Little Book of Diversity’, including advice for businesses and case studies of companies successfully championing gender... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/women-1st-launches-diversity-guide 442 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/women-1st-launches-diversity-guide Tue, 30 Apr 2013 09:30:00 GMT Government extends primary authority scheme The Primary Authority scheme has been extended to allow more businesses to benefit from consistent enforcement of regulation. From 1 October 2013, members of trade associations and franchises will be able to form Primary Authority partnerships with local authorities. This will allow them to receive assured regulatory advice and guidance... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/government-extends-primary-authority-scheme 433 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/government-extends-primary-authority-scheme Mon, 29 Apr 2013 11:30:00 GMT National Infrastructure Plan 'not credible' - PAC The Public Accounts Committee (PAC) has raised concerns about the Government’s infrastructure strategy, particularly with doubts about the level of funding available. The Treasury has not properly prioritised 200 key projects, the PAC report warns, and urges ministers to be realistic about the amount of investment that can be raised... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/national-infrastructure-plan-not-credible--pac 433 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/national-infrastructure-plan-not-credible--pac Mon, 29 Apr 2013 11:30:00 GMT Universal Credit roll-out begins today The first stage of Universal Credit (UC) begins today for new claimants in Ashton-under-Lyne in Greater Manchester. Work and pensions secretary Iain Duncan Smith’s flagship welfare reforms will see six benefits and tax credits rolled into one monthly payment, aimed at ensuring that additional work always pays, rather than just... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/universal-credit-roll-out-begins-today 455,445 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/universal-credit-roll-out-begins-today Mon, 29 Apr 2013 11:30:00 GMT 'Preventing crime more important than catching criminals' The police should focus more on preventing crime in the first place than catching criminals afterwards, the chief inspector of the constabulary has suggested. Tom Winsor, who has spent his first six months in his new role listening to frontline and senior officers, gave a speech to the Royal United Services Institute calling for a return... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/preventing-crime-more-important-than-catching-criminals 454 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/preventing-crime-more-important-than-catching-criminals Mon, 29 Apr 2013 11:15:00 GMT Councils offer public health assistance for measles vaccination programme Public Health England (PHE) aims to vaccinate more than a million extra 10 to 16-year-olds in the next six months as part of nationwide vaccination catch-up programme. Across England, 587 cases were reported between January and March, and there were 2,000 last year. South Wales is currently suffering an outbreak of measles too. Under... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/councils-offer-public-health-assistance-for-measles-vaccination-programme 445 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/councils-offer-public-health-assistance-for-measles-vaccination-programme Fri, 26 Apr 2013 11:45:00 GMT MPs attack accountancy firms' 'ridiculous conflicts of interest' Parliament’s powerful public accounts committee has attacked the ‘big four’ accountancy and financial services firms for having a “cosy” relationship with the Treasury and HMRC, sometimes helping to write the tax rules that they then help their clients benefit from. Speaking as the committee’s new... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/mps-attack-accountancy-firms-ridiculous-conflicts-of-interest 433,455 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/mps-attack-accountancy-firms-ridiculous-conflicts-of-interest Fri, 26 Apr 2013 11:45:00 GMT RoSPA marks World Day for Safety and Health at Work Sunday, April 28 is Workers’ Memorial Day, when people are urged to reflect and remember the thousands of lives lost or affected by workplace accidents and ill-health, and also World Day for Safety and Health at Work. The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents’ (RoSPA’s) National Occupational Safety and Health... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/rospa-marks-world-day-for-safety-and-health-at-work 435 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/rospa-marks-world-day-for-safety-and-health-at-work Fri, 26 Apr 2013 11:45:00 GMT 1% national pay rise for council employees National Employers has offered a 1% pay increase to council employees from April 1. If agreed with unions, it would be the first national offer since 2009. The offer would affect over 1 million employees on salaries starting at £12,145 a year, 77% of whom earn less than the median local government salary, but not chief executives... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/1-national-pay-rise-for-council-employees 455,434 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/1-national-pay-rise-for-council-employees Thu, 25 Apr 2013 00:00:00 GMT Almost 50% of young people enter higher education The number of students going into higher education is at the highest rate ever, statistics from BIS show. In 2011-12, 49.3% of young people in England entered higher education. This is just below the 50% mark governments have long pledged to reach. However, the statistics may have been given an artificial boost by a significant... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/almost-50-of-young-people-enter-higher-education 453 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/almost-50-of-young-people-enter-higher-education Thu, 25 Apr 2013 00:00:00 GMT Economy growth dispels fears of triple-dip recession The UK has closely avoided a triple dip recession, with 0.3% growth, new statistics from the ONS show. Preliminary estimates for GDP indicate that the economy grew by 0.3% in the first three months of the year, which was better than many expected. The positive result was mainly due to strong growth in the services sector and recovery... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/economy-growth-dispels-fears-of-triple-dip-recession 433 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/economy-growth-dispels-fears-of-triple-dip-recession Thu, 25 Apr 2013 00:00:00 GMT Create Department for Infrastructure - Arup The UK should create a department for infrastructure, head of transport at Arup has argued. In a blog published on the Huffington Post, Alexander Jan has urged the Government to create the new department, to support investment in a number of high-profile projects. It could improve leadership and joined-up working, he adds. Jan said:... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/create-department-for-infrastructure--arup 433 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/create-department-for-infrastructure--arup Wed, 24 Apr 2013 00:00:00 GMT Sector may be unable to deliver low-income housing - Smith Institute Housing associations need a new balance between social values and commercial needs, a report by the Smith Institute highlights. This is due to both the changing policy and economic context. The study, conducted in partnership with Genesis, is based on interviews with 50 housing associations chief executives and housing experts in London... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/sector-may-be-unable-to-deliver-low-income-housing--smith-institute 441 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/sector-may-be-unable-to-deliver-low-income-housing--smith-institute Wed, 24 Apr 2013 00:00:00 GMT UK becoming much less violent - IEP Rates of violent crime in the UK have fallen more rapidly over the past ten years than anywhere else in Western Europe, the UK Peace Index shows. The data from the Institute for Economics and Peace (IEP) found the number of homicides per 100,000 people fell from 1.99 in 2003 to 1 in 2012. The violent crime rate is down from 1,255 to 933... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/uk-becoming-much-less-violent--iep 454,455 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/uk-becoming-much-less-violent--iep Wed, 24 Apr 2013 00:00:00 GMT Glasgow suffering from digital divide The digital divide in Glasgow risks worsening social inequality, a new report from the Carnegie UK Trust warns. Broadband uptake in this city is one of the lowest in the country, with just 60% of all residents and 47% of skilled manual workers online at home, compared to the UK average of 72%. The Carnegie UK Trust is calling for greater... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/glasgow-suffering-from-digital-divide 439,442 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/glasgow-suffering-from-digital-divide Tue, 23 Apr 2013 00:00:00 GMT MPs 'sceptical' of Government oversight of academies The academies scheme has been criticised by the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) for wasting millions of pounds on over-complex and inefficient funding systems. The number of academies increased from 200 in April 2010 to 2,886 in March 2012, with extra costs often met out of existing budgets, including £95m from a fund previously... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/mps-sceptical-of-government-oversight-of-academies 453,455 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/mps-sceptical-of-government-oversight-of-academies Tue, 23 Apr 2013 00:00:00 GMT Price comparison site model for public services - Policy Exchange Policy Exchange has called for a “wholesale revolution” in public services, allowing private companies and voluntary groups to compete to deliver education and health. The think tank’s senior consultant Sean Worth, previously special advisor to the Prime Minister, has written the report, calling for a shift of control... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/price-comparison-site-model-for-public-services--policy-exchange 433 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/price-comparison-site-model-for-public-services--policy-exchange Tue, 23 Apr 2013 00:00:00 GMT Councils object to 'free-for-all' planning proposals The Government’s revised proposals to allow large home extensions without planning permission – dubbed a ‘free-for-all’ by the LGA – are being debated in the House of Lords today. The Government’s original proposals were to allow extensions of up to 8 metres (26ft) for detached houses without planning... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/councils-object-to-free-for-all-planning-proposals 441,455 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/councils-object-to-free-for-all-planning-proposals Mon, 22 Apr 2013 00:00:00 GMT Jump in Green Deal assessments Green Deal assessments jumped in March after a sluggish first month, DECC figures show. March saw 7,465 of the assessments carried out, compared to just 1,729 in February, and the number of Green Deal providers has also grown to 48, up from eight at the end of October 2012. The Green Deal launched on 28 January 2013 in England and... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/jump-in-green-deal-assessments 437 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/jump-in-green-deal-assessments Mon, 22 Apr 2013 00:00:00 GMT Labour creates independent health and social care commission Labour is launching an independent commission on integrating health and social care, aimed at saving money and improving standards. It is to be led by Sir John Oldham, known for the Primary Care Collaborative and Healthy Communities Collaborative projects, who has been on secondment to the DH as National Clinical Lead for Quality and... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/labour-creates-independent-health-and-social-care-commission 445 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/labour-creates-independent-health-and-social-care-commission Mon, 22 Apr 2013 00:00:00 GMT MPs risk 'looking lazy' with long breaks from Parliament Margaret Hodge has warned that people “would be forgiven” for thinking MPs are lazy, because of the shrinking number of hours. In an interview with the Guardian, the Labour MP – who has made a big impact as chair of the Public Accounts Committee – said parliamentary sessions were so short that “it feels as if... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/mps-risk-looking-lazy-with-long-breaks-from-parliament 436 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/mps-risk-looking-lazy-with-long-breaks-from-parliament Mon, 22 Apr 2013 00:00:00 GMT Harsher inspections for early years childcare Ofsted plans to toughen its inspections of nurseries and childminders, and reclassify ‘satisfactory’ as ‘requiring improvement’. Head of Ofsted Sir Michael Wilshaw said the number of poor nurseries was “unacceptable”. The proposed changes to early years inspections would mirror a similar toughening... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/harsher-inspections-for-early-years-childcare 453 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/harsher-inspections-for-early-years-childcare Fri, 19 Apr 2013 00:00:00 GMT Swansea measles outbreak worsens - 808 cases reported Another 43 cases of measles have been reported to Public Health Wales in the last two days, bringing the total number of cases in the outbreak centred on Swansea to 808. Just under 10% of the people affected, 77, have required hospital treatment. Vaccinations in secondary schools started on Wednesday, with public health officials... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/swansea-measles-outbreak-worsens--808-cases-reported 445 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/swansea-measles-outbreak-worsens--808-cases-reported Fri, 19 Apr 2013 00:00:00 GMT Tories and Greens launch local election campaigns Prime minister David Cameron is launching the Conservatives’ local election campaign today. Elections are being held for 27 county councils and seven unitaries in England, plus with Anglesey in Wales, on Thursday 2 May. There are 2,449 seats being contented, last fought in 2009 – a bad year for Labour. This year is... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/tories-and-greens-launch-local-election-campaigns 436,455 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/tories-and-greens-launch-local-election-campaigns Fri, 19 Apr 2013 00:00:00 GMT 'Broken' council voting system creates one party states - ERS More than a third of people living in England and Wales are living in ‘one party states’, the Electoral Reform Society has warned. Data shows almost 20 million people live in authorities led by single parties without viable opposition. 104 authorities have a single party holding over 75% of council seats, which the campaigning... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/broken-council-voting-system-creates-one-party-states--ers 436,455 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/broken-council-voting-system-creates-one-party-states--ers Thu, 18 Apr 2013 00:00:00 GMT £5m evaluation of early year's education launched A new eight-year study will examine early education in England, to help understand what constitutes good quality provision. The £5m Evaluation of Early Years Education study will test the provision’s impact on educational development for children from just before nursery age to seven years old. Led by NatCen Social Research... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/5m-evaluation-of-early-years-education-launched 453 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/5m-evaluation-of-early-years-education-launched Thu, 18 Apr 2013 00:00:00 GMT Local government 'anti-poverty champions' for Wales The Welsh Government has created 22 ‘anti-poverty champions’, to help the poorest in society and to protect those most at risk. There will be two champions per local authority; one councillor and one senior council official. The champions scheme is being launched with communities and tackling poverty minister Huw... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/local-government-anti-poverty-champions-for-wales 442 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/local-government-anti-poverty-champions-for-wales Thu, 18 Apr 2013 00:00:00 GMT Build to Rent schemes announced The first 45 projects to benefit from the Build to Rent Fund have been announced, with up to 10,000 new homes for private rent to be underway by 2015. Housing minister Mark Prisk announced the projects, which aim to balance the rental market and reduce the upfront risk of investment for developers. The Fund has £1bn available with... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/build-to-rent-schemes-announced- 441,455 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/build-to-rent-schemes-announced- Wed, 17 Apr 2013 00:00:00 GMT ERG must focus on sustainability - NAO The Cabinet Office’s Efficiency and Reform Group (ERG) has helped government departments to make significant savings, the National Audit Office (NAO) has reported. The ERG has saved £5.5bn in 2011-12 through changes to the Civil Service Compensation Scheme, restrictions on employing consultants and temporary staff, monitoring... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/erg-must-focus-on-sustainability--nao 438 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/erg-must-focus-on-sustainability--nao Wed, 17 Apr 2013 00:00:00 GMT Unemployment at 2.56 million UK unemployment has risen to 2.56 million, up by 70,000 between December 2012 and February 2013, data from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) shows. The unemployment rate for the quarter was 7.9%. The number of people claiming Jobseeker's Allowance last month fell by 7,000 to 1.53 million. Average earnings rose by 0.8% in the... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/unemployment-at-256-million 433 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/unemployment-at-256-million Wed, 17 Apr 2013 00:00:00 GMT Manchester hospitals and police join forces on data A new initiative is being launched in Manchester today to improve the sharing of data to prevent violent crime. The system will link data from hospitals, local authorities and the police to support preventative policy and activity. Information from all A&E departments will help to build a more complete picture of violent crime at home... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/manchester-hospitals-and-police-join-forces-on-data 454,455 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/manchester-hospitals-and-police-join-forces-on-data Tue, 16 Apr 2013 00:00:00 GMT Benefit cap trial begins today A trial of the benefits cap roll-out has begun in four London boroughs today, in a bid to save around £110m from the benefit bill each year. Couples and lone parents will have their benefits capped at £500 a week, with single people limited to £350 in Haringey, Enfield, Croydon and Bromley. The cap is set to be rolled... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/benefit-cap-trial-begins-today 455,445 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/benefit-cap-trial-begins-today Mon, 15 Apr 2013 00:00:00 GMT Big fall in cable theft over past year - Network Rail The amount of delays to train services caused by cable theft has halved, with the number of incidents affecting rail services down by 67%. The total cost to the rail industry is down to £12,765,935, down from its peak of £18,337,504 in 2011/12. Network Rail has published data showing the length of delays to services came... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/big-fall-in-cable-theft-over-past-year--network-rail 433 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/big-fall-in-cable-theft-over-past-year--network-rail Mon, 15 Apr 2013 00:00:00 GMT Greenwich launches labour programme as benefit cuts hit The Royal Borough of Greenwich (RBG) has launched a £6m jobs scheme to help local families into work, following government cuts to benefits. The first 31 recruits will take-up full or part-time jobs on or above London Living Wage this month. Collectively, they stood to lose more than £3,000 per week. The residents have been... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/greenwich-launches-labour-programme-as-benefit-cuts-hit 445,434 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/greenwich-launches-labour-programme-as-benefit-cuts-hit Mon, 15 Apr 2013 00:00:00 GMT Single framework for child protection and looked-after children Plans to separate inspections for child protection and looked-after children are to be scrapped, Ofsted has announced. These services will now be inspected under a single, combined framework. Multi-agency inspections – planned to launch in June – will also be deferred. Chief inspector Sir Michael Wilshaw said that... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/single-framework-for-child-protection-and-looked-after-children 435 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/single-framework-for-child-protection-and-looked-after-children Mon, 15 Apr 2013 00:00:00 GMT £9m additional Future Cities funding awarded The Technology Strategy Board (TSB) has awarded Future City funding to a further three cities, after Glasgow earlier won the competition for £24m to become a test bed for future innovation. Bristol, London and Peterborough will receive £3m each to develop elements of the integration plans they created for the... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/9m-additional-future-cities-funding-awarded 438,455 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/9m-additional-future-cities-funding-awarded Thu, 11 Apr 2013 00:00:00 GMT Gold Standard to improve homelessness services Councils will be able to share support and best practice to achieve a new Gold Standard status for homelessness services, housing minister Mark Prisk has announced. The £1.7m scheme will offer local authorities support and training to gain the new status. Led by Winchester City Council and supported by the National Homelessness... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/gold-standard-to-improve-homelessness-services 441 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/gold-standard-to-improve-homelessness-services Thu, 11 Apr 2013 00:00:00 GMT Government accounts late and incomprehensible - PAC The Treasury’s report on the Whole of Government Accounts (WGA), has been criticised by the House of Commons Public Accounts Committee (PAC) for lacking transparency, timeliness and quality of data. Published in October 2012, for 2010-11, the Treasury report showed the annual deficit as £94.4bn, a reduction of £68.3bn.... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/government-accounts-late-and-incomprehensible--pac 433 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/government-accounts-late-and-incomprehensible--pac Thu, 11 Apr 2013 00:00:00 GMT 22% of public sector leaders believe service quality improving Funding and budget cuts remain the top concern of public sector leaders, a new survey by Ipsos MORI suggests. However, the research indicated a range of ways organisations were working to deliver the same quality of services in a different way. 51% of leaders cite cuts as their biggest concern, with the number rising to 74% for local... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/22-of-public-sector-leaders-believe-service-quality-improving 438 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/22-of-public-sector-leaders-believe-service-quality-improving Wed, 10 Apr 2013 00:00:00 GMT Public must be fully informed on independence referendum - Lords The House of Lords Economic Affairs Committee has criticised both the UK and Scottish Governments for failing to clearly outline the possible consequences of the independence vote. The committee has published a report calling for both to be more open and publish “red lines” on issues such as currency, defence, division of... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/public-must-be-fully-informed-on-independence-referendum--lords 436 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/public-must-be-fully-informed-on-independence-referendum--lords Wed, 10 Apr 2013 00:00:00 GMT Road works information sharing for councils and utilities New technology is to be introduced to improve the management of road works for local councils and utility companies, transport minister Norman Baker has announced. The changes come into force from October 1, and will make it easier for utility companies and local authorities to share information on the timing and coordination of road... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/road-works-information-sharing-for-councils-and-utilities 441,455 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/road-works-information-sharing-for-councils-and-utilities Wed, 10 Apr 2013 00:00:00 GMT Baroness Thatcher dies aged 87 Margaret Thatcher has died aged 87 following a stroke on Monday. She will receive a ceremonial funeral and Parliament is to be recalled from the Easter recess on Wednesday for MPs and peers to pay tribute. Thatcher became the first female prime minister in 1979 and stayed in power until 1990. She remains the subject of huge controversy... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/baroness-thatcher-dies-aged-87 436,455 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/baroness-thatcher-dies-aged-87 Tue, 09 Apr 2013 00:00:00 GMT Elderly paying top-up costs for social care Thousands of elderly people living in care homes are having to pay top-up fees because of a shortfall between support from local authorities and the price of care. Research from Age UK demonstrates they are having to ask friends or family to fund around £140 a week extra to meet costs. The number of older people turning to family to... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/elderly-paying-top-up-costs-for-social-care 455,445 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/elderly-paying-top-up-costs-for-social-care Tue, 09 Apr 2013 00:00:00 GMT Legal costs should be charged to criminals - Grayling Convicted criminals could have to pay for their own legal defence costs, justice secretary Chris Grayling has proposed. The move, which could provide further savings on the £1bn legal aid bill, is part of a consultation document due to be published today. Offenders found guilty may have the court’s expenses deducted from their... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/legal-costs-should-be-charged-to-criminals--grayling 454 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/legal-costs-should-be-charged-to-criminals--grayling Tue, 09 Apr 2013 00:00:00 GMT DCLG and Home Office to share estate The Department for Communities and Local Government (DCLG) is to relocate to the Home Office’s headquarters to cut costs and make use of redundant space. Approximately 1,200 DCLG staff and 100 arm’s length body staff will leave Eland House and move into 2 Marsham Street. The Home Office has un-used space following a cut in its... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/dclg-and-home-office-to-share-estate 440 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/dclg-and-home-office-to-share-estate Mon, 08 Apr 2013 00:00:00 GMT Highly-qualified apprentices 'more valuable' than graduates Apprentices who have done the highest, degree-level apprenticeship are more desirable to employers than people with standard university degrees, new research suggests. In a survey of 500 firms commissioned by BIS and conducted by ICM, in which potential employees were ‘rated’ out of 10, degree-level apprenticeships scored the... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/highly-qualified-apprentices-more-valuable-than-graduates 453,434 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/highly-qualified-apprentices-more-valuable-than-graduates Mon, 08 Apr 2013 00:00:00 GMT HMRC staff strike over pay PCS union members are on a half-day strike this morning, on the first day of the new tax year, when new PAYE real time information is introduced. Up to 55,000 HMRC staff will strike as part of a three month campaign over cuts to pay, pensions and conditions. A 24-hour strike at the Home Office and former UKBA, planned for the same... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/hmrc-staff-strike-over-pay 434 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/hmrc-staff-strike-over-pay Mon, 08 Apr 2013 00:00:00 GMT PIPs replaces disability living allowance Disability Living Allowance has now been replaced by Personal Independence Payments (PIP) for eligible working-age people in the north west and north east, in the latest of a series of welfare reforms. PIP has a more stringent and regular health assessment than the DLA system, which the Government says was too easy for people to get on... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/pips-replaces-disability-living-allowance 455,445 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/pips-replaces-disability-living-allowance Mon, 08 Apr 2013 00:00:00 GMT ?'Right to ask' why state subsidised Philpotts - Osborne The Chancellor George Osborne has added further controversy to the debate over welfare changes, by implying a link between benefits and Mick Philpott, jailed for life for his part in the manslaughter of six of his children in a fire. When asked on a visit to Derby whether the Philpotts were a product of Britain's benefit system... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/right-to-ask-why-state-subsidised-philpotts--osborne 455,445 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/right-to-ask-why-state-subsidised-philpotts--osborne Fri, 05 Apr 2013 00:00:00 GMT Bee-harming pesticides must be stopped - MPs The Government must suspend bee-harming pesticides, the environmental audit committee (EAC) has urged. The UK is currently blocking attempts to introduce a Europe-wide ban on neonicotinoids, the world’s most widely used insecticides. The committee called for a moratorium on the use of these insecticides by the start of 2014 on crops... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/bee-harming-pesticides-must-be-stopped--mps 437 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/bee-harming-pesticides-must-be-stopped--mps Fri, 05 Apr 2013 00:00:00 GMT Local government pledges to cut adoption shortfall by 50% The Local Government Association (LGA) has set out alternative plans to reform the adoption system, following proposals that councils could be removed altogether from the process of recruiting adopters. There is a shortfall of up to 3,000 adoptive parents, and councils have been criticised for the speed of the adoption process and the... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/local-government-pledges-to-cut-adoption-shortfall-by-50 440 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/local-government-pledges-to-cut-adoption-shortfall-by-50 Fri, 05 Apr 2013 00:00:00 GMT General strike could be 'landmark' in union campaigns Two of the UK’s largest unions have backed plans for the first general strike since 1926. The proposed 24-hour walkout would see coordinated private and public sector action against austerity measures. Last year’s TUC conference voted in favour of examining the feasibility of a general strike and individual unions have set out... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/general-strike-could-be-landmark-in-union-campaigns 434 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/general-strike-could-be-landmark-in-union-campaigns Thu, 04 Apr 2013 00:00:00 GMT Legal aid could be scrapped for prisoners' complaints Prisoners will be prevented from claiming legal aid to pursue complaints against the prison system, justice secretary Chris Grayling has announced. The Ministry of Justice is consulting on proposals, which could mean 11,000 fewer cases – saving £4m a year. The legal aid in question would cover issues such as the category of... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/legal-aid-could-be-scrapped-for-prisoners-complaints 454,455 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/legal-aid-could-be-scrapped-for-prisoners-complaints Thu, 04 Apr 2013 00:00:00 GMT Services sector shows slight growth The construction sector has contracted for the past three months, but the services sector is up, a Markit/CPIS PMI shows. Construction was up to 47.2 in March from 46.8 in February, under the 50 level which separates contraction from expansion. This was very slightly below forecasts for 47.5, but the decline in new orders was least sharp... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/services-sector-shows-slight-growth 433 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/services-sector-shows-slight-growth Thu, 04 Apr 2013 00:00:00 GMT The private governance of public services Chris Painter, Emeritus Professor of Public Policy and Management at Birmingham City University, argues that the Coalition’s public service reforms threaten an existential crisis in public accountability that should be of concern to us all. A groundbreaking book was published back in the 1970s entitled ‘The Private... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/the-private-governance-of-public-services 447,433 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/the-private-governance-of-public-services Thu, 04 Apr 2013 00:00:00 GMT Fraud fears over Universal Credit - MPs Changes to the IT system for Universal Credit could make it harder to distinguish fraudulent claims, a communities and local government committee report has warned. Universal Credit will be implemented from October. The report raises concerns that as the system will not work from local authority property databases, it will not be able to... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/fraud-fears-over-universal-credit--mps 445 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/fraud-fears-over-universal-credit--mps Wed, 03 Apr 2013 00:00:00 GMT Pickles warns against council gagging orders Councils have been warned against using gagging clauses against former staff by communities’ secretary Eric Pickles. Around 200 civil servants and 4,562 council workers have signed ‘compromise agreements’, many of which involved confidentiality clauses. The total cost of this was £14m over two years, the Daily... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/pickles-warns-against-council-gagging-orders 455,434 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/pickles-warns-against-council-gagging-orders Wed, 03 Apr 2013 00:00:00 GMT Police cautions to be reviewed following concerns about over-use The use of police cautions in England and Wales is to be reviewed, the Government has announced, as some serious offences may be better dealt with by the courts. Around a third of all serious offences are cautioned, with 11,000 people receiving cautions for violent crime last year, according to the chair of the Magistrates’... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/police-cautions-to-be-reviewed-following-concerns-about-over-use 454 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/police-cautions-to-be-reviewed-following-concerns-about-over-use Wed, 03 Apr 2013 00:00:00 GMT A new approach to public health Dominic Harrison, joint director of public health, engagement and partnerships at Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council, highlights the need to move towards a preference based social model of healthcare. Joint director of public health at Blackburn with Darwen, Dominic Harrison, gave an empowering speech to the Local Government... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/a-new-approach-to-public-health 451,442 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/a-new-approach-to-public-health Mon, 01 Apr 2013 00:00:00 GMT A reason to change Chiltern Railways recently won a CIM award for its ‘Mainline’ campaign. The train operator’s commercial director, Thomas Ableman, speaks to PSE. Chiltern Railways’ ‘Mainline’ campaign has succeeded in securing extra market share on the key Birmingham to London route, and has just won a Chartered... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/a-reason-to-change 438,446 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/a-reason-to-change Mon, 01 Apr 2013 00:00:00 GMT A smooth transaction Account NI, the shared services centre providing finance and transaction processing services for Northern Ireland’s 12 Government departments and their agencies, has upgraded its business software and ‘revolutionised’ its way of working. PSE spoke to its director, John Crosby and Elizabeth Scott, head of the accounts... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/a-smooth-transaction 439,446 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/a-smooth-transaction Mon, 01 Apr 2013 00:00:00 GMT Bringing public health home Responsibility for public health is transferring formally from the NHS to local government and Public Health England on 1 April – but is everyone ready? Kate Ashley reports from the LGA’s public health conference. Local government is ready for the challenge of taking on responsibility for public health, delegates heard at the... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/bringing-public-health-home 446,445 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/bringing-public-health-home Mon, 01 Apr 2013 00:00:00 GMT Changing behaviour by design Ed Gardiner, behavioural design lead at Warwick Business School, discusses the power of behavioural design in the fight to tackle obesity. In February 2013, the Academy of Medical Royal Colleges (AoMRC) published ‘Measuring up: The medical profession’s prescription for the nation’s obesity crisis’ highlighting the... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/changing-behaviour-by-design 447,438 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/changing-behaviour-by-design Mon, 01 Apr 2013 00:00:00 GMT First aid in the workplace - What the public sector needs to know Richard Evens, commercial training director at St John Ambulance, discusses the importance of first aid training to the public sector. Any organisation today – regardless of whether public or private sector – has a responsibility to ensure the safety of its workers by putting in place an effective first aid strategy. For... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/first-aid-in-the-workplace-what-the-public-sector-needs-to-know 435,447 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/first-aid-in-the-workplace-what-the-public-sector-needs-to-know Mon, 01 Apr 2013 00:00:00 GMT Individual output on a shared platform PSE speaks to Takki Sulaiman, head of communications at Tower Hamlets council, about a far-reaching new print contract that could generate significant savings. Tower Hamlets has set up an impressive pan-London framework agreement for print and communications that could be worth up to £20m over four years and involve multiple... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/individual-output-on-a-shared-platform 438,446 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/individual-output-on-a-shared-platform Mon, 01 Apr 2013 00:00:00 GMT Local authorities must capture the essential needs of people with hearing loss Dr Pritti Mehta, head of research and policy at the charity Action on Hearing Loss, outlines the latest research into the provision of social care for people with hearing loss and explains why this is a critical time to highlight the importance of well-planned, accessible social services, that allocate resources in a cost effective... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/local-authorities-must-capture-the-essential-needs-of-people-with-hearing-loss 447,445 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/local-authorities-must-capture-the-essential-needs-of-people-with-hearing-loss Mon, 01 Apr 2013 00:00:00 GMT 'Local government is about to get intensely personal' Ben Page, chief executive at Ipsos Mori, discusses the importance of recognising the public’s sometimes irrational beliefs when it comes to public health. Speaking at the Local Government Association (LGA) Public Health Conference on February 26, attended by PSE, Ipsos Mori chief executive Ben Page told delegates how public... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/local-government-is-about-to-get-intensely-personal 446,445 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/local-government-is-about-to-get-intensely-personal Mon, 01 Apr 2013 00:00:00 GMT Networking Essex Essex County Council is to deliver enhanced ICT services to around 200,000 users through its Next Generation Network (NGN) services whilst also reducing its costs. PSE spoke to the council’s chief information officer, David Wilde. Essex’s Next Generation Network (NGN) is spoken of as a ‘true public sector network’... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/networking-essex 439,446 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/networking-essex Mon, 01 Apr 2013 00:00:00 GMT Preventing the pitfalls of public sector marketing The Charted Institute of Marketing (CIM)’s head of research Mark Blayney Stuart describes the importance of good marketing in times of financial pressure. As markets across the world continue to Below: Home Office Campaign - Winners languish in uncertainty, and rumours around a triple-dip recession rumble on in the UK, economic... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/preventing-the-pitfalls-of-public-sector-marketing 447,438 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/preventing-the-pitfalls-of-public-sector-marketing Mon, 01 Apr 2013 00:00:00 GMT Smart service delivery in a cold economic climate Gill Terry of Birmingham City Council describes how other organisations could learn from the council’s experience, to realise substantial savings and achieve a step change in service improvement by adopting a consistent, holistic approach for managing change. Public sector organisations are under immense pressure to reduce costs... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/smart-service-delivery-in-a-cold-economic-climate 447,440 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/smart-service-delivery-in-a-cold-economic-climate Mon, 01 Apr 2013 00:00:00 GMT Stronger together Cllr Tim Ashton, from Lancashire County Council, discusses the launch of the new Transport for Lancashire body. Councils collaborating together can secure funding as well as efficiencies of scale and shared expertise, while the Government is trying to act on the localism agenda by devolving some funding decisions closer to the people... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/stronger-together 446,440 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/stronger-together Mon, 01 Apr 2013 00:00:00 GMT The best advice A growing number of councils seeking to get the best evidence to inform their decision-making have turned to independent commissions. Paul Hackett, director of The Smith Institute think tank, has been involved in a number of them, including a particularly in-depth one – Southwark Council’s housing commission. He spoke to... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/the-best-advice 451,441 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/the-best-advice Mon, 01 Apr 2013 00:00:00 GMT The most efficient part of the public sector How can councils help each other to deliver services in a better and more affordable way, since the demise of the national inspection regimes? Cllr Peter Fleming, chair of the LGA Improvement board, talks to PSE. Government has long tried to improve council performance through central intervention, prescribing action and introducing... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/the-most-efficient-part-of-the-public-sector 451,440 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/the-most-efficient-part-of-the-public-sector Mon, 01 Apr 2013 00:00:00 GMT Tobacco and public health Smoking is the country’s biggest cause of preventable death, and thus a huge public health challenge – one which soon becomes the responsibility of local authorities. PSE discusses the issues with Ailsa Rutter, director of award-winning stop smoking service FRESH – Smoke Free North East. As PSE went to press, the... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/tobacco-and-public-health 451,445 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/tobacco-and-public-health Mon, 01 Apr 2013 00:00:00 GMT Top of the league Energy efficiency is a key consideration for local government, with a potential for savings that can be reinvested into stretched services. Manchester City Council’s Cllr Nigel Murphy talks to PSE about their work to reduce emissions. Manchester City Council was the highest scoring public sector organisation in the Environment... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/top-of-the-league 437,446 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/top-of-the-league Mon, 01 Apr 2013 00:00:00 GMT Transforming public sector services Peter Holbrook, chief executive of Social Enterprise UK, discusses the potential of the Social Value Act and how councils can make the most of this when commissioning services. In January, a groundbreaking new law came into force: the Social Value Act. For the first time, all public bodies in England and Wales are required to consider the... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/transforming-public-sector-services 447,438 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/transforming-public-sector-services Mon, 01 Apr 2013 00:00:00 GMT Transport devolution should be 'a given' Devolved funding and control over transport could offer huge savings as well as improved services, according to a new report by the LGA. Kate Ashley reports. Devolving transport control to local authorities could deliver over twice the return on investment, the Local Government Association (LGA) has suggested. A new report... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/transport-devolution-should-be-a-given 446,440 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/transport-devolution-should-be-a-given Mon, 01 Apr 2013 00:00:00 GMT Extra capital needed to guard against losses - BoE Banks will need to raise £25bn in extra capital by the end of the year, the Bank of England has warned. The BoE’s Financial Policy Committee (FPC) – part of the new order of regulation designed to keep closer scrutiny in banks – has stated that the money is necessary to guard against potential losses. Banks... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/extra-capital-needed-to-guard-against-losses--boe 433 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/extra-capital-needed-to-guard-against-losses--boe Wed, 27 Mar 2013 00:00:00 GMT New Homes Bonus a 'financial risk' to councils - NAO The Department for Communities and Local Government (DCLG) is not adequately monitoring the £1.3bn New Homes Bonus, the National Audit Office (NAO) has warned. The bonus, paid to local authorities up to 2013-14 aims to deliver 140,000 new homes over the next ten years, increasing the housing supply by between 8 and 13%. The NAO... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/new-homes-bonus-a-financial-risk-to-councils--nao 441,455 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/new-homes-bonus-a-financial-risk-to-councils--nao Wed, 27 Mar 2013 00:00:00 GMT UK Border Agency to be abolished - May The UK Border Agency (UKBA) is to be abolished, the home secretary has announced. The news follows a report by the Commons home affairs select committee, which accused Lin Homer, of “catastrophic leadership failure” while she was chief executive at the organisation. Theresa May described it as “a troubled... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/ukba-to-be-abolished-may 454,455 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/ukba-to-be-abolished-may Wed, 27 Mar 2013 00:00:00 GMT Greater population requires investment, not cuts - GMB Scotland Spending cuts across the public sector must be reconsidered in light of the increased population and demand for goods and services, GMB Scotland has urged. Considering population statistics, which show a 233,400 increase between 2001 and 2011 in Scotland, GMB Scotland calls for this to be used as a basis for forward planning and... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/greater-population-requires-investment-not-cuts--gmb-scotland 433 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/greater-population-requires-investment-not-cuts--gmb-scotland Tue, 26 Mar 2013 00:00:00 GMT Myth-busting equality guidance published for public authorities The Equality and Human Rights Commission has published new guidance to help public authorities in England comply with the Public Sector Equality Duty (PSED). The guidance offers clear advice on what the law requires and practical examples of best practice to direct resources to where the need is greatest, improving efficiency and... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/myth-busting-equality-guidance-published-for-public-authorities 442,455 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/myth-busting-equality-guidance-published-for-public-authorities Tue, 26 Mar 2013 00:00:00 GMT Police must collaborate for procurement savings - NAO Many opportunities for savings in police procurement remain unexploited, a new report from the National Audit Office (NAO) highlights. Police forces spent around £1.7bn in 2010-11, and while many forces are now working together to improve their buying power and make administration savings, nearly half of all forces still have... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/police-must-collaborate-for-procurement-savings--nao 438 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/police-must-collaborate-for-procurement-savings--nao Tue, 26 Mar 2013 00:00:00 GMT Climate change is 'completely unequivocal' -Beddington Outgoing chief scientific advisor Professor Sir John Beddington is leaving his post with a warning to the world about the dangers of ignoring climate change. The amount of CO2 already in the atmosphere could cause more floods and droughts over the next 25 years, he said. He told the BBC: “The [current] variation we are seeing... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/climate-change-is-completely-unequivocal-beddington 437 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/climate-change-is-completely-unequivocal-beddington Mon, 25 Mar 2013 00:00:00 GMT Data collection on parents with mental health issues should be mandatory Children whose parents or carers have serious mental health problems can sometimes be poorly provided for and left at risk, a new report suggests. ‘What about the children?’ a joint report by Ofsted and the Care Quality Commission (CQC) calls for mandatory data collection on these families. Data collection is currently... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/data-collection-on-parents-with-mental-health-issues-should-be-mandatory 435 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/data-collection-on-parents-with-mental-health-issues-should-be-mandatory Mon, 25 Mar 2013 00:00:00 GMT Government to re-privatise East Coast train services Train services on the East Coast Main Line are soon to be run by the private sector once again, the Government will confirm this week. Transport secretary Patrick McLoughlin will outline plans to tender the London to Edinburgh route, which has been run by a state-owned company since National Express reneged on a £1.4bn contract in... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/government-to-re-privatise-east-coast-train-services 433 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/government-to-re-privatise-east-coast-train-services Mon, 25 Mar 2013 00:00:00 GMT Lin Homer lambasted for UKBA failure MPs have launched a severe attack against Lin Homer’s “catastrophic leadership failure” at the UK Border Agency (UKBA). Homer was promoted to chief executive of the HMRC last January – a move MPs on the Home Affairs select committee labelled “astounding”. The committee has warned that it will take... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/lin-homer-lambasted-for-ukba-failure 435,455 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/lin-homer-lambasted-for-ukba-failure Mon, 25 Mar 2013 00:00:00 GMT Council road safety league table launched A new road safety comparison site will allow residents to see how their local authority ranks against others, road safety minister Stephen Hammond has announced. The DfT has launched the website under obligation from the Strategic Framework for Road Safety to produce tools to enhance the delivery of road safety. The website will... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/council-road-safety-league-table-launched 435,455 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/council-road-safety-league-table-launched Fri, 22 Mar 2013 00:00:00 GMT Heathrow urges Airports Commission to recommend third runway The UK is already losing connectivity and economic gain from its lack of hub capacity, Heathrow Airport Limited has warned in its submission to the Airports Commission. Heathrow is already operating at its permitted capacity – over 98% of its annual 480,000 flights a year (or air traffic movements) cap, and DfT forecasts indicate... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/heathrow-urges-airports-commission-to-recommend-third-runway 433 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/heathrow-urges-airports-commission-to-recommend-third-runway Fri, 22 Mar 2013 00:00:00 GMT IFS warns of tax rises following Budget cuts Huge tax rises could be coming after the next general election, the Institute for Fiscal Studies (IFS) has warned. Its post-Budget analysis found that Whitehall spending on public services is set to sink to the lowest level in over a decade by 2018. Despite the extreme cuts, the public finances are in such a bad shape that it is likely... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/ifs-warns-of-tax-rises-following-budget-cuts 433 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/ifs-warns-of-tax-rises-following-budget-cuts Fri, 22 Mar 2013 00:00:00 GMT Government tackling house building 'head on' - Budget 2013 The Budget has incited comment from across the public and private sectors, as organisations welcome investment, but warn of the implications of a further squeeze to fund it. Sir Merrick Cockell, chairman of the LGA, highlighted the prospect of additional cuts to local government funding as “extremely... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/government-tackling-house-building-head-on--budget-2013 433 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/government-tackling-house-building-head-on--budget-2013 Thu, 21 Mar 2013 00:00:00 GMT Independence referendum date to be announced Scotland’s First Minister Alex Salmond is to reveal the date of the independence referendum today, in a statement to Parliament – expected to be autumn next year. The Referendum Bill on the vote will be brought before Holyrood. The SNP has already introduced separate draft legislation to allow 16 and 17 year olds to vote.... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/independence-referendum-date-to-be-announced 436 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/independence-referendum-date-to-be-announced Thu, 21 Mar 2013 00:00:00 GMT Public sector pay cap extended another year - Budget 2013 The Government is committed to its financial strategy, Chancellor George Osborne reiterated in his fourth Budget yesterday. He admitted that work to cut the deficit was taking longer than expected, with growth of just 0.6% expected for 2013, down from 1.3% predicted in his Autumn Statement. Osborne said: “We are, slowly but... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/public-sector-pay-cap-extended-another-year--budget-2013 433,455 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/public-sector-pay-cap-extended-another-year--budget-2013 Thu, 21 Mar 2013 00:00:00 GMT Hinkley Point plant plans approved The first of a wave of new nuclear plants has been approved, energy secretary Ed Davey has announced. Hinkley Point C, in Somerset, is being granted planning consent. The proposed £14bn plant, to be constructed by EDF, will be capable of powering five million homes and is estimated to create between 20,000 and 25,000 jobs during... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/hinkley-point-plant-plans-approved 437 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/hinkley-point-plant-plans-approved Wed, 20 Mar 2013 00:00:00 GMT Osborne to tackle economy 'head on' - Budget 2013 The Budget will help those “who want to get on”, Chancellor George Osborne has announced. His fourth Budget today follows Prime Ministers Questions at noon. It is expected to include 2% cuts to departmental spending to fund infrastructure projects, although there will be no extra borrowing to fund measures designed to boost... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/osborne-to-tackle-economy-head-on-budget-2013 433,455 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/osborne-to-tackle-economy-head-on-budget-2013 Wed, 20 Mar 2013 00:00:00 GMT Unemployment rises to 2.52 million Unemployment rose by 7,000 in the three months to January, new figures from the ONS show. Unemployment is now at 2.52 million. Employment is now at 29.73 million and the unemployment rate is at 7.8%. The number of people who are economically inactive fell by 118,000, increasing the labour force and accounting for the rise in both... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/unemployment-rises-to-252-million 433 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/unemployment-rises-to-252-million Wed, 20 Mar 2013 00:00:00 GMT £1,200 childcare boost announced Families will receive up to £1,200 a year for childcare support, Prime Minister David Cameron and Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg have announced. Parents not receiving tax credits but earning less than £150,000 will be eligible for vouchers to cover 20% of what they would spend on childcare with a nursery of Ofsted registered... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/1200-childcare-boost-announced 436 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/1200-childcare-boost-announced Tue, 19 Mar 2013 00:00:00 GMT Electoral Commission calls for more information for next PCC elections Only one in five people had enough information on Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) candidates to make an informed decision, the Electoral Commission has found. Turnout for the elections, held last November, was 15.1% – the lowest recorded level at a peacetime non-local government election in the UK. A new report highlights... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/electoral-commission-calls-for-more-information-for-next-pcc-elections 436 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/electoral-commission-calls-for-more-information-for-next-pcc-elections Tue, 19 Mar 2013 00:00:00 GMT Single Government contracts platform to simplify bidding process A new centralised registration system will make it easier and cheaper for suppliers to bid for government contracts. The system will particularly benefit SMEs, who will only have to register once to access a range of contracts. The Government Procurement Service (GPS) has awarded a new contract to NQC Ltd to develop a secure Single... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/single-government-contracts-platform-to-simplify-bidding-process 433,455 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/single-government-contracts-platform-to-simplify-bidding-process Tue, 19 Mar 2013 00:00:00 GMT 'Some clinicians do not view employment as a priority' - Work Foundation Return-to-work support services must more effectively sustain the employment of people with long-term conditions such as cancer, The Work Foundation has argued. A new paper, published in partnership with Macmillan Cancer Support, considers vocational rehabilitation and calls for Government to improve the availability and accessibility to... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/some-clinicians-do-not-view-employment-as-a-priority--work-foundation 434 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/some-clinicians-do-not-view-employment-as-a-priority--work-foundation Mon, 18 Mar 2013 00:00:00 GMT Budget day strike for civil servants over pay progression Thousands of civil servants are set to strike on Budget day this Wednesday over pay arrangements and against tax avoidance and evasion. The PCS union has announced the date as the second in their three-month programme of action. Almost 250,000 members working in government departments will also hold a half-day walkout on April 5, followed... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/budget-day-strike-for-civil-servants-over-pay-progression 455,434 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/budget-day-strike-for-civil-servants-over-pay-progression Mon, 18 Mar 2013 00:00:00 GMT HMRC customer service 'abysmal' - PAC The HMRC has cost callers £136m last year through unanswered calls, the Commons Public Accounts Committee (PAC) has reported. 20 million calls went unanswered last year and the HMRC only replied to 66% of letters within 15 days, below their target of 80%. Despite this poor performance, HMRC is proposing to cut customer-facing staff... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/hmrc-customer-service-abysmal--pac 435 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/hmrc-customer-service-abysmal--pac Mon, 18 Mar 2013 00:00:00 GMT Press regulation deal reached A deal has been reached on press regulation, Labour’s deputy leader Harriet Harman has said. It comes after talks overnight between the three main parties at Westminster, and full details are expected to be published later today. Prime Minister David Cameron was likely to face a Commons defeat today as at least 20 of his MPs backed... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/press-regulation-deal-reached 435 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/press-regulation-deal-reached Mon, 18 Mar 2013 00:00:00 GMT HS2 compensation process judged unlawful The high court has ruled that the Government’s consultation process for compensating those affected by HS2 was “unlawful” – but four other cases were unsuccessful, meaning there should be no delay in the project’s timeline Five cases were brought against the Government by councils, environmental campaigners... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/hs2-compensation-process-judged-unlawful 433 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/hs2-compensation-process-judged-unlawful Fri, 15 Mar 2013 00:00:00 GMT Integrated services key to ageing challenge - NHF Greater cooperation between housing associations, councils and health services will be essential to meet the challenge of an ageing population, the National Housing Federation (NHF) has stated. The House of Lords committee on public service and demographic change has warned that the Government is “not ready” for a steep... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/integrated-services-key-to-ageing-challenge--nhf 441 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/integrated-services-key-to-ageing-challenge--nhf Fri, 15 Mar 2013 00:00:00 GMT Thousands more school places needed, NAO warns 256,000 new school places will need to be provided by 2014/15 to meet increased need, the National Audit Office (NAO) has found. A new report shows that despite a net increase of almost 81,500 primary school places in the past two years, there is “real strain” on schools, with demand expected to increase beyond... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/thousands-more-school-places-needed-nao-warns 453,455 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/thousands-more-school-places-needed-nao-warns Fri, 15 Mar 2013 00:00:00 GMT More information for technological innovation - MPs Increased funding and information for technology companies is needed to boost research in the UK, a new report from the select committee on science and technology states. ‘Bridging the valley of death: improving the commercialisation of research’ calls for Government to ensure sufficient capital is available for technology... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/more-information-for-technological-innovation--mps 438 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/more-information-for-technological-innovation--mps Thu, 14 Mar 2013 00:00:00 GMT Road damage 'spiralling' - LGA The road network in the UK will be permanently potholed unless there is immediate investment in resurfacing, the Local Government Association (LGA) has warned. Last year highways teams fixed 1.1 million potholes – 500,000 more than the year before. The backlog of repairs is also growing longer and is now estimated to cost... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/road-damage-spiralling--lga 433 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/road-damage-spiralling--lga Thu, 14 Mar 2013 00:00:00 GMT UK 'not ready' for ageing population - Lords The Government is woefully underprepared for ageing, a Lords committee on public service and demographic change has concluded. The steep rise predicted in the elderly population – with a 50% rise expected in the over-65s between 2010 and 2030. We will need a radically different model of care to support people in their own homes... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/uk-not-ready-for-ageing-population--lords 440,455 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/uk-not-ready-for-ageing-population--lords Thu, 14 Mar 2013 00:00:00 GMT EHRC intervenes in Independent Living Fund court case The Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) is intervening in the Judicial Review at the High Court into the Government’s decision to scrap the Independent Living Fund. The closure could affect 20,000 disabled people and will make them entirely dependent on local authority services, and could require them to move to residential... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/ehrc-intervenes-in-independent-living-fund-court-case 455,445 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/ehrc-intervenes-in-independent-living-fund-court-case Wed, 13 Mar 2013 00:00:00 GMT People 1st calls for transport industry partnership An industry-wide bid from employers across passenger transport and the travel industry could maximise the opportunity to gain a share of the Government’s Employer Ownership Fund, People 1st has suggested. The fund will help improve skills in the workplace and sectors are being invited to create ‘Industrial Partnerships’... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/people-1st-calls-for-transport-industry-partnership 433 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/people-1st-calls-for-transport-industry-partnership Wed, 13 Mar 2013 00:00:00 GMT Waste boards set up shared management in Gloucestershire A shared management arrangement has been approved between Somerset Waste Board (SWB) and the emerging Gloucestershire Joint Waste partnership (GJWP). Steve Read, managing director of Somerset Waste Partnership (SWP), will be contracted for two days a week as head of service for GJWP from 1 April. The contract will be for a year initially... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/waste-boards-set-up-shared-management-in-gloucestershire 444 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/waste-boards-set-up-shared-management-in-gloucestershire Wed, 13 Mar 2013 00:00:00 GMT Chris Huhne and Vicky Pryce jailed for eight months Former energy secretary Chris Huhne and his ex-wife Vicky Pryce were both jailed for eight months yesterday for perverting the course of justice. Huhne has apologised for lying for two years about asking his then wife to take the speeding points to avoid a driving ban himself in 2003. Huhne pleaded guilty to the offence last month, while... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/chris-huhne-and-vicky-pryce-jailed-for-eight-months 436,455 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/chris-huhne-and-vicky-pryce-jailed-for-eight-months Tue, 12 Mar 2013 00:00:00 GMT Partial climbdown by DWP over bedroom tax The Government is set to back down over one particularly controversial aspect of the so-called bedroom tax, as it is expected to allow councils to exempt families with a severely disabled child who cannot share with a sibling from the loss of part of their housing benefit. The cost of the allowance will be paid for centrally and not from... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/partial-climbdown-by-dwp-over-bedroom-tax 445 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/partial-climbdown-by-dwp-over-bedroom-tax Tue, 12 Mar 2013 00:00:00 GMT Children to 'pay the price' for benefit cuts - Archbishop of Canterbury Planned welfare cuts could push 200,000 children into poverty, the Archbishop of Canterbury has warned. The Welfare Benefits Uprating Bill will cap benefit rises at 1% a year until 2016. In the past, benefits have risen with inflation, and this year rose by 5.2%. But the Most Reverend Justin Welby and Archbishop of York Dr John... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/children-to-pay-the-price-for-benefit-cuts-archbishop-of-canterbury 442,445 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/children-to-pay-the-price-for-benefit-cuts-archbishop-of-canterbury Mon, 11 Mar 2013 10:05:00 GMT Homebuilding will build confidence in economy - CBI The upcoming Budget must focus on house-building, a number of business lobby groups have suggested. The CBI is calling for 50,000 new affordable homes to be built, creating 75,000 jobs and costing £1.25bn. More investment in roads and infrastructure, with a cap on business rates will cost around £2.2bn in total. This could be... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/homebuilding-will-build-confidence-in-economy-cbi 441 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/homebuilding-will-build-confidence-in-economy-cbi Mon, 11 Mar 2013 10:00:00 GMT Cameron pushes for more apprenticeships Apprenticeships must become “the new norm” for young people leaving school who choose not to go to university, Prime Minister David Cameron will say at the beginning of National Apprenticeship Week. Apprentices could add up to £3.4bn a year in economic gains and Whitehall estimated that over 500,000 people started... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/cameron-pushes-for-more-apprenticeships 434 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/cameron-pushes-for-more-apprenticeships Mon, 11 Mar 2013 09:05:00 GMT Public spending freeze to fund tax cuts - Fox Freezing all public spending for five years would free up money to cut taxes and the deficit, former defence secretary Liam Fox is due to suggest. In a speech to the Institute for Economic Affairs, Fox – seen as a standard bearer for the right of the Conservative Party – will set out an alternative economic direction for the... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/public-spending-freeze-to-fund-tax-cuts--fox 433,455 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/public-spending-freeze-to-fund-tax-cuts--fox Mon, 11 Mar 2013 00:00:00 GMT 'Short-term' spending cuts criticised by PAC The Government has been too focused on quick cuts to spending, rather than considering the impact they might have, the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) has warned. This could undermine the objectives of promoting economic growth and higher employment, according to PAC’s report. The report raises concerns about the Treasury’s... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/short-term-spending-cuts-criticised-by-pac 433,455 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/short-term-spending-cuts-criticised-by-pac Fri, 08 Mar 2013 00:00:00 GMT Half of schools improve Ofsted rating Almost half the schools inspected in England last term have improved their overall rating, Ofsted chief inspector Sir Michael Wilshaw has announced. Out of more than 2,000 state-funded schools, 977 inspected by Ofsted between October and December last year were rated better than in their previous inspection. The proportion of... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/half-of-schools-improve-ofsted-rating 453 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/half-of-schools-improve-ofsted-rating Fri, 08 Mar 2013 00:00:00 GMT Yorkshire police plans published The Police and Crime Plan for South Yorkshire has been published, including priorities on reducing crime and anti-social behaviour, protecting vulnerable people and improving police visibility. Half a million pounds will be invested to fund additional specialist public protection unit officers and training for staff as well as enhanced... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/yorkshire-police-plans-published 454 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/yorkshire-police-plans-published Fri, 08 Mar 2013 00:00:00 GMT Judicial review rules comingling recycling acceptable Comingled recycling in England and Wales can and does meet European Waste Framework Directive (WFD), a judicial review has ruled. The legal challenge was brought against Defra and the Welsh Government by six members of the Campaign for Real Recycling. The claimants assert that comingling recycling often creates materials unsuitable... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/judicial-review-rules-comingling-recycling-acceptable 455,444 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/judicial-review-rules-comingling-recycling-acceptable Thu, 07 Mar 2013 00:00:00 GMT Liverpool launches taskforce to ensure social value A Social Value Taskforce has been launched in Liverpool to help commissioners to use the Social Value Act when procuring services and awarding contracts. At the Social Value Conference, held in Liverpool yesterday, minister for civil society Nick Hurd said that charities and social enterprises will help deliver better public... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/liverpool-launches-taskforce-to-ensure-social-value 438 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/liverpool-launches-taskforce-to-ensure-social-value Thu, 07 Mar 2013 00:00:00 GMT What Works centres to support evidence-based policy The Government is to launch four new centres of policy advice, modelled on the National Institute for Health and Clinical Expertise (NICE). The ‘What Works’ centres will cover local economic growth, ageing, early intervention and crime reduction. The idea, adopted in the civil service plan, is to provide an independent... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/what-works-centres-to-support-evidence-based-policy 436 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/what-works-centres-to-support-evidence-based-policy Thu, 07 Mar 2013 00:00:00 GMT Bedroom tax could limit fostering 11 children’s charities have warned that the introduction of the spare bedroom tax – which the Government calls the under-occupancy penalty or the ‘spare room subsidy’ – could make it more difficult for people in social housing to become foster carers. In an open letter to work and pensions secretary Iain... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/bedroom-tax-could-limit-fostering 441 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/bedroom-tax-could-limit-fostering Wed, 06 Mar 2013 00:00:00 GMT Focus on suspect, not just abuse victims' credibility - Starmer Child abuse guidelines are to be reformed, with more focus on the suspect instead of victims’ credibility, the director of public prosecutions is to announce. Kier Starmer will outline new plans to guide prosecutors and police. Currently characteristics often associated with victims, such as alcohol issues or distrust of... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/focus-on-suspect-not-just-abuse-victims-credibility--starmer 454 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/focus-on-suspect-not-just-abuse-victims-credibility--starmer Wed, 06 Mar 2013 00:00:00 GMT Transport devolution should be 'a given' - LGA Devolving transport control to local authorities could deliver over twice the return on investment, the LGA has suggested. A new report, ‘The road to growth: The case for greater local influence over transport’ – is being launched today at an LGA Town Hall Summit on transport devolution which is being attended by... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/transport-devolution-should-be-a-given--lga 433 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/transport-devolution-should-be-a-given--lga Wed, 06 Mar 2013 00:00:00 GMT Lord Neuberger warns of legal aid cuts The country’s most senior judge has warned that cuts to legal aid could end up costing the Government more and denying people access to justice. Lord Neuberger, president of the Supreme Court, has raised concerns over the forthcoming cuts to legal aid across a range of civil cases in England and Wales and suggested people could even... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/lord-neuberger-warns-of-legal-aid-cuts 454,455 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/lord-neuberger-warns-of-legal-aid-cuts Tue, 05 Mar 2013 00:00:00 GMT Performance targets raised for primary schools Tougher targets for primary schools could mean more are ranked as ‘under-performing’. Schools minister David Laws will announce today that schools will be deemed under-performing if under 60% of pupils do not reach a satisfactory standard in reading, writing and maths. Speaking at a conference of the Association of School and... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/performance-targets-raised-for-primary-schools 453 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/performance-targets-raised-for-primary-schools Tue, 05 Mar 2013 00:00:00 GMT Prison mentoring could help reduce crime Former convicts should be used as peer mentors to help other offenders, prisons minister Jeremy Wright has suggested. In prison, certain inmates can help new prisoners with reading and other education and training. This could be extended outside jails, supporting convicts to reintegrate into society and cutting reoffending. Speaking... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/prison-mentoring-could-help-reduce-crime 454 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/prison-mentoring-could-help-reduce-crime Tue, 05 Mar 2013 00:00:00 GMT 'Perverse' bedroom tax means £100m disability spending gap - NHF Disabled and vulnerable people must be exempt from the bedroom tax, the National Housing Federation has told the Government. Support pledged for those who will be hit by the bedroom tax through the fund for Discretionary Housing Payments (DHPs) has left a gap of over £100m for disabled people. Around 230,000 disabled people... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/perverse-bedroom-tax-means-100m-disability-spending-gap-nhf 441,442,455,445 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/perverse-bedroom-tax-means-100m-disability-spending-gap-nhf Mon, 04 Mar 2013 09:00:00 GMT MPs to vote on 'secret courts' proposals MPs vote today on whether to radically expand the use of ‘secret courts’, a key measure in the new Justice and Security Bill which has undergone several last-minute changes as its backers try to get angry Liberal Democrats on board with the legislation. Although the Government says the Bill gives judges “complete... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/mps-to-vote-on-secret-courts-proposals 436 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/mps-to-vote-on-secret-courts-proposals Mon, 04 Mar 2013 00:00:00 GMT MPs urge 'Plan B' for energy policy UK energy policy urgently needs a ‘Plan B’ in case the next generation of nuclear plants are not delivered on time, according to a committee of MPs. The Energy and Climate Change Committee (ECCC) published a new report today saying that any failure by the private companies on whom the Government is relying to deliver new... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/mps-urge-plan-b-for-energy-policy 437 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/mps-urge-plan-b-for-energy-policy Mon, 04 Mar 2013 00:00:00 GMT New survey assesses every local authority website The latest survey of local authority websites by Socitm urges senior leaders to “get actively involved in the governance of digital delivery”. The headlines results from Better Connected 2013 are publicly available, but the detailed findings are limited to Socitm Insight subscribers. It contains assessments of all 433 local... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/new-survey-assesses-every-local-authority-website 439 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/new-survey-assesses-every-local-authority-website Mon, 04 Mar 2013 00:00:00 GMT New shared services contract for Department for Transport The Government is establishing the first independent shared service centre to cut the cost of back office functions and save up to £600m a year. The seven-year contract with arvato covers the management of the Independent Shared Services Centre 1 (ISSC1), created from the existing DfT shared service centre in Swansea. The... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/new-shared-services-contract-for-department-for-transport 440 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/new-shared-services-contract-for-department-for-transport Sat, 02 Mar 2013 00:00:00 GMT Eastleigh held by Lib Dems as Ukip surge The Liberal Democrats have narrowly held Eastleigh at the by-election, while Ukip moved into second place. Lib Dem councillor Mike Thornton won with a majority of 1,771 and secured 13,342 votes compared to Ukip’s 11,571. The Conservatives’ Maria Hutchings came in third with 10,559 votes and Labour’s John O’Farrell... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/eastleigh-held-by-lib-dems-as-ukip-surge 436,455 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/eastleigh-held-by-lib-dems-as-ukip-surge Fri, 01 Mar 2013 08:00:00 GMT 41% of local authorities to shun council tax freeze Nearly half of councils are currently planning to forego the money for freezing council tax offered by the DCLG, and will instead raise it for 2013/14. CIPFA’s annual survey found that 41% of local authorities are considering rejecting the offer, up from 15% last year. Amongst those who will reject the freeze, increases are likely... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/41-of-local-authorities-to-shun-council-tax-freeze 438 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/41-of-local-authorities-to-shun-council-tax-freeze Thu, 28 Feb 2013 00:00:00 GMT Manchester tops public sector carbon efficiency table Manchester City Council has been scored the top public sector organisation in the Environment Agency’s CRC table, and fourth overall. The top three organisations were BAM Group UK Ltd, Skanska Construction Holdings Ltd and Motorola Solutions UK Ltd. The table covers carbon emissions over the last year and is based on a range of... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/manchester-tops-public-sector-carbon-efficiency 437,455 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/manchester-tops-public-sector-carbon-efficiency Thu, 28 Feb 2013 00:00:00 GMT BPF urges Government to increase build to let The Government is underlining the importance of the ‘built to let’ programme to tackle current and future housing shortages at the British Property Federation annual conference today. The scheme provides a £10bn debt guarantee and £200m equity finance for house builders and developers, to encourage a wider range of... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/bpf-urges-government-to-increase-build-to-let 441 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/bpf-urges-government-to-increase-build-to-let Wed, 27 Feb 2013 00:00:00 GMT Cabinet Office must do more to maximise savings - NAO The NAO has called on the Cabinet Office to create more effective levers to create savings in procurement. Expenditure on common goods and services is more centralised, there is increased participation by SMEs and clearer lines of responsibility at the centre, the report showed. But the Government still has “ineffective”... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/cabinet-office-must-do-more-to-maximise-savings--nao 438 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/cabinet-office-must-do-more-to-maximise-savings--nao Wed, 27 Feb 2013 00:00:00 GMT Countdown to transition of public health to councils Local government is ready for the challenge of taking on responsibility for public health, delegates heard at the LGA’s annual public health conference yesterday. The event in London, attended by PSE, saw a packed line-up of key speakers from both the health service and local government, including Duncan Selbie, chief executive of... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/countdown-to-transition-of-public-health-to-councils 455,445 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/countdown-to-transition-of-public-health-to-councils Wed, 27 Feb 2013 00:00:00 GMT 'Significant misstatement of assets' in DCMS accounts - NAO Head of the National Audit Office Amyas Morse, the comptroller and auditor general, has refused to fully sign off the 2011-12 accounts for the Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS). The audit opinion was qualified because the DCMS accounts do not accurately reflect the value of some of its assets, he said. Some of this was... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/significant-misstatement-of-assets-in-dcms-accounts--nao 435 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/significant-misstatement-of-assets-in-dcms-accounts--nao Tue, 26 Feb 2013 00:00:00 GMT Dementia and memory problem rate in care homes is 80% Four out of every five people living in care homes have dementia or severe memory problems – far more than previously thought. A new Alzheimer’s Society report published today says less than half of these 322,000 people are enjoying a good quality of life, although excellent care does exist in places. Previous surveys... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/dementia-and-memory-problem-rate-in-care-homes-is-80 445 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/dementia-and-memory-problem-rate-in-care-homes-is-80 Tue, 26 Feb 2013 00:00:00 GMT West Coast fiasco will cost 'far more than £50m' - Hodge Another high-profile committee of MPs has attacked the way the West Coast Main Line franchise was awarded and blamed a “complete lack of common sense” among senior officials at the Department for Transport. Civil servants were blinkered and rushed, according to a new Public Accounts Committee report, which says expensive... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/west-coast-fiasco-will-cost-far-more-than-50m--hodge 435,455 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/west-coast-fiasco-will-cost-far-more-than-50m--hodge Tue, 26 Feb 2013 00:00:00 GMT Innovate UK speakers confirmed Speakers have been confirmed for Innovate UK, a conference held by UK Trade & Investment and the Technology Strategy Board next month. The conference will provide multi-sector networking to help companies to accelerate growth through innovation, international trade and investment. It will be held from 11-13 March at the Business... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/innovate-uk-speakers-confirmed 438 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/innovate-uk-speakers-confirmed Mon, 25 Feb 2013 00:00:00 GMT Millions of people failing to save - Scottish Widows Eight million people in Britain have no savings for the future, a report from the Scottish Widows has found. Another 15 million are “not currently making any effort” to save for the future. As life expectancy increases, the cost of retirement is also going up, leading experts to raise concerns about how prepared citizens are... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/millions-of-people-failing-to-save--scottish-widows 455,434 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/millions-of-people-failing-to-save--scottish-widows Mon, 25 Feb 2013 00:00:00 GMT PCC elections 'failed' - Electoral Reform Society The elections held for police and crime commissioners last November “failed both candidates and voters alike”, a new report has stated. Polls in 41 police force areas in England and Wales had a turnout of just 15%. The Electoral Reform Society examined the election to see how this could have been improved. A Populus poll... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/pcc-elections-failed--electoral-reform-society 454 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/pcc-elections-failed--electoral-reform-society Mon, 25 Feb 2013 00:00:00 GMT Systems 'not coping' with ageing population - Lords The ageing population will have a huge impact on health and social services, and there needs to be a robust plan to prepare for this, a new Lords committee will report. The committee on public service and demographic change has been taking evidence from a range of experts on the impact of the ageing population. It is due to report next... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/systems-not-coping-with-ageing-population--lords 442 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/systems-not-coping-with-ageing-population--lords Mon, 25 Feb 2013 00:00:00 GMT IET launches training course for EV charging installation As part of the Government’s £37m subsidy for charging points for electric vehicles (EV), charge points will be required to be installed in accordance with the Institute of Engineering and Technology (IET)’s Code of Practice. The IET has launched a new training course, developed with training provider Group Horizon. The... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/iet-launches-training-course-for-ev-charging-installation 433 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/iet-launches-training-course-for-ev-charging-installation Fri, 22 Feb 2013 00:00:00 GMT LGA study finds majority of residents trust councils 72% of residents are satisfied with the way services are run by their local council, a new report indicates. The research was conducted as part of the LGA’s appraisal on the sector-led approach for delivering improvement. Reduction in inspections and targets for local authorities has allowed councils to find new and better ways of... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/lga-study-finds-majority-of-residents-trust-councils 436,455 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/lga-study-finds-majority-of-residents-trust-councils Fri, 22 Feb 2013 00:00:00 GMT Welfare to Work helps just 3.6% of participants The Government’s Welfare to Work scheme is “failing”, the Public Accounts Committee has concluded. Its report found that the scheme only got 3.6% of people off benefits and into secure employment. The scheme was set up in June 2011 to help find secure work for the long-term unemployed. The DWP target was 11.9% and... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/welfare-to-work-helps-just-36-of-participants 442 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/welfare-to-work-helps-just-36-of-participants Fri, 22 Feb 2013 00:00:00 GMT Consultants costing Wales £23m - WAO The Welsh public sector could save £23m on consultant’s fees, the Wales Audit Office (WAO) has reported. The public sector cannot prove it is getting value for money from the £133m it spends on external consultants, the report states. It highlights poor record-keeping and a lack of collaborating with each... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/consultants-costing-wales-23m--wao 438,455 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/consultants-costing-wales-23m--wao Thu, 21 Feb 2013 00:00:00 GMT Council pay-offs should be more transparent - Pickles New transparency rules have been published for councils paying senior staff large salaries, local government secretary Eric Pickles has announced. Severance pay-offs will have to be democratically approved by full council votes, and changes to the dismissal and disciplinary proceedings will be introduced. Councils will no longer be... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/council-pay-offs-should-be-more-transparent--pickles 436,434 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/council-pay-offs-should-be-more-transparent--pickles Thu, 21 Feb 2013 00:00:00 GMT Health and safety distinction for 38 companies The winners of the British Safety Council’s 2013 International Safety Awards have been announced, with 38 organisations awarded a distinction of their health and safety. Applicants answered 12 questions about the companies health and safety, which were marked by independent adjudicators. 244 organisations were awarded a merit and... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/health-and-safety-distinction-for-38-companies 435 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/health-and-safety-distinction-for-38-companies Thu, 21 Feb 2013 00:00:00 GMT 30 million in employment - ONS Almost 30 million people were in employment at the end of 2012, new figures from the ONS show. This is an increase of 154,000 on the quarter to September and is the highest total since records began in 1971. The number of people claiming jobseekers’ allowance fell by 12,500 to 1.54 million and unemployment fell by 14,000 in the... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/30-million-in-employment--ons 433,455 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/30-million-in-employment--ons Wed, 20 Feb 2013 00:00:00 GMT Liverpool housing plans for vacant properties Liverpool City Council has set out plans to bring 179 vacant properties back into use, to revitalise housing and build more sustainable neighbourhoods. The plans include a Homesteading scheme, where a number of properties will be sold to local residents for £1. They will be expected to refurbish the homes to Decent Home Standard and... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/liverpool-housing-plans-for-vacant-properties 441 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/liverpool-housing-plans-for-vacant-properties Wed, 20 Feb 2013 00:00:00 GMT TPA calls for lower pay for senior staff at councils Councils should cut the pay of senior staff, the Taxpayers’ Alliance has urged, since more than 28,000 council staff get more than £50,000 a year. This cost almost £1.9bn last year and represents a drop of 3,991 staff on the previous year, with costs down by £270m. However, the Taxpayers’ Alliance suggests... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/tpa-calls-for-lower-pay-for-senior-staff-at-councils 434 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/tpa-calls-for-lower-pay-for-senior-staff-at-councils Wed, 20 Feb 2013 00:00:00 GMT Government announces 20 new city deals 20 more areas have struck ‘city deals’ with the Government. The announcement follows eight deals with larger cities last year. The cities will negotiate to take on extra autonomy over how to spend budgets in training, skills and road building, amongst other areas. The responsibility should help boost economic growth outside of... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/government-announces-20-new-city-deals 436,455 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/government-announces-20-new-city-deals Tue, 19 Feb 2013 00:00:00 GMT Nuclear power subsidy deals could be extended to 40 years Contracts with energy providers to build new nuclear power stations could be extended to 40 years, it has been reported. The Government is proposing to sign contracts extended from the originally envisaged 20 years to at least 30, and possibly as long as 40 years, according to the Guardian. The longer contracts would help keep costs... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/nuclear-power-subsidy-deals-could-be-extended-to-40-years 437 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/nuclear-power-subsidy-deals-could-be-extended-to-40-years Tue, 19 Feb 2013 00:00:00 GMT Wales should have power over policing Policing powers should be devolved to Wales, first minister Carwyn Jones has said in the Government’s submission to the Silk Commission. Silk is looking at the scope of the Welsh Assembly’s remit. In the long-term, control over criminal justice including probation services, community safety and crime prevention should be... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/wales-should-have-power-over-policing 436 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/wales-should-have-power-over-policing Tue, 19 Feb 2013 00:00:00 GMT Councils' use of B&Bs for housing rises 800% The use of B&Bs to house poor families for over six weeks has risen by 800% since the last general election, new figures show. Freedom of information requests by Labour to 325 councils, 242 of which responded, found that 125 reported placing poor families in hotels for six weeks or more. 54% of these councils are... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/councils-use-of-bbs-for-housing-rises-800 441,442,455 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/councils-use-of-bbs-for-housing-rises-800 Mon, 18 Feb 2013 00:00:00 GMT Employment growth set to continue - CIPD Employment is set to grow in the first quarter of 2013, according to the latest CIPD/Success Factors report. The Labour Market Outlook report measures net employment balance – the proportion of companies that intend to increase the number of employees versus those which plan to decrease. Net employment has remained positive at +5... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/employment-growth-set-to-continue--cipd 434 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/employment-growth-set-to-continue--cipd Mon, 18 Feb 2013 00:00:00 GMT Iceland boss blames councils for horsemeat fiasco Local authorities and public sector bodies are driving down food quality by using the cheapest possible food contracts for schools and hospitals, according to Iceland boss Malcolm Walker. The supermarket chain is among those which have had to withdraw products that have tested positive for horse DNA. Environment secretary Owen... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/iceland-boss-blames-councils-for-horsemeat-fiasco 435 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/iceland-boss-blames-councils-for-horsemeat-fiasco Mon, 18 Feb 2013 00:00:00 GMT Probation privatisation 'chaotic and dangerous' - Napo Privatising the probation service for low and medium risk offenders will put the public at greater risk, probation officers have warned. In a briefing for MPs, Napo claimed that ministers’ plans to put probation services out to tender with private companies could lead to “chaos”. Harry Fletcher, the assistant... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/probation-privatisation-chaotic-and-dangerous--napo 454 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/probation-privatisation-chaotic-and-dangerous--napo Mon, 18 Feb 2013 00:00:00 GMT Labour proposes reintroducing 10p tax band Labour has pledged to reintroduce the 10p tax band in a shock announcement. The rate was abolished in 2007 by Gordon Brown, but Party Leader Ed Miliband has stated that this was a mistake. The tax band would be funded by a new mansion tax on properties valued over £2m, although Miliband did not reveal full details of how this would... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/labour-proposes-reintroducing-10p-tax-band 436,455 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/labour-proposes-reintroducing-10p-tax-band Fri, 15 Feb 2013 00:00:00 GMT Pickles to scrap South East regional planning strategy The South East of England’s regional strategy is to be abolished, moving control over development to local communities. Communities secretary Eric Pickles announced the move, which will become the third area to eliminate “centrally set” building targets. It is hoped councils will be able to deliver more housing in line... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/pickles-to-scrap-south-east-regional-planning-strategy 441 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/pickles-to-scrap-south-east-regional-planning-strategy Fri, 15 Feb 2013 00:00:00 GMT Treasury 'experimenting' with public money - PAC The Government is playing “a series of expensive experiments” in attempts to boost lending, the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) has stated in a new report. PAC examined the Treasury’s annual report and accounts for 2011-12 and found the detail of the accounts to be “impenetrable”. The report raised concerns... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/treasury-experimenting-with-public-money--pac 433 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/treasury-experimenting-with-public-money--pac Fri, 15 Feb 2013 00:00:00 GMT £25,000 support for MPs to access mental health treatment An annual budget has been approved to support MPs with mental health problems to access treatment, the Commons Members Estimate Committee (MEC) has announced. It is difficult for MPs to access local services because of their high profile, so the £25,000 will provide a referrals service operated by doctors contracted at the House of... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/25000-support-for-mps-to-access-mental-health-treatment 442 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/25000-support-for-mps-to-access-mental-health-treatment Thu, 14 Feb 2013 00:00:00 GMT Camden poor 'to be relocated out of London' Camden council is planning to move 761 poor families out of London into cheaper housing up to 200 miles away, it is reported. The plans come in the wake of the Coalition’s benefit cap, which limits total welfare payments to £500 a week for families. It means the council will be unable to afford current accommodation and is... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/camden-poor-to-be-relocated-out-of-london 442 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/camden-poor-to-be-relocated-out-of-london Thu, 14 Feb 2013 00:00:00 GMT Young offender education to be provided by academies Academies and free schools could provide education in young offender institutes (YOI), justice secretary Chris Grayling has proposed. The move could create ‘secure training colleges’ and cut the reoffending rate. Grayling is due to outline a green paper on the future of youth custody, including improvements to YOI education... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/young-offender-education-to-be-provided-by-academies 454,453,455 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/young-offender-education-to-be-provided-by-academies Thu, 14 Feb 2013 00:00:00 GMT 26% of home care services fail to meet standards - CQC A quarter of home care services are failing to meet quality and safety standards, a new report suggests. The CQC reviewed 250 services against five key national standards. The CQC found that on many occasions people received no prior notice that they would be visited by a care worker they didn’t know, and visits were often delayed... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/26-of-home-care-services-fail-to-meet-standards--cqc 435,455 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/26-of-home-care-services-fail-to-meet-standards--cqc Wed, 13 Feb 2013 00:00:00 GMT Job centres must track claimants moving off benefits Moving claimants of jobseekers’ allowance away from benefits does not always result in a supported move to work, the National Audit Office (NAO) has warned in a new report. In 40% of cases, the reason for a claimant moving “off-flow” is not recorded, which means that these people could be on other benefits, in prison or... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/job-centres-must-track-claimants-moving-off-benefits 433 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/job-centres-must-track-claimants-moving-off-benefits Wed, 13 Feb 2013 00:00:00 GMT LFA rejects Boris plan to close 12 fire stations The London Fire Authority has voted not to comply with the Mayor’s order for a public consultation on plans to close 12 fire stations. The plans are aimed at saving £45m, with a loss of 520 jobs, but the LFA has voted not to run a consultation because it didn’t support the plans. Terry Stacy, leader of the Liberal... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/lfa-rejects-boris-plan-to-close-12-fire-stations 440 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/lfa-rejects-boris-plan-to-close-12-fire-stations Wed, 13 Feb 2013 00:00:00 GMT £3bn Heathrow Airport investment announced Heathrow Airport is to spend £3bn on in investment programme over the next five years, it has announced with its new spending plans for 2014-19. The works will include the completion of Terminal 2 and early work on extending the building, the development of a new integrated baggage system and the construction of new taxiways and... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/3bn-heathrow-airport-investment-announced 433 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/3bn-heathrow-airport-investment-announced Tue, 12 Feb 2013 00:00:00 GMT Cyber security skills gap must be addressed - NAO The UK’s critical infrastructure is under threat as companies fail to take cyber security seriously enough, a new report suggests. The NAO has found that the UK suffered 44 million cyber attacks in 2011, estimated to cost up to £27bn a year. The report suggests that there is a skills gap, leaving the country unprotected... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/cyber-security-skills-gap-must-be-addressed--nao 454,439,455 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/cyber-security-skills-gap-must-be-addressed--nao Tue, 12 Feb 2013 00:00:00 GMT Settlement agreement code of practice launched A consultation on the new code of practice on settlement agreements has been launched by Acas to support new legislation use to end employment relationships on agreed terms. The Government is introducing new legislation which will mean any offers or discussions about settlement agreements cannot be used as evidence in an unfair dismissal... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/settlement-agreement-code-of-practice-launched 434 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/settlement-agreement-code-of-practice-launched Tue, 12 Feb 2013 00:00:00 GMT Child Poverty measure 'ineffective' - Policy Exchange The current child poverty target is significantly underestimating the number of children living in poverty in the UK, a new report by Policy Exchange shows. The target should be replaced with a metric that considers both household income and social poverty factors, such as whether children have been in care or live in poor quality housing... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/child-poverty-measure-ineffective--policy-exchange 442 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/child-poverty-measure-ineffective--policy-exchange Mon, 11 Feb 2013 00:00:00 GMT Just 8% of people with schizophrenia able to find work The Government must address barriers to employment for people living with schizophrenia, a new report by The Work Foundation urges. Rates of employment for people with schizophrenia are at 8% compared to the national average of 71%, with stigma and discrimination preventing people from finding or keeping work. However, those in... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/just-8-of-people-with-schizophrenia-able-to-find-work 434 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/just-8-of-people-with-schizophrenia-able-to-find-work Mon, 11 Feb 2013 00:00:00 GMT Lifetime social care costs to be capped at £75,000 The Government is due to announce a “fully-funded” solution to elderly people’s social care costs, with a £75,000 cap on lifetime costs – much higher than the Dilnot recommendations. There is also expected to be a rise in the threshold for means-tested support from £23,250 to £123,000. Health... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/lifetime-social-care-costs-to-be-capped-at-75000 455,434 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/lifetime-social-care-costs-to-be-capped-at-75000 Mon, 11 Feb 2013 00:00:00 GMT Optimism index at 88.9 in January - BDO Business confidence has hit a record low, a new survey suggests. The BDO has published a survey showing business confidence in January is at the lowest level in at least 21 years. The economy could struggle to grow in the first quarter of the year, the report stated, despite firms stating their intention to hire more staff. The... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/optimism-index-at-889-in-january--bdo 433 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/optimism-index-at-889-in-january--bdo Mon, 11 Feb 2013 00:00:00 GMT 1.2 million job cuts expected in public sector - IFS Public sector job losses could rise above a million by 2018, the Institute for Fiscal Studies (IFS) has warned in its Green Budget. Analysis of the Government’s spending plans suggest that losses are set to be 300,000 higher than currently predicted by the Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR). The IFS has found that Whitehall... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/12-million-job-cuts-expected-in-public-sector--ifs 434 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/12-million-job-cuts-expected-in-public-sector--ifs Thu, 07 Feb 2013 00:00:00 GMT Gove's EBacc plans to replace GCSEs scrapped Plans to replace GCSEs with an English Baccalaureate, or ‘EBacc’, are to be scrapped in a major Government u-turn. Education secretary Michael Gove had planned “more rigorous” exams in core subjects from 2015, but a recent report by the Commons select education committee said the changes would be “too much... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/goves-ebacc-plans-to-replace-gcses-scrapped 453,455 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/goves-ebacc-plans-to-replace-gcses-scrapped Thu, 07 Feb 2013 00:00:00 GMT Shelter warns that housing is increasingly unaffordable If food costs had risen as fast as house prices over the last 40 years, a weekly family shop would cost an average of £435, Shelter has calculated. The charity’s new price checker aims to demonstrate unaffordable housing costs by applying the same rate of inflation to everyday items. This comparison shows how difficult it... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/shelter-warns-that-housing-is-increasingly-unaffordable 441,443 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/shelter-warns-that-housing-is-increasingly-unaffordable Thu, 07 Feb 2013 00:00:00 GMT Pensions 'black hole' by 2020 - Centre for Policy Studies The Government has underestimated the expense of public sector pension reforms, the think tank Centre for Policy Studies has warned. This could lead to a “pensions black hole” of £9bn a year by the beginning of 2020, costing taxpayers. A new CPS study has suggested the burden on taxpayers could be around £1,600... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/pensions-black-hole-by-2020--centre-for-policy-studies 434 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/pensions-black-hole-by-2020--centre-for-policy-studies Tue, 05 Feb 2013 00:00:00 GMT Transport devolution a risk - PAC Further devolution for local transport services could lead to weakened accountability, the Public Accounts Committee has stated in a new report. The Committee considered how moving funding for local transport to local authorities could risk poor decisions. The LGA has responded, calling the suggestion of a move back towards centralism a... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/transport-devolution-a-risk--pac 436,455 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/transport-devolution-a-risk--pac Tue, 05 Feb 2013 00:00:00 GMT Wrexham teachers to gain skills through university partnership Teachers in Wrexham are being the opportunity to further their skills and education, in a partnership with Wrexham County Council and Glyndwr University. Up to 100 teachers a year will be sponsored to attend the university’s MA education programme. The course will be tailored to respond to the needs of primary and secondary teachers... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/wrexham-teachers-to-gain-skills-through-university-partnership 453 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/wrexham-teachers-to-gain-skills-through-university-partnership Tue, 05 Feb 2013 00:00:00 GMT Government allocates New Homes Bonus cash for 2013-14 The Government has published the final list of councils getting funding through the New Homes Bonus. Under the scheme, worth £1.3bn to councils between 2011 and 2014, the Government matches the council tax raised from new homes over six years. It is also available for councils reducing the number of long-term empty homes, and there... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/government-allocates-new-homes-bonus-cash-for-2013-14 441 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/government-allocates-new-homes-bonus-cash-for-2013-14 Mon, 04 Feb 2013 00:00:00 GMT LGA urges new approach to cutting youth joblessness The LGA is co-hosting a summit tomorrow on tackling youth unemployment and disengagement, as new research suggests a new local approach could cut the number of young people out of work by 20% in three years. The LGA research suggests the new approach could save £1.25bn a year for the public finances, and contribute £15bn to... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/lga-urges-new-approach-to-cutting-youth-joblessness 442,455 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/lga-urges-new-approach-to-cutting-youth-joblessness Mon, 04 Feb 2013 00:00:00 GMT MPs prepare to vote on gay marriage amid Tory discontent Up to 150 Conservative MPs could vote against plans to allow gay and lesbian couples to marry in the free vote on the Bill tomorrow (Tuesday). Gay marriage is likely to still become law, since the vast majority of Labour and Liberal Democrat MPs back the plans, but it would be a sign of serious division within the Conservatives and... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/mps-prepare-to-vote-on-gay-marriage-amid-tory-discontent 436 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/mps-prepare-to-vote-on-gay-marriage-amid-tory-discontent Mon, 04 Feb 2013 00:00:00 GMT RoSPA award for high-achieving housing association A housing association that overhauled its health and safety management systems and the development of its internal audit procedures has won a top award from the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents. Trent and Dove Housing, covering east Staffordshire and south Derbyshire, got Level 1 recognition under the Quality Safety Audit... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/rospa-award-for-high-achieving-housing-association 441 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/rospa-award-for-high-achieving-housing-association Mon, 04 Feb 2013 00:00:00 GMT 'It's a given that good housing is a key determinant of good health' The National Housing Federation’s new report focuses on the important role housing can play in a truly integrated and person-focused health and social care system. PSE talks to author and NHF policy officer Amy Swan. 'Providing an alternative pathway: The value of integrating housing, care and support’, the new report from the... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/its-a-given-that-good-housing-is-a-key-determinant-of-good-health 446,445 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/its-a-given-that-good-housing-is-a-key-determinant-of-good-health Fri, 01 Feb 2013 00:00:00 GMT £62m cycling boost for cities The Government has announced £62m investment to improve cycling facilities, including significant work to integrate cycling with public transport and make it easier and safer for people to cycle through cities. New cycle hubs will be built at Leicester, Nottingham, Redhill and Upminster stations with bike hire, storage, lockers and... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/62m-cycling-boost-for-cities 437 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/62m-cycling-boost-for-cities Fri, 01 Feb 2013 00:00:00 GMT 2013 - the year of compliance? Against a backdrop of the tough economic climate and job losses across the public sector, how can organisations meet the internal and external compliance requirements in the year ahead? Marie Coley SIRM, a member of the Institute of Risk Management (IRM), head of health & safety and environmental management at Addaction and former Business... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/2013-the-year-of-compliance 435,447 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/2013-the-year-of-compliance Fri, 01 Feb 2013 00:00:00 GMT A great start to the day - and the year Blackpool made national headlines earlier this year when it launched a pilot project to provide universal free breakfasts for primary school children. PSE hears from council leader Simon Blackburn, the driving force behind the idea, about the hoped-for benefits in terms of attendance, timeliness, behaviour and attainment. Since the start... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/a-great-start-to-the-day-and-the-year 453,451 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/a-great-start-to-the-day-and-the-year Fri, 01 Feb 2013 00:00:00 GMT An urban legacy Sam Richards, head of urban integration at Crossrail, describes the huge public realm scheme being planned alongside Europe’s biggest construction project. City-wide improvements to the railway network can no longer simply consider what goes on in stations and on trains – the quality of the areas surrounding this work have a... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/an-urban-legacy 451,443 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/an-urban-legacy Fri, 01 Feb 2013 00:00:00 GMT Borrowed time Doncaster’s library service – like virtually all around the country – has found itself under huge financial strain in recent years. But with half its libraries now managed and run by 380 volunteers, as an alternative to closure, the new service has won the ‘Making a Difference in Yorkshire and Humber Award’ from... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/borrowed-time 451,440 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/borrowed-time Fri, 01 Feb 2013 00:00:00 GMT Changing the daily commute Nicola Small, senior transport planner at Warwickshire County Council, tells PSE about a forum that lets businesses share ideas about improving local transport for employees. Businesses can have a signifi cant role to play in their employees’ transport decisions – and Warwickshire County Council is exploring how local firms... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/changing-the-daily-commute 433,446 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/changing-the-daily-commute Fri, 01 Feb 2013 00:00:00 GMT Future City: a testbed of smarter working in Glasgow Pippa Gardner, project manager of the Technology Strategy Board’s Future Cities Demonstrator at Glasgow City Council, talks to PSE about winning £24m to transform the way the city works. Glasgow has won the Technology Strategy Board’s (TSB) Future Cities Demonstrator competition, and will receive £24m to create a... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/future-city-a-testbed-of-smarter-working-in-glasgow 439,446 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/future-city-a-testbed-of-smarter-working-in-glasgow Fri, 01 Feb 2013 00:00:00 GMT Improving procurement in public sector construction A series of departmental, government agency and local authority trials to improve public sector construction procurement reported back on progress so far at a Cabinet Offi ce event. Adam Hewitt reports. New approaches to procurement can cut waste, boost effi ciency, and encourage a more collaborative supply chain, according to the Cabinet... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/improving-procurement-in-public-sector-construction 438,446 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/improving-procurement-in-public-sector-construction Fri, 01 Feb 2013 00:00:00 GMT Joined-up policing - why it needs to be a priority John Gillon, a former detective superintendent with Strathclyde Police who had a 30-year police career, now an industry consultant for SAS Public Security, discusses the need for police services to make better use of data and to share information. Now that the new Police and Crime Commissioners (PCCs) are in post, one of their most urgent... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/joined-up-policing-why-it-needs-to-be-a-priority 439,446 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/joined-up-policing-why-it-needs-to-be-a-priority Fri, 01 Feb 2013 00:00:00 GMT LED the way Jim Blaik, highway operations manager at Doncaster Council, spoke to PSE about the largest multi-manufacturer LED trial in the country. Doncaster Council has identified and implemented the best LED lighting on the market, through a trial which tested products from several different manufacturers. PSE spoke to Jim Blaik, highway... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/led-the-way 437,446 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/led-the-way Fri, 01 Feb 2013 00:00:00 GMT PF2 David Pokora, chief executive of the LIFT Council, gives his verdict on the outcome of the PFI review in the Autumn Statement on December 5. Public sector property expert David Pokora, who spent 26 years in the NHS, including 11 as chief executive of an acute trust, is executive director of the LIFT Council, which represents 95% of the... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/pf2 446,443 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/pf2 Fri, 01 Feb 2013 00:00:00 GMT Public sector complaints: handle with care Jo Causon, chief executive of the Institute of Customer Service, outlines the latest research into public sector complaints and explains why it is imperative that customers are handled with care. The public sector is currently facing huge challenges as the full impact of Government spending cuts hits frontline and support... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/public-sector-complaints-handle-with-care 447,440 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/public-sector-complaints-handle-with-care Fri, 01 Feb 2013 00:00:00 GMT Public sector procurement reform Mark Robinson, the EU representative in Brussels on UK public sector procurement and enterprise matters, and chief executive of Scape, a local authority controlled company that tries to cut the cost of public sector construction procurement, gives his reaction to the recent CBI report showing that SMEs are unhappy with the pace of public... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/public-sector-procurement-reform 438,446 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/public-sector-procurement-reform Fri, 01 Feb 2013 00:00:00 GMT Public trust in councils reaffirmed - NLGN The public trust councils to take difficult decisions on spending rather than central government, new data shows. An Ipsos MORI poll, commissioned by the New Local Government Network (NLGN) found that 79% of voters trust local councils to make important decisions about the future of local services, while only 11% trust the Government to... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/public-trust-in-councils-reaffirmed--nlgn 436,455 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/public-trust-in-councils-reaffirmed--nlgn Fri, 01 Feb 2013 00:00:00 GMT Reinventing the public realm Virtually all towns and cities in the country would like their public space to do more to boost the local economy, improve the visitor experience for residents and better integrate transport options. For cities like Bath, there is the added dimension of heritage and tourism to consider, and it has embarked on a radical plan to overhaul the way... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/reinventing-the-public-realm 441,446 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/reinventing-the-public-realm Fri, 01 Feb 2013 00:00:00 GMT Shaping the future Two landscape architecture students who won a national design competition as part of a project to regenerate Kirkby town centre in Ashfi eld explain how good design can create dynamic urban spaces that are safe, integrated and have plenty of opportunities to play and interact. Adam Hewitt reports. OPUN, the better architecture body for... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/shaping-the-future 441,446 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/shaping-the-future Fri, 01 Feb 2013 00:00:00 GMT Social Value Act 'must be strengthened' The Social Value Act came into force yesterday, having been passed last February. It requires commissioners of public services to take into account economic, social and environmental wellbeing when seeking to purchase services. Social Enterprise UK has called for Government to build on the Act, making creating social value a legal... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/social-value-act-must-be-strengthened 438 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/social-value-act-must-be-strengthened Fri, 01 Feb 2013 00:00:00 GMT Tackling the digital divide Richard French, director of education policy at BCS Learning & Development Ltd, part of BCS, the Chartered Institute for IT, speaks to PSE about the new traineeship programme proposed by the Government. Despite the younger generation often being stereotyped as permanently having their heads down, engrossed in their phones and latest... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/tackling-the-digital-divide 453,451 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/tackling-the-digital-divide Fri, 01 Feb 2013 00:00:00 GMT NAO warns of impact of local government funding reductions The Government must do more to improve the evaluation of the impact of decisions on local authority finances and services, the National Audit Office has warned. The DCLG must work with other departments to achieve this. A new report from the NAO shows that local authorities are struggling to absorb funding reductions without reducing... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/nao-warns-of-impact-of-local-government-funding-reductions 438,455 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/nao-warns-of-impact-of-local-government-funding-reductions Wed, 30 Jan 2013 00:00:00 GMT Police forces reject G4S framework An alliance of three police forces will not proceed with the outsourcing framework with G4S as a supplier, it has been decided. Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire and Hertfordshire forces were considering joining Lincolnshire’s framework for outsourcing the forces’ organisational support services, including human resources, ICT... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/police-forces-reject-g4s-framework 440 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/police-forces-reject-g4s-framework Wed, 30 Jan 2013 00:00:00 GMT Scottish independence question 'must be reworded' The independence referendum question should be replaced with more neutral wording, the Electoral Commission has concluded. Its assessment of the Scottish Government’s proposed question has been published today, and says the question uses clear, simple and easy to understand language. But the original question – ‘Do... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/scottish-independence-question-must-be-reworded 436 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/scottish-independence-question-must-be-reworded Wed, 30 Jan 2013 00:00:00 GMT Committee calls for independent local government Local government needs more autonomy and more fiscal powers, according to Parliament’s Political and Constitutional Reform Committee. Its new report suggests that local government should be more independent of central government, and able to exercise a range of tax-raising powers to achieve the full potential of localism. The... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/committee-calls-for-independent-local-government 436,455 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/committee-calls-for-independent-local-government Tue, 29 Jan 2013 00:00:00 GMT Official Green Deal launch The Government’s flagship energy efficiency scheme, the Green Deal, has been officially launched. Companies will pay for improvements on homes, whose residents will pay back the loan with savings on their energy bills. The types of energy efficiency measures available include cavity wall insulation and double glazing. The... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/official-green-deal-launch 437 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/official-green-deal-launch Tue, 29 Jan 2013 00:00:00 GMT UK must learn international lessons on youth unemployment The rise in youth unemployment in the UK cannot simply be blamed on the recession, a new report by the Work Foundation warns. Other major competitor economies are significantly better performing on employment, and the report, International lessons: youth unemployment in the global context, offers recommendations for how the UK can improve... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/uk-must-learn-international-lessons-on-youth-unemployment 433 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/uk-must-learn-international-lessons-on-youth-unemployment Tue, 29 Jan 2013 00:00:00 GMT £24m Future Cities Demonstrator goes to Glasgow Glasgow has won £24m funding to host the Technology Strategy Board’s Future Cities Demonstrator. The city will now show how providing new integrated services can improve the local economy and increase citizens’ quality of life. The demonstrator will allow UK businesses to test new solutions across health, transport... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/24m-future-cities-demonstrator-goes-to-glasgow 433 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/24m-future-cities-demonstrator-goes-to-glasgow Mon, 28 Jan 2013 00:00:00 GMT 1.99% council tax rises are 'cheating' residents Communities’ secretary Eric Pickles has accused councils of “dodging democracy” by not holding referendums on council tax rises. Local authorities should hold a public vote before they raise taxes above 2%, ministers said. Pickles has indicated that this threshold could be lowered to force councils to freeze council... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/199-council-tax-rises-are-cheating-residents 438 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/199-council-tax-rises-are-cheating-residents Mon, 28 Jan 2013 00:00:00 GMT HS2 to halve journey times to Manchester and Leeds The second phase of HS2, whose route has been announced today, will shorten the journey time from London to Manchester to 1 hour 8 minutes, and to Leeds in 1 hour 22 minutes. The Government has announced the details of the extension from Birmingham to Manchester and Leeds as the top part of the Y-shaped network, scheduled to be completed... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/hs2-to-halve-journey-times-to-manchester-and-leeds 433,455 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/hs2-to-halve-journey-times-to-manchester-and-leeds Mon, 28 Jan 2013 00:00:00 GMT Poorer quality childcare found in deprived areas People living in the most deprived areas of the country receive poorer quality childcare than those in wealthy areas, a new report shows. Policy Exchange found that 79% of all nurseries or childminders were rated as ‘good’ or outstanding by Ofsted, compared to 64% in the most deprived areas. The report comes as early... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/poorer-quality-childcare-found-in-deprived-areas 442 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/poorer-quality-childcare-found-in-deprived-areas Mon, 28 Jan 2013 00:00:00 GMT Adoption could be outsourced if progress not made Councils that take too long to find adoptive parents could see the responsibility outsourced to private agencies and charities, children’s minister Edward Timpson is to announce. He plans to change the law to allow outsourcing if councils could not demonstrate they are doing enough to tackle the problem. There are 4,600... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/adoption-could-be-outsourced-if-progress-not-made 440,455 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/adoption-could-be-outsourced-if-progress-not-made Thu, 24 Jan 2013 00:00:00 GMT Crime down 8% - ONS New figures from the ONS suggest crime has dropped 8% in the past year. The Crime Survey for England and Wales (CSEW) reported that there were 8.9 million crimes against adults in England and Wales in the year ending September 2012. This is 8% lower than the previous years’ survey, largely driven by decreases in vandalism, burglary... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/crime-down-8--ons 454 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/crime-down-8--ons Thu, 24 Jan 2013 00:00:00 GMT Fire & Rescue Service cuts staff injury by 37% Devon & Somerset Fire & Rescue Service has reduced staff injuries by 37%, following a safety improvement programme. In 201/12 the number of injuries to staff was 136, a fall of 80 casualties from 2009/10. The service has won a RoSPA Diamond award – the highest level in their Quality Safety Audit (QSA) scheme and is only one... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/fire--rescue-service-cuts-staff-injury-by-37 435 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/fire--rescue-service-cuts-staff-injury-by-37 Thu, 24 Jan 2013 00:00:00 GMT Cameron pledges 'in out' EU referendum Prime Minister David Cameron has made his long-awaited speech on the future of the UK within the EU, and has pledged an in/out referendum if the Conservatives win the next election. The referendum would be held after he has worked to renegotiate the UK’s relationship with the EU, by the end of 2017 at the latest. Cameron gave... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/cameron-pledges-in-out-eu-referendum 436,455 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/cameron-pledges-in-out-eu-referendum Wed, 23 Jan 2013 00:00:00 GMT CIPD warns of poor career advice for young people There is a “mismatch” between students’ skills and employers’ expectations, the CIPD has warned. A new survey found that 53% of employers believe that young people receive inadequate careers advice and that 63% lack insight into the working world. The evidence forms part of the CIPD’s submission to the... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/cipd-warns-of-poor-career-advice-for-young-people 434 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/cipd-warns-of-poor-career-advice-for-young-people Wed, 23 Jan 2013 00:00:00 GMT Troubled families results published A single ‘troubled family’ in London cost £345,718 over a year in police call-outs, ambulance alerts and social services interventions, new figures show. Communities’ secretary Eric Pickles has published a report, The cost of troubled families, which details how councils are saving money by intervening more... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/troubled-families-results-published 442 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/troubled-families-results-published Wed, 23 Jan 2013 00:00:00 GMT 5,000 army jobs losses expected The Ministry of Defence is to unveil the third round of Army job cuts today – with around 5,000 job losses expected. The Government is aiming to reduce army numbers from 102,000 to 82,000 by 2017. The Navy and RAF are to cut 5,000 jobs each, the Army 7,000 and around 25,000 civilian staff facing redundancy, under the Strategic... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/5000-army-jobs-losses-expected 434 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/5000-army-jobs-losses-expected Tue, 22 Jan 2013 00:00:00 GMT Evidence for transport investment 'not as strong' - TPS Transport infrastructure projects will not necessarily boost the economy, leading transport academics and planners have warned. 32 signatories, in association with the Transport Planning Society (TPS), have written an open letter to transport secretary Patrick McLoughlin, raising concerns about plans and investment for big transport... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/evidence-for-transport-investment-not-as-strong--tps 433,455 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/evidence-for-transport-investment-not-as-strong--tps Tue, 22 Jan 2013 00:00:00 GMT Public sector borrowing higher than expected UK public sector borrowing rose slightly in December, new statistics from the ONS show. Borrowing rose from £14.8bn in December 2011 to £15.4bn in 2012. Analysts had forecast borrowing of £15.2bn. Total borrowing so far this financial year, excluding the transfer of Royal Mail assets, is £106.5bn –... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/public-sector-borrowing-higher-than-expected 433 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/public-sector-borrowing-higher-than-expected Tue, 22 Jan 2013 00:00:00 GMT 'Smart' regulation could boost green growth Organisations from across the construction, property and infrastructure sectors have highlighted the consensus for potential green growth in an open letter to the Chancellor. The coalition of professional and trade organisations was brought together by the UK Green Building Council (UK-GBC) and includes the Chartered Institution of... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/smart-regulation-could-boost-green-growth 437 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/smart-regulation-could-boost-green-growth Mon, 21 Jan 2013 00:00:00 GMT Apprenticeships for 14-year-olds - Policy Exchange Apprenticeships should last for three years and be as demanding as A-levels, the think tank Policy Exchange has argued. Making longer apprenticeships available to pupils from the age of 14 could provide a robust alternative to the current focus on academic skills, the report states. ‘Technical Matters’ highlights that... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/apprenticeships-for-14-year-olds--policy-exchange 434 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/apprenticeships-for-14-year-olds--policy-exchange Mon, 21 Jan 2013 00:00:00 GMT Cabinet Secretary was wrong person to probe 'plebgate' - MPs The Prime Minister and Cabinet Secretary Sir Jeremy Haywood have been criticised for their handling of ‘plebgate’, which led to the resignation of Andrew Mitchell as Chief Whip. The Public Administration Select Committee has stated that the structures for investigating alleged breaches of the Ministerial Code are “not... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/cabinet-secretary-was-wrong-person-to-probe-plebgate-mps 454,455 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/cabinet-secretary-was-wrong-person-to-probe-plebgate-mps Mon, 21 Jan 2013 00:00:00 GMT New fund to boost public sector policy making A new partnership has been launched to boost public sector policy-making skills and support professional development for policy makers. The Institute for Government and the Big Lottery Fund (BIG) are determined to improve Whitehall commissioning through their ‘Connecting Policy with Practice: People Powered Change’ initiative... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/new-fund-to-boost-public-sector-policy-making 436 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/new-fund-to-boost-public-sector-policy-making Mon, 21 Jan 2013 00:00:00 GMT Age UK calls for support for rural elderly 1.5 million elderly people living in rural areas are struggling to heat their homes, Age UK has warned. This is due to the rising cost of heating oil. Last month, prices were 14% higher than in the previous December, forcing many people to cut back on the cost of fuel, the charity reported. Around 1.5 million people over 65 living in... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/age-uk-calls-for-support-for-rural-elderly 442 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/age-uk-calls-for-support-for-rural-elderly Fri, 18 Jan 2013 00:00:00 GMT Police Federation chairman dies Police Federation chairman Paul McKeever has died in hospital. He was admitted into hospital a few days ago due to a suspected embolism, and died on Thursday night. The 57-year-old was due to retire on January 31 and his responsibilities had already passed to Steve Williams, chair elect of the federation. Williams said:... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/police-federation-chairman-dies 454 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/police-federation-chairman-dies Fri, 18 Jan 2013 00:00:00 GMT Snow warnings in place across UK Heavy snow is causing severe disruption across the UK, with a rare red Met Office warning in place across Wales. Many roads have hazardous conditions, and parts of the M4 and M50 were closed for a time. Rail travel has also been disrupted, with a revised timetable in place on South West Trains and passengers urged to check before they... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/snow-warnings-in-place-across-uk 433,455 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/snow-warnings-in-place-across-uk Fri, 18 Jan 2013 00:00:00 GMT 'Collaborate' launched for cross-sector development A new organisation has been launched today to promote work and communication between the public, private and third sectors. Collaborate has been established as a community interest company based at London South Bank University. It will research and analyse conditions for collaboration and offer a cross-sector “neutral... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/collaborate-launched-for-cross-sector-development 438 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/collaborate-launched-for-cross-sector-development Thu, 17 Jan 2013 00:00:00 GMT Fewer students cost economy £6.6bn - think tank A drop of 30,000 students in higher education could cost the economy £6.6bn in the long-term, a think tank has warned. Million+ states that an undergraduate degree brings graduates an extra £115,000 over their working life and a masters adds a further £59,000. The net gain for the Treasury is £94,000 per graduate... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/fewer-students-cost-economy-66bn-million 453 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/fewer-students-cost-economy-66bn-million Thu, 17 Jan 2013 00:00:00 GMT Fourth round of Regional Growth Fund opens The next round of the Regional Growth Fund is now open, Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg has announced. £350m is available for businesses to bid for. Run by BIS, the scheme has started 180 projects so far, which have pledged to create or safeguard a total of 500,000 jobs and £13bn private sector investment into the... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/fourth-round-of-regional-growth-fund-opens 433,455 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/fourth-round-of-regional-growth-fund-opens Thu, 17 Jan 2013 00:00:00 GMT 'Real risks' in Government's infrastructure plan - NAO The Government’s national infrastructure plan involves key risks for the taxpayer, the NAO has warned in a new report. The report reviewed the value for money for the plan, where the Government expects to spend £130bn by 2015 on energy, rail, roads, water, waste, flood defences and digital communications. The Government... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/real-risks-in-governments-infrastructure-plan--nao 433,455 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/real-risks-in-governments-infrastructure-plan--nao Wed, 16 Jan 2013 00:00:00 GMT Performance related pay needed for public sector - CIPD Public service reform could be undermined by workers’ reluctance to recognise that their salaries should reflect individual performance, the CIPD has warned. Only one in three public sector workers think their salary should reflect their individual performance, compared to 54% of private sector workers surveyed. Public sectors... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/performance-related-pay-needed-for-public-sector--cipd 434 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/performance-related-pay-needed-for-public-sector--cipd Wed, 16 Jan 2013 00:00:00 GMT Salmond calls for Scottish constitution An independent Scotland could have free education written into its constitution, First Minister Alex Salmond has proposed. In a speech in London later today, Salmond will detail constitutional rights for an independent Scotland. These could include free education, rights to housing and a ban on nuclear weapons, although Salmond has stated... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/salmond-calls-for-scottish-constitution 436 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/salmond-calls-for-scottish-constitution Wed, 16 Jan 2013 00:00:00 GMT £39m broadband boost for Welsh schools Welsh schools are to receive £39m in Government funding to improve broadband connections and boost teaching and learning.  Councils will receive £27m of capital funding to upgrade internet connections, First Minister Carwyn Jones announced.  Primary and special schools will receive £10,000 to buy better... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/39m-broadband-boost-for-welsh-schools 439 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/39m-broadband-boost-for-welsh-schools Tue, 15 Jan 2013 00:00:00 GMT Single pension could bring 'step change' to retirement - CIPD The white paper published by pensions minister Steve Webb yesterday sets out how a single flat-rate pension is to replace the current system of two state pensions.  Despite some claim and counter-claim about winners and losers in the short and long term, many commentators have welcomed the simplicity of the new system compared to the... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/single-pension-could-bring-step-change-to-retirement--cipd 455,434 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/single-pension-could-bring-step-change-to-retirement--cipd Tue, 15 Jan 2013 00:00:00 GMT SWA launches legal challenge over minimum pricing A legal challenge on minimum pricing is scheduled to begin today at the Court of Session. The Scotch Whisky Association (SWA) and several European wine and spirits bodies have filed a petition for Judicial Review against the legislation the Scottish Government brought in last year to tackle alcohol abuse.  The Bill received... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/swa-launches-legal-challenge-over-minimum-pricing 436 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/swa-launches-legal-challenge-over-minimum-pricing Tue, 15 Jan 2013 00:00:00 GMT 'Bin fines' to be scrapped - Pickles Councils in England will no longer be able to fine residents for household waste offences, communities secretary Eric Pickles has announced. He labelled the fines “unreasonable” punishment. Fines of up to £1,000 will be scrapped for putting rubbish in the wrong bins, on the wrong day, failing to recycle or... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/bin-fines-to-be-scrapped--pickles 444 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/bin-fines-to-be-scrapped--pickles Mon, 14 Jan 2013 00:00:00 GMT Community budgets could save £20bn - LGA Reorganising the way public services are provided and paid for could save the public sector between £9.4bn and £20.6bn over the next five years, according to the Local Government Association. The results of a year-long pilot of community budgets found that cutting unnecessary waste and red tape, as well as devolving more... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/community-budgets-could-save-20bn--lga 436 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/community-budgets-could-save-20bn--lga Mon, 14 Jan 2013 00:00:00 GMT New flat-rate state pension to be introduced The Government is outlining a new flat-rate state pension today, to come into force in April 2017, which could mean higher NI contributions for many public sector workers – but also higher pension payments in the future. The scheme would combine the basic state pension and second state pension and result in a weekly payment of... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/new-flat-rate-state-pension-to-be-introduced 455,434 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/new-flat-rate-state-pension-to-be-introduced Mon, 14 Jan 2013 00:00:00 GMT Transport payments for disabled people to be cut back Thousands of disabled people are to miss out on transport payments, according to a new report by the campaign group ‘We Are Spartacus.’ Under tighter rules that will be enforced from April, those who cannot walk over 20 metres will retain their payments. However, the previous system gave payments to individuals who were unable... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/transport-payments-for-disabled-people-to-be-cut-back 445 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/transport-payments-for-disabled-people-to-be-cut-back Mon, 14 Jan 2013 00:00:00 GMT Good housing can improve health - NHF A new report from the National Housing Federation (NHF) has found that integrating housing with health and social care can improve the lives of vulnerable and older people, whilst saving thousands of pounds in care costs. The NHF found that local authorities, housing providers, GPs and acute trusts working together to provide an... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/good-housing-can-improve-health--nhf 441 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/good-housing-can-improve-health--nhf Fri, 11 Jan 2013 00:00:00 GMT Low growth rates for UK industry It is more and more likely that the UK will fall into a triple-dip recession, new statistics from the ONS show, as industrial growth was weaker than forecast. Low growth for UK industry was posted in November, with manufacturing output falling 0.3% and the wider reading of industrial output grew by 0.3%. Analysts had been hoping for rises... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/low-growth-rates-for-uk-industry 433 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/low-growth-rates-for-uk-industry Fri, 11 Jan 2013 00:00:00 GMT New map shows number of children waiting for adoption A new map has been launched by the Government to show the number of children waiting for adoption across the UK. The move is hoped to increase the number of adoptions and speed up the process. People interested in adoption can also ring a new hotline for information and advice on which groups to speak to and the support available. This... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/new-map-shows-number-of-children-waiting-for-adoption 442,445 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/new-map-shows-number-of-children-waiting-for-adoption Fri, 11 Jan 2013 00:00:00 GMT Higher allowances proposed for councillors - MPs Councillors might need higher allowances to encourage a wider group of people to stand for election, a new report suggests. The Communities and Local Government Select Committee stated that councillors voting for higher allowances for themselves would be intensely unpopular, and the responsibility for setting remuneration should be... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/higher-allowances-proposed-for-councillors--mps 434 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/higher-allowances-proposed-for-councillors--mps Thu, 10 Jan 2013 00:00:00 GMT MoJ announces prisons closure Seven prisons in England are to close, the Ministry of Justice has announced. A new 2,000-capacity ‘super-prison’ will replace the old buildings. A feasibility study has been launched, with the new prison to be situated in London, north-west England or north Wales. The new building is expected to save £62m a year and be... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/moj-announces-prisons-closure 454 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/moj-announces-prisons-closure Thu, 10 Jan 2013 00:00:00 GMT RPI calculation to remain unchanged, ONS decides The way Retail Prices Index (RPI) is calculated should be kept unchanged, the ONS has recommended in a shock decision. It was expected that National Statistician Jill Matheson would change the way RPI is calculated as a measure of inflation. The recommendation has major implications for rail fares, pensions, water bills and even... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/rpi-calculation-to-remain-unchanged-ons-decides 433 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/rpi-calculation-to-remain-unchanged-ons-decides Thu, 10 Jan 2013 00:00:00 GMT Grayling proposes payment by results for probation Private firms will be able to bid for probation services on a payment by results basis, justice secretary Chris Grayling is to announce. Critics have said the plans amount to “breaking up the probation service” and say they will put the public at risk. The new contracts will transfer responsibility for monitoring around... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/grayling-proposes-payment-by-results-for-probation 454,455 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/grayling-proposes-payment-by-results-for-probation Wed, 09 Jan 2013 00:00:00 GMT Mid Devon District Council launches RHI schemes A range of energy efficiency measures is set to save Mid Devon District Council up to a third on its annual energy expenditure. The council will share savings through the government’s Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI) scheme with Anesco Energy Services (South) Ltd (AESSL). The contract is set to run for 12 years, after which the... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/mid-devon-district-council-launches-rhi-schemes 437 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/mid-devon-district-council-launches-rhi-schemes Wed, 09 Jan 2013 00:00:00 GMT Scottish road policing unit launched A new road policing unit has been launched in Scotland, to improve public safety and increase the police presence on the roads. The Trunk Roads Patrol Group will form part of the single police service when it comes into force this April. Officers will provide high-profile traffic enforcement on major national routes and... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/scottish-road-policing-unit-launched 454 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/scottish-road-policing-unit-launched Wed, 09 Jan 2013 00:00:00 GMT 1% cap on benefits vote due MPs will vote on the controversial 1% cap on annual benefit increases tonight, which could save the Government £1.9bn annually in cash terms by 2016. The Coalition has stated that benefits should not be rising at a faster rate than wages – public sector pay is currently capped at 1%. Traditionally, working-age benefits rise in... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/1-cap-on-benefits-vote-due 445 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/1-cap-on-benefits-vote-due Tue, 08 Jan 2013 00:00:00 GMT Free breakfast piloted at Blackpool Blackpool council is piloting free breakfasts for all primary school pupils in a bid to stop children from starting the day hungry. The scheme will help pupils to “focus on learning”, council leader Simon Blackburn said. Starting today, the £700,000 project will provide breakfast for all 12,000 primary school pupils... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/free-breakfast-piloted-at-blackpool 453 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/free-breakfast-piloted-at-blackpool Tue, 08 Jan 2013 00:00:00 GMT Network Rail's £37.5bn spending plans for CP5 Network Rail has submitted its strategic business plan to the ORR, detailing its plans to spend £37.5bn running and expanding the railway over the next control period covering the five years to 2019. The plan follows the publication of the HLOS (High Level Output Specification) by the Government in July 2012, and is submitted... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/network-rails-375bn-spending-plans-for-cp5 433 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/network-rails-375bn-spending-plans-for-cp5 Tue, 08 Jan 2013 00:00:00 GMT 100 young apprentices to join the civil service School leavers will be able to join the civil service apprenticeship fast stream from April, the Government has announced. The first 100 apprentices, aged 18-21, will be recruited in April to learn on the job in departments from September 2013 for at least the next two years. Cabinet office minister Francis Maude and head of the... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/100-young-apprentices-to-join-the-civil-service 434 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/100-young-apprentices-to-join-the-civil-service Mon, 07 Jan 2013 00:00:00 GMT Big Society needs more charity involvement - ACEVO Progress towards creating the Big Society is too slow, Sir Stephen Bubb has warned Prime Minister David Cameron. The concept is being neglected and would benefit from greater involvement of charities said Sir Stephen, head of the Association of Chief Executives of Voluntary Organisations (ACEVO). In an open letter he wrote:... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/big-society-needs-more-charity-involvement--acevo 440 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/big-society-needs-more-charity-involvement--acevo Mon, 07 Jan 2013 00:00:00 GMT Child benefit cuts take effect today Over one million better-off families will see their child benefits cut under the new system that takes effect today. Families with one parent earning over £50,000 will lose part of their child benefit. It will be fully withdrawn if one parent earns over £60,000. The new system will save £1.5bn annually as part of the... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/child-benefit-cuts-take-effect-toda 445 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/child-benefit-cuts-take-effect-toda Mon, 07 Jan 2013 00:00:00 GMT Mid-term review to pledge support for elderly care The Coalition is “steadfast and united”, Prime Minister David Cameron and Deputy PM Nick Clegg have announced ahead of their mid-term review. The review will cover the Coalition’s successes in meeting their pledges, and commit to further reforms. These will include helping families with childcare costs, and could see the... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/mid-term-review-to-pledge-support-for-old-age 436,455 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/mid-term-review-to-pledge-support-for-old-age Mon, 07 Jan 2013 00:00:00 GMT 2020health calls on employers to tackle sickness absence Employers must do more to ensure employees’ mild illness does not escalate into long-term absence and sickness-related worklessness, a new report urges. 2020health has produced a new report: ‘Work as a health outcome in the devolved nations: How Scotland, Northern Ireland and Wales tackle sickness-related worklessness’... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/2020health-calls-on-employers-to-tackle-sickness-absence 434 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/2020health-calls-on-employers-to-tackle-sickness-absence Fri, 04 Jan 2013 00:00:00 GMT 1% fall in house prices over 2012 - Nationwide House prices ended 2012 down by 1%, new data from the building society Nationwide demonstrates. Variation in prices across the UK also shows a deepening of the north-south divide. In December, house prices fell by 0.1%, and the average price was £162,262, the figures show. Prices varied considerably depending on the area of the... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/1-fall-in-house-prices-over-2012--nationwide 441 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/1-fall-in-house-prices-over-2012--nationwide Thu, 03 Jan 2013 00:00:00 GMT Community Challenge Fund to fund innovation in service delivery A new Community Challenge Fund has been launched by the Highland Council, investigating new ways of delivering local services. The Fund will provide £1m each year for community projects that deliver the same level of service at a lower cost, a higher level of services for the same cost, or reduce the costs for maintaining premises... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/community-challenge-fund-to-fund-innovation-in-service-delivery 440 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/community-challenge-fund-to-fund-innovation-in-service-delivery Thu, 03 Jan 2013 00:00:00 GMT Scrapping winter fuel cash for wealthy could fund Dilnot - Burstow Means testing winter fuel benefits for pensioners could help to fund elderly social care, a new report suggests. ‘Delivering Dilnot: paying for elderly care’, written by the former care minister Paul Burstow MP and the think tank Centre Forum, says that limiting fuel allowance to those receiving pension credit could save... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/scrapping-winter-fuel-cash-for-wealthy-could-fund-dilnot--burstow 455,445 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/scrapping-winter-fuel-cash-for-wealthy-could-fund-dilnot--burstow Thu, 03 Jan 2013 00:00:00 GMT Benefits rising faster than wages is 'unfair' - IDS Work and pensions secretary Iain Duncan Smith has labelled the current system of calculating benefit payments as unfair, ahead of a Commons vote on welfare caps. Jobless benefits rose by 20% in the last five years, compared with an average 12% rise in private sector pay. Welfare increases have cost the taxpayer £6.3bn since the... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/benefits-rising-faster-than-wages-is-unfair--ids 455,445 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/benefits-rising-faster-than-wages-is-unfair--ids Wed, 02 Jan 2013 00:00:00 GMT DfE and DWP to be 'monitored' by ICO over FoI responses The Department for Education and Department for Work and Pensions, alongside two other public authorites, have been highlighted for monitoring by the Information Commissioners Office (ICO) following poor timeliness when responding to FoI requests. Northern Ireland’s Office of First Minister and Deputy First Minister (OFMDFM) and... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/dfe-and-dwp-to-be-monitored-by-ico-over-foi-responses 435 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/dfe-and-dwp-to-be-monitored-by-ico-over-foi-responses Wed, 02 Jan 2013 00:00:00 GMT Manufacturing activity increased in December UK manufacturing rose unexpectedly in December, showing the biggest increase in PMI in 15 months, new figures show. The results could help avoid a contraction of the economy, which was forecast to shrink by 0.1% in the last three months of 2012. Manufacturing makes up 10% of British output, and PMI scores for the construction and... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/manufacturing-activity-increased-in-december 433 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/manufacturing-activity-increased-in-december Wed, 02 Jan 2013 00:00:00 GMT Councils must put fair funding deal to work - Pickles The new local government financial settlement has been published, labelled the “right road” by communities secretary Eric Pickles. But the LGA said that further cuts to councils’ spending power will harm economic growth, council services and vulnerable people. 70% of councils’ income will now be raised locally... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/councils-must-put-fair-funding-deal-to-work-pickles 433,455 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/councils-must-put-fair-funding-deal-to-work-pickles Fri, 21 Dec 2012 00:00:00 GMT AV referendum cost £75m - Electoral Commission The full costs of the May 2011 voting system referendum have been published today – the first time the costs of a national poll have been made public. The Electoral Commission found the costs of the referendum on the UK Parliamentary voting system were £75m. The total amount claimed by counting officers was around £58m... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/av-referendum-cost-75m--electoral-commission 436 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/av-referendum-cost-75m--electoral-commission Thu, 20 Dec 2012 00:00:00 GMT Civil service transparency push Whitehall should recruit more senior staff from the private sector, Cabinet Office minister Francis Maude has suggested. All permanent secretaries will be subject to two reviews each year, with formal input from ministers on their performance, and their individual objectives have been published. The move will increase transparency... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/civil-service-transparency-push 434 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/civil-service-transparency-push Thu, 20 Dec 2012 00:00:00 GMT MPs criticise planning relaxation The planning relaxation proposals are ‘confused’, according to the Commons Communities and Local Government Committee. In September, the Government announced that the maximum length of single-storey extensions that can be built without the need for planning permission would be doubled from three to six metres. For detached... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/mps-criticise-planning-relaxation 441,455 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/mps-criticise-planning-relaxation Thu, 20 Dec 2012 00:00:00 GMT Hospices threatened by regulations The NHS reforms could be threatening hospice care by increasing the burden posed on carers by regulation, the former Tory leader Lord Howard has warned in his role as chairman of the Help the Hospices charity. Health secretary Jeremy Hunt is expected to meet with Lord Howard to discuss his concerns. Under the NHS reforms, it is... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/hospices-threatened-by-regulations 445 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/hospices-threatened-by-regulations Wed, 19 Dec 2012 00:00:00 GMT Met investigating police misconduct over 'pleb' row New accusations have come to light over ‘plebgate’, which saw Andrew Mitchell resign as chief whip. The incident took place in September, when Mitchell was reported to have sworn at armed police officers and called them ‘plebs’ when they would not open a gate for him. A Diplomatic Protection Squad officer was... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/met-investigating-police-misconduct-over-pleb-row 454,455 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/met-investigating-police-misconduct-over-pleb-row Wed, 19 Dec 2012 00:00:00 GMT Redundancy consultation period to be halved The amount of time businesses will have to consult for before implementing large-scale redundancies is to be cut from 90 days to 45, the Government has announced. Employment relations minister Jo Swinson said the plans were aimed at helping businesses and workers. From April, redundancy plans involving 100 or more workers will no longer... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/redundancy-consultation-period-to-be-halved 434 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/redundancy-consultation-period-to-be-halved Wed, 19 Dec 2012 00:00:00 GMT ICO calls for greater powers to protect sensitive data Local government has been criticised for its attitude towards protecting personal data. Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) has penalised four different local councils for breaching the Data Protection Act. This brings the total number of councils which have breached the Act to 19, at a total cost of £1,885,000. Leeds... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/ico-calls-for-greater-powers-to-protect-sensitive-data 435,455 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/ico-calls-for-greater-powers-to-protect-sensitive-data Tue, 18 Dec 2012 00:00:00 GMT NAO criticises HMRC customer service performance HMRC performance represents poor value for money for customers, a new report from the National Audit Office (NAO) states. Some elements of customer service have improved from a low point in 2010, and in 2011-2012 HMRC answered 74% of calls, against a target of 58%. However, this is still low, NAO warned. Performance in handling calls... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/nao-criticises-hmrc-customer-service-performance 435 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/nao-criticises-hmrc-customer-service-performance Tue, 18 Dec 2012 00:00:00 GMT Young offenders 'failed' by care system Children in care supervised by youth offending teams have been ‘failed’, a new report suggests. The Inspectorate of Probation found that basic checks were not made when placing these children in care. Around 3,000 children are supervised by these teams in England and Wales, and the report examined 60 cases. The report... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/young-offenders-failed-by-care-system 454 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/young-offenders-failed-by-care-system Tue, 18 Dec 2012 00:00:00 GMT £13m funding for park improvements Nine English parks are to benefit from Lottery funding and improvements to their infrastructure and staff. The Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) and the Big Lottery Fund (BIG) have announced £13m funding for nine parks in England, with a further £48m for three parks in Scotland and Wales, funded solely by HLF. Additionally... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/13m-funding-for-park-improvements 443 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/13m-funding-for-park-improvements Mon, 17 Dec 2012 00:00:00 GMT Clegg risks Coalition fracture with new 'differentiation' plan Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg is to do more to highlight the differences between and the Conservatives and Lib Dems in an attempt to win back voters. His keynote speech today follows a clutch of opinion polls showing UKIP beating the Liberal Democrats as the third most popular party. Clegg’s former director of strategy... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/clegg-risks-coalition-fracture-with-new-differentiation-plan 436,455 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/clegg-risks-coalition-fracture-with-new-differentiation-plan Mon, 17 Dec 2012 00:00:00 GMT Fuel poverty rising, warns lobby group The Fuel Poverty Advisory Group (FPAG) has urged Prime Minister David Cameron to tackle fuel poverty, which it says is spiralling. This year, energy prices have risen by 7% on average. This means that the average annual energy bill for a household paying by direct debit is £1,247. A household is considered to be in fuel poverty... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/fuel-poverty-rising-warns-lobby-group 437 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/fuel-poverty-rising-warns-lobby-group Mon, 17 Dec 2012 00:00:00 GMT Intellectual property measures to be strengthened New measures are to be launched to protect intellectual property and ensure creativity and innovation supports growth in the UK, business secretary Vince Cable has announced. The plans aim to strengthen the enforcement of the Intellectual Property Office (IPO). A new superfast patent processing service will deliver patents in just 90 days... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/intellectual-property-measures-to-be-strengthened 438 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/intellectual-property-measures-to-be-strengthened Mon, 17 Dec 2012 00:00:00 GMT Competition can reduce impact of public service failure - OFT Failing public service providers can be an important driver of competition, a new working paper from the OFT suggests. The paper considers how policy makers, regulators and contracting authorities can facilitate the ‘orderly exit’ of failing public service providers. Failure can drive competition and create opportunities for... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/competition-can-reduce-impact-of-public-service-failure--oft 433 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/competition-can-reduce-impact-of-public-service-failure--oft Fri, 14 Dec 2012 00:00:00 GMT Publicly-funded workers must speak good English - Miliband All staff in publicly-funded jobs that involve interaction with the public would have to show proficiency in English under a Labour Government, according to Ed Miliband. The requirement would be part of his plans for a “connected nation” rather than a “segregated one”, Miliband is set to say in a speech. The... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/publicly-funded-workers-must-speak-good-english--miliband 436,455 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/publicly-funded-workers-must-speak-good-english--miliband Fri, 14 Dec 2012 00:00:00 GMT Youth unemployment exacerbated by transport barriers A lack of affordable transport is exacerbating young people’s ability to access employment, education and training, a new report has warned. The Work Foundation found that particularly for those living in rural areas, or in part-time work, transport can present a significant barrier to entering and staying in work. Inadequate... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/youth-unemployment-exacerbated-by-transport-barriers 433,434 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/youth-unemployment-exacerbated-by-transport-barriers Fri, 14 Dec 2012 00:00:00 GMT Better financial reporting by public bodies - Audit Commission Local public bodies have improved their financial reporting, a new report from the Audit Commission indicates. Councils, fire and rescue authorities and other local government bodies have demonstrated their financial accountability through the quality and timeliness of their reports. Of the 472 English principal bodies, 426 published... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/better-financial-reporting-by-public-bodies--audit-commission 435,455 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/better-financial-reporting-by-public-bodies--audit-commission Thu, 13 Dec 2012 00:00:00 GMT Fracking suspension lifted as UK joins new 'dash for gas' Energy secretary Ed Davey has lifted the suspension on fracking for shale gas, on condition of strict seismic controls. The controversial practice was halted following two minor earthquakes caused by exploratory fracking in Lancashire last year. Environmental activists say the method could contaminate aquifers and threaten the... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/fracking-suspension-lifted-as-uk-joins-new-dash-for-gas 437 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/fracking-suspension-lifted-as-uk-joins-new-dash-for-gas Thu, 13 Dec 2012 00:00:00 GMT Standard of living in UK drops - ONS The UK standard of living has dropped two places to the 6th highest in Europe, according to new ONS figures. The measure of actual individual consumption (AIC) found that Luxembourg, Norway, Switzerland and now Germany and Austria have higher standards of living than the UK. AIC incorporates all goods and services that a household... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/standard-of-living-in-uk-drops--ons 433 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/standard-of-living-in-uk-drops--ons Thu, 13 Dec 2012 00:00:00 GMT Biggest quarterly fall in unemployment for 11 years Unemployment in the UK has fallen by 82,000 to 2.51 million, the biggest quarterly fall since 2001. New data from the ONS shows that between August and October, the unemployment rate fell 0.2 percentage points to 7.8%. Employment has risen by 40,000 to 29.6 million, which is the highest figure since records began in 1971. Employment fell... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/biggest-quarterly-fall-in-unemployment-for-11-years 455,434 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/biggest-quarterly-fall-in-unemployment-for-11-years Wed, 12 Dec 2012 00:00:00 GMT LGA attacks 'shoddy resurfacing' by utilities Poor quality streetworks carried out by utilities companies can cost small businesses and taxpayers millions, new research from the Local Government Association (LGA) indicates. Some shops are forced to close, deliveries can be delayed and the repairs costs the taxpayer £218m a year. Today the LGA is meeting with highways... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/lga-attacks-shoddy-resurfacing-by-utilities 443 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/lga-attacks-shoddy-resurfacing-by-utilities Wed, 12 Dec 2012 00:00:00 GMT Small businesses to benefit from peer lending A £110m lending scheme is to be introduced to help small businesses, business secretary Vince Cable will announce tomorrow. The ‘peer-to-peer’ schemes cut out banks by matching savers directly with borrowers via the internet. The Government will fund £55m, and expects to match that amount with funding from... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/small-businesses-to-benefit-from-peer-lending 433 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/small-businesses-to-benefit-from-peer-lending Wed, 12 Dec 2012 00:00:00 GMT Census statistics published by ONS The number of people living in England and Wales was 56.1 million during the last census. The ONS has published more of the results of the 2011 census, which showed that the population had increased by 3.7 million, or 7% since 2001. 86% of the population in England and Wales is white, although this represents a 5 percentage point... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/census-statistics-published-by-ons 433 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/census-statistics-published-by-ons Tue, 11 Dec 2012 00:00:00 GMT Lib Dems demand re-write of 'snoopers' charter' The Draft Communications Data Bill must be completely rewritten, Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg has stated, following two highly critical reports into the Home Secretary’s proposals. The Bill allows emails, web use, social media and mobile phone communications to be tracked by the police, the Serious and Organised Crime Agency... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/lib-dems-demand-re-write-of-snoopers-charter 454,455 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/lib-dems-demand-re-write-of-snoopers-charter Tue, 11 Dec 2012 00:00:00 GMT Waste management roadmap published A new roadmap has been published to uphold the role of standards in effective waste management. The British Standards Institution (BSI) has developed the roadmap, using input from BIS, Defra, and the Environment Agency. The report has identified best practice for waste in metals, biowaste and recycling. It concludes that standards... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/waste-management-roadmap-published 444 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/waste-management-roadmap-published Tue, 11 Dec 2012 00:00:00 GMT MPs say it is 'now or never' for drugs reform The influential Home Affairs Select Committee wants the Government to back some decriminalisation of drug possession, where people found with small amounts of drugs are not always prosecuted. The committee’s new report says “this is a critical, now-or-never moment for serious reform”, and urges a new Royal Commission... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/mps-say-it-is-now-or-never-for-drugs-reform 454,455 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/mps-say-it-is-now-or-never-for-drugs-reform Mon, 10 Dec 2012 00:00:00 GMT Paterson calls for greater use of GM technology GM crops should be grown and sold in Britain, environment secretary Owen Paterson has urged. The technology could have “real environmental benefits”, he said, by increasing crop yields and preventing disease. Use of GM could also reduce Britain’s dependency on imports. However, public perceptions of GM can often be... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/paterson-calls-for-greater-use-of-gm-technology 437 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/paterson-calls-for-greater-use-of-gm-technology Mon, 10 Dec 2012 00:00:00 GMT Two-thirds of councils freeze or cut preventative care Cuts are causing local councils to freeze or reduce funding for personal care services, a new survey indicates. Commissioned by the British Red Cross and conducted by ComRes, the survey found that 64% of English councils had reduced funding for preventative care and those with ‘low-level needs’, or kept it the same since... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/two-thirds-of-councils-freeze-or-cut-preventative-care 445 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/two-thirds-of-councils-freeze-or-cut-preventative-care Mon, 10 Dec 2012 00:00:00 GMT Unemployment to rise - IPPR Unemployment could rise by 200,000 in 2013, a new analysis by the IPPR suggests. The number of young people out of work is also likely to rise above a million again. The think tank has analysed of OBR forecasts and suggests that unemployment will not peak until 2014 – and might not get back to where it is now until the end of... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/unemployment-to-rise--ippr 434 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/unemployment-to-rise--ippr Mon, 10 Dec 2012 00:00:00 GMT Factory output falls 1.3% - ONS The latest data from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) saw manufacturing output fall faster than expected, pushing the UK closer to a triple-dip recession. The figures also put the UK’s AAA credit rating under great pressure and could significantly knock business and consumer confidence. In October, factory output fell... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/factory-output-falls-13--ons 433 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/factory-output-falls-13--ons Fri, 07 Dec 2012 00:00:00 GMT IFS forecasts further welfare cuts More welfare cuts will be needed to make £27bn savings in the next eight years, new analysis from the Institute for Fiscal Studies (IFS) shows. Some areas of the public sector will be faced with “inconceivable cuts”, the IFS found, to protect Whitehall departments during the next phase of austerity measures. The... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/ifs-forecasts-further-welfare-cuts 455,445 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/ifs-forecasts-further-welfare-cuts Fri, 07 Dec 2012 00:00:00 GMT Institute for Sustainability launches retrofit guidance New guidance has been published to help public sector organisations to unlock the potential of domestic retrofit and increase the capacity of the supply chain in the construction sector. The Institute for Sustainability has published an independent analysis of the Technology Strategy Board’s (TSB) £17m ‘Retrofit for the... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/institute-for-sustainability-launches-retrofit-guidance 437 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/institute-for-sustainability-launches-retrofit-guidance Fri, 07 Dec 2012 00:00:00 GMT £600m science investment - Autumn Statement The UK science industry got a surprisingly large boost in the Autumn Statement yesterday, with a £600m investment announced. Chancellor George Osborne allocated the funding to focus on research in eight streams identified in a speech to the Royal Society in November. These are synthetic biology, energy storage, advanced... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/600m-science-investment--autumn-statement 438 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/600m-science-investment--autumn-statement Thu, 06 Dec 2012 00:00:00 GMT Benefit changes are fair - Osborne Chancellor George Osborne has been defending his Autumn Statement in a round of interviews this morning, insisting that the benefit squeezes are fair and reiterating that “we’re all in this together”. All working-age benefits are to go up by 1% a year, likely to be less than the rate of inflation, for the next three... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/benefit-changes-are-fair--osborne 434 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/benefit-changes-are-fair--osborne Thu, 06 Dec 2012 00:00:00 GMT Councils sitting on £13bn reserves Councils have reserves of nearly £13bn, which have grown by 36% in the past five years, new statistics from the Audit Commission show. Communities secretary Eric Pickles accused some local authorities of “hoarding” cash while “pleading poverty.” Overall, English councils have increased their reserves by... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/councils-sitting-on-13bn-reserves 436 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/councils-sitting-on-13bn-reserves Thu, 06 Dec 2012 00:00:00 GMT 'The economy is healing' - Osborne The Chancellor’s Autumn Statement highlighted that the economy was “on track” to recovery, despite George Osborne’s admissions that it was weaker than expected and that it would take longer than predicted to cut the deficit. The Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR) is now predicting a contraction of 0.1% in 2012... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/the-economy-is-healing--osborne- 433,455 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/the-economy-is-healing--osborne- Wed, 05 Dec 2012 00:00:00 GMT CIPD urges employers to adapt to ageing population Employers must enable older people to stay in work for as long as possible, the Chartered Institute for Personnel and Development (CIPD) has urged. Giving evidence to the House of Lords Public Service and Demographic Change Select Committee, the CIPD highlighted that 56% of workers aged over 55 plan to work beyond the state retirement age... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/cipd-urges-employers-to-adapt-to-ageing-population 434 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/cipd-urges-employers-to-adapt-to-ageing-population Wed, 05 Dec 2012 00:00:00 GMT Service sector figures fall The UK service sector is at risk of stalling, according to new figures. The Markit purchasing managers index (PMI) found that the services sector slowed to 50.2 from 50.6 in October and the index for future orders fell to 49/6 from 52.9. The index shows a sector is growing when figures exceed 50. The services sector accounts for... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/service-sector-figures-fall 433 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/service-sector-figures-fall Wed, 05 Dec 2012 00:00:00 GMT Stagnated growth and extended austerity - Autumn Statement Chancellor George Osborne’s Autumn Statement, due this afternoon, is expected to make it clear that austerity measures will continue for years, as he misses targets on reducing the national debt and deficit. Britain will have had to borrow around £10bn more than expected this year, he will reveal, alongside independent figures... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/stagnated-growth-and-extended-austerity-autumn-statement 433,455 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/stagnated-growth-and-extended-austerity-autumn-statement Wed, 05 Dec 2012 00:00:00 GMT £77m funding for HMRC tax crackdown HMRC will receive £77m extra funding to track down companies and individuals who pay too little tax in the UK, the Treasury has announced. The statement comes after the Commons Public Accounts Committee (PAC) attacked the HMRC for failing to collect enough corporation tax from global companies including Starbucks, Amazon and... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/77m-funding-for-hmrc-tax-crackdown 433,442,455 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/77m-funding-for-hmrc-tax-crackdown Tue, 04 Dec 2012 00:00:00 GMT A third fewer under-18s arrested in 2011 The number of children being arrested is continuing to fall, a charity has found. The Howard League for Penal Reform has reported that the number of under-18s arrested is down a third since 2008. In 2011, 209,000 under-18s were arrested, compared to 315,923 in 2008. Ten forces in England and Wales have halved the number of children... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/a-third-fewer-under-18s-arrested-in-2011 454 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/a-third-fewer-under-18s-arrested-in-2011 Tue, 04 Dec 2012 00:00:00 GMT New private finance initiatives to be launched Chancellor George Osborne is to announce reform of Private Finance Initiatives (PFI) to make them more public and less private. The move will be introduced alongside his Autumn Statement, due tomorrow. Concern and criticism over the long-term liabilities of PFI deals have focused on the huge repayments that they entail. The new... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/new-private-finance-initiatives-to-be-launched 438 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/new-private-finance-initiatives-to-be-launched Tue, 04 Dec 2012 00:00:00 GMT Build 3% more and solve housing crisis - Boles Increasing building by around 3% could solve the housing crisis, planning minister Nick Boles has proposed. The move has been labelled as wrong on “just about every level” by Campaign to Protect Rural England (CPRE) president Sir Andrew Motion. Boles called for the number of homes to be built on open land to increase by... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/build-3-more-and-solve-housing-crisis--boles 441 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/build-3-more-and-solve-housing-crisis--boles Mon, 03 Dec 2012 00:00:00 GMT Fiscal targets could be breached - Osborne The Chancellor is expected to admit that fiscal targets will be breached, after lower than expected growth this year. The timetable for reducing debt as a proportion of national income may have to be extended even further, George Osborne will say, to 2018. He is expected to use this week’s Autumn Statement announce an increase... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/fiscal-targets-could-be-breached--osborne 433,455 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/fiscal-targets-could-be-breached--osborne Mon, 03 Dec 2012 00:00:00 GMT Labour PCCs fight police cuts New police commissioners have pledged to fight Government budget cuts and seek further clarity over any future private investment in policing. Labour PCCs Alan Charles and Paddy Tipping, for Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire, are meeting with Home Secretary Theresa May today to discuss these issues. In Derbyshire there are almost 150... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/labour-pccs-fight-police-cuts 454 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/labour-pccs-fight-police-cuts Mon, 03 Dec 2012 00:00:00 GMT Tougher prison sentences introduced New criminal offences have come into force today, alongside tougher prison sentences for violent crimes. The new offences include aggravated possession of a knife and mandatory life sentences will be introduced for anyone committing a second serious violent or sexual crime, via a ‘two strikes’ system. For dangerous... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/tougher-prison-sentences-introduced 454 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/tougher-prison-sentences-introduced Mon, 03 Dec 2012 00:00:00 GMT A perverse localism Joe Penny, a researcher in the social policy team at the new economics foundation (nef), explains how the true cost of welfare ‘reform’ is being borne by local authorities, community organisations and people. When the Coalition Government formed back in the summer of 2010 the changing of the guard at Whitehall seemed to... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/a-perverse-localism 447,442 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/a-perverse-localism Sat, 01 Dec 2012 00:00:00 GMT A positive picture Lord Filkin, who chairs the House of Lords committee on public service and demographic change, speaks to PSE about recognising the positives in an ageing population. Our population is changing; living longer and presenting all the consequences that comes with extended life. But is this something to be viewed as a challenge for public... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/a-positive-picture 451,440 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/a-positive-picture Sat, 01 Dec 2012 00:00:00 GMT An independent approach to policing Independent candidates won a quarter of the votes in the Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) elections. PSE spoke to Bill Longmore, the first PCC for West Mercia, about how the model could improve local policing. Out of 41 new PCC positions, 12 were won by independent candidates. It demonstrates a certain appetite from the public that... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/an-independent-approach-to-policing 454,451 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/an-independent-approach-to-policing Sat, 01 Dec 2012 00:00:00 GMT Birmingham City Council v Abdulla Kerry Norval, solicitor in the employment team at national law firm Dundas & Wilson, explores the fallout from this landmark decision. There has been another instalment in the long-running saga of equal pay claims. A recent Supreme Court decision could in theory expose councils to multi-million pounds of liability. In Birmingham... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/birmingham-city-council-v-abdulla 447,434 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/birmingham-city-council-v-abdulla Sat, 01 Dec 2012 00:00:00 GMT Decentralised energy: powering a sustainable future Helen Andrews Tipper, public sector manager at The Carbon Trust, discusses the need for, and benefi ts of, decentralised energy networks. How we generate and consume energy is perhaps the most signifi cant threat to economic and social wellbeing that we face today. Already high energy prices are only predicted to keep rising. Our current... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/decentralised-energy-powering-a-sustainable-future 447,437 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/decentralised-energy-powering-a-sustainable-future Sat, 01 Dec 2012 00:00:00 GMT Dilnot: Why we should all care Les Mayhew, Professor of Statistics at Cass Business School (pictured), takes a critical look at the Dilnot report and suggests an alternative. Long-term care in the UK is at a serious tipping point. Care costs are spiralling out of control as increasing numbers of people are living longer, but with a frail disposition, placing a heavier... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/dilnot-why-we-should-all-care 447,445 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/dilnot-why-we-should-all-care Sat, 01 Dec 2012 00:00:00 GMT In support of weekly collections? The Government has finally announced the recipients of funding from its £250m scheme to support more weekly rubbish collections across the country. Kate Ashley reports. In November, the Department for Communities and Local Government (DCLG) named the successful councils which will get a share of the £250m Weekly Collection... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/in-support-of-weekly-collections 446,444 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/in-support-of-weekly-collections Sat, 01 Dec 2012 00:00:00 GMT Injury and ill-health PSE talks to Neal Stone, director of policy and communications at the British Safety Council, about the latest HSE statistics on workplace injury and ill-health, and the role of local authorities as both regulators and employers. The 2011/12 statistics on workplace injury and ill-health have just been published by the Health and Safety... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/injury-and-ill-health 451,434 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/injury-and-ill-health Sat, 01 Dec 2012 00:00:00 GMT Local authorities and the Gambling Commission Rob Burkitt from the Gambling Commission’s Local Authority Liaison Unit discusses its relationship with councils. The Gambling Commission wishes to respond to the article that appeared in the September/October 2012 edition of PSE from the Campaign for Fairer Gambling. The article suggested that the Commission is in some way... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/local-authorities-and-the-gambling-commission 435,446 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/local-authorities-and-the-gambling-commission Sat, 01 Dec 2012 00:00:00 GMT Measuring wellbeing relies on leadership to allow our society's happiness to flourish Jennifer Wallace, policy manager at Carnegie UK Trust, explores the wellbeing agenda. The concept of ‘wellbeing’ provides us with a path towards addressing many of society’s often complex problems; however, to ensure our wellbeing is measured sufficiently, and indeed catered for correctly, we must first have the right... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/measuring-wellbeing-relies-on-leadership-to-allow-our-societys-happiness-to-flourish 450,440 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/measuring-wellbeing-relies-on-leadership-to-allow-our-societys-happiness-to-flourish Sat, 01 Dec 2012 00:00:00 GMT Mileage management PSE talks to David Nicholas, fleet partnership manager at the Energy Saving Trust, about the principles behind mileage management, and how it could help public sector organisations cut drivers’ fuel usage and costs. Mileage reimbursement usually depends on self-reporting by drivers – but with more accurate tracking of... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/mileage-management 437,446 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/mileage-management Sat, 01 Dec 2012 00:00:00 GMT MyCSP: The story of mutuality from inside a mutual Phil Bartlett, CEO of MyCSP (My Civil Service Pension), gives an insight into the scheme’s genesis and progress made so far. Three years ago we had a problem. In fact we had a whole range of problems. We had 11 very different pension administration organisations, both public and private sector, administering the same pension scheme... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/mycsp-the-story-of-mutuality-from-inside-a-mutual 447,440 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/mycsp-the-story-of-mutuality-from-inside-a-mutual Sat, 01 Dec 2012 00:00:00 GMT Overcoming the obstacles to telecare Is Cheshire West and Chester Council commissioning telecare and telehealth services in the right way? Kate Ashley reports from a session at the International Telecare and Telehealth Conference 2012, led by Charlotte Walton, strategic commissioning manager at the council. A lack of evidence, staff resistance and the ever-changing... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/overcoming-the-obstacles-to-telecare 438,446 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/overcoming-the-obstacles-to-telecare Sat, 01 Dec 2012 00:00:00 GMT Park life Ken Worpole, Emeritus Professor at The Cities Institute, London Metropolitan University, spoke at the UK Public Parks Summit, organised by the Heritage Lottery Fund and BIG Lottery Fund. He revisited his seminal Park Life report, which kickstarted the revival of urban parks in 1995, and here explains the need to invest in our parks. In... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/park-life 447,443 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/park-life Sat, 01 Dec 2012 00:00:00 GMT Payment by results in criminal justice Yasmin Batliwala, chair of the Westminster Drug Project (WDP), discusses the introduction of Payment by Results into the criminal justice system. In December 2010, the Government launched its drug strategy, ‘Reducing Demand, Restricting Supply, Building Recovery: Supporting people to live a drug free life’. As stated in the... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/payment-by-results-in-criminal-justice 447,454 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/payment-by-results-in-criminal-justice Sat, 01 Dec 2012 00:00:00 GMT Plain English Day To celebrate Plain English Day, December 10, Juno Baker offers some advice on clear communication. Reports ‘signal direction’ and ministers ‘launch’ initiatives to ‘drive change’, so it may feel quite natural to ‘embark’ on an ‘improvement journey’. Often there’s even a... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/plain-english-day 447,434 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/plain-english-day Sat, 01 Dec 2012 00:00:00 GMT Prizes for waste reduction Amy Hirst talks to Vicki Purewal, head of challenge prize design at innovation charity Nesta, which has worked with the Government on ‘The Waste Reduction Challenge’ providing a £50,000 prize fund for the organisation with the best ideas for cutting waste and engaging communities. Reducing waste is a priority for many of... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/prizes-for-waste-reduction 446,444 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/prizes-for-waste-reduction Sat, 01 Dec 2012 00:00:00 GMT Public parks - innovation and investment The Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) and BIG Lottery Fund (BIG) used the UK Public Parks Summit to announce a £100m investment in public parks over the next three years. PSE discussed the investment, the summit and the wider context with Drew Bennellick, head of landscape and natural environment at HLF. There are more than 25,000 parks... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/public-parks-innovation-and-investment 446,443 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/public-parks-innovation-and-investment Sat, 01 Dec 2012 00:00:00 GMT Public sector cuts and the labour market PSE talks to Ian Brinkley, director of The Work Foundation, about its new report suggesting the Government is ‘flying blind’ on the effect public sector jobs cuts are having and will have on the wider labour market. The Government is pushing ahead with policies that will result in major reductions to the public sector... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/public-sector-cuts-and-the-labour-market 433,451 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/public-sector-cuts-and-the-labour-market Sat, 01 Dec 2012 00:00:00 GMT Reducing grey fleet miles Fleet services manager Andrew Saxton explains the award-winning work behind a new approach to grey fleet management at Wiltshire Council. Wiltshire Council won the award for Grey Fleet Management at the recent Energy Saving Trust ‘Fleet Heroes’ awards 2012, for its innovative strategy to cut the risk presented by its... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/reducing-grey-fleet-miles 437,446 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/reducing-grey-fleet-miles Sat, 01 Dec 2012 00:00:00 GMT Social value procurement Cllr Paul Brant, deputy leader of Liverpool City Council and its fi nance spokesman, talks to PSE about the city’s innovative plans to include social value considerations in its procurement policies. Liverpool spends £270m a year procuring goods and services externally – but from now on its decisions on who gets its... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/social-value-procurement 451,440 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/social-value-procurement Sat, 01 Dec 2012 00:00:00 GMT Sourcing skills firmly on government agenda Martyn Hart, chairman of the National Outsourcing Association, explains more about the newly-launched skills academy aimed at bridging the public/private gap. In the summertime, we had G4S. In the autumn, West Coast rail. Hopefully there will be no more outsourcing fiascos over the next few months, and we can have a winter of relative... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/sourcing-skills-firmly-on-government-agenda 447,438 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/sourcing-skills-firmly-on-government-agenda Sat, 01 Dec 2012 00:00:00 GMT The ongoing roles of councils providing or enabling the provision of affordable housing “It feels like the 1960s again to those of us who can remember the scandals of the private rented sector and lack of decent affordable housing.” Despite Government statements that it will be the house building industry that will boost the economy, new build starts have slowed down over the last 12 months, with the worst... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/the-ongoing-roles-of-councils-providing-or-enabling-the-provision-of-affordable-housing 447,441 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/the-ongoing-roles-of-councils-providing-or-enabling-the-provision-of-affordable-housing Sat, 01 Dec 2012 00:00:00 GMT The prospects for superfast broadband The Government is putting a lot of emphasis on its broadband strategy, with funding to match. But are some of the predictions regarding take-up and growth overblown? PSE talks to Denis McCauley, director of global technology research at the Economist Intelligence Unit, which has been investigating. Recent studies into the benefi ts to the... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/the-prospects-for-superfast-broadband 433,446 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/the-prospects-for-superfast-broadband Sat, 01 Dec 2012 00:00:00 GMT The role of infrastructure investment in preparing for floods and water scarcity in a changing climate Dr Sebastian Catovsky, head of adaptation for the UK Committee on Climate Change (CCC), discusses the challenges of two major environmental threats, and how infrastructure investment can counter this. Investment in a modern effi cient infrastructure system is a key pillar of the Government’s economic strategy. The £250bn of... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/the-role-of-infrastructure-investment-in-preparing-for-floods-and-water-scarcity-in-a-changing-climate 447,437 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/the-role-of-infrastructure-investment-in-preparing-for-floods-and-water-scarcity-in-a-changing-climate Sat, 01 Dec 2012 00:00:00 GMT Why procurement reform needs to be at the heart of public sector reform Andrew Forth, a policy adviser at the Confederation of British Industry (CBI) who leads the organisation’s work on public sector procurement, explains what still needs to be done. Every year the UK’s public sector spends £230bn on buying goods and services from the independent sector. With the public sector confronted by... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/why-procurement-reform-needs-to-be-at-the-heart-of-public-sector-reform 447,438 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/why-procurement-reform-needs-to-be-at-the-heart-of-public-sector-reform Sat, 01 Dec 2012 00:00:00 GMT Work smarter A new framework to boost workforce skills and performance is transforming business in Kirklees. Council chief executive Adrian Lythgo explains. Kirklees Council has announced a new framework and incentive scheme to support local businesses to work smarter with their workforce. The framework encourages the development of a... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/work-smarter 433,451 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/work-smarter Sat, 01 Dec 2012 00:00:00 GMT 'Evolution clause' introduced into free schools agreement All free schools will now be explicitly required to teach evolution instead of creationism as scientific theory, following concerns over Christian-run schools finding loopholes in the wording of their agreements with the DfE. Scientists raised concerns that certain institutions could present creationism as a credible theory. The DfE has... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/evolution-clause-introduced-into-free-schools-agreement 453 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/evolution-clause-introduced-into-free-schools-agreement Fri, 30 Nov 2012 00:00:00 GMT Labour wins trio of by-elections Labour held its seats in all three of yesterday’s by-elections, with Ukip coming in second in two out of three, following a surge in national support. In Rotherham, Sarah Champion (pictured above) became the new Labour MP with 9,866 votes. Ukip won 4,648 votes. The by-election was held after the seat’s previous Labour MP... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/labour-wins-trio-of-by-elections 436,455 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/labour-wins-trio-of-by-elections Fri, 30 Nov 2012 00:00:00 GMT Over-50s 'sleepwalking into old age' - NAPF A new study suggests that too many people in their 50s are not adequately preparing for their retirement, which will leave them poorer than expected. The National Association of Pension Funds (NAPF) and the Institute for Fiscal Studies (IFS) found that a third of people aged 52-64 have no idea what their workplace pension income will be... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/over-50s-sleepwalking-into-old-age--napf 434 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/over-50s-sleepwalking-into-old-age--napf Fri, 30 Nov 2012 00:00:00 GMT New proposals could pay for energy savings Firms could be paid to cut their energy use, the Government has proposed, as the Energy Bill is due to be published today. The Bill includes extra investment in gas, renewables and nuclear power. The Government has suggested that a 10% reduction in electricity demand could produce savings of around £4bn in 2030, which would more... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/new-proposals-could-pay-for-energy-savings 437,455 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/new-proposals-could-pay-for-energy-savings Thu, 29 Nov 2012 00:00:00 GMT Scottish pension contributions to rise Public sector workers in Scotland are to see their pension contributions rise for the second year, the Government has announced. SNP finance secretary John Swinney said Scotland had to follow UK reforms or find £100m a year to offset the increases, which will affect around 250,000 people in Scotland. The UK Government has... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/scottish-pension-contributions-to-rise 436 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/scottish-pension-contributions-to-rise Thu, 29 Nov 2012 00:00:00 GMT Spend £1.5bn on short-term growth, CBI urges The Autumn Statement must boost growth whilst sticking to the Government’s deficit reduction programme, the CBI has urged. Chancellor George Osborne is due to present the Autumn Statement to Parliament next Wednesday. The CBI suggests that extra resources are available for growth from the £7.8bn underspent last year, as... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/spend-15bn-on-short-term-growth-cbi-urges 433 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/spend-15bn-on-short-term-growth-cbi-urges Thu, 29 Nov 2012 00:00:00 GMT Apprenticeships must be focused on employers' needs Government must improve the quality of apprenticeships and make them more focused on the needs of employers, a new review suggests. Doug Richard, founder of School for Startups, was commissioned to review of apprenticeships, and has recommended that they should be targeted only to those new at a job or in a role that requires sustained... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/apprenticeships-must-be-focused-on-employers-needs 434 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/apprenticeships-must-be-focused-on-employers-needs Wed, 28 Nov 2012 00:00:00 GMT Councils and emergency services tackle flooding Emergency crews are working with local authorities to help protect homes and residents from major floods all across the country. Councils are providing thousands of sandbags, water pumps and emergency accommodation to alleviate flooding disruption, as well as coordinating with emergency service crews and the Environment... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/councils-and-emergency-services-tackle-flooding 443,455 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/councils-and-emergency-services-tackle-flooding Wed, 28 Nov 2012 00:00:00 GMT Minimum unit price could be set at 45p The Government is publishing its consultation on alcohol today, including the proposal that a minimum price per unit should be set at 45p. This is higher than the originally suggested 40p, but lower than the price being set in Scotland of 50p. The consultation also proposes banning multi-buy offers in supermarkets, a review of the... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/minimum-unit-price-could-be-set-at-45p 445 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/minimum-unit-price-could-be-set-at-45p Wed, 28 Nov 2012 00:00:00 GMT Ofsted warns over school standards The school standards gap is unacceptably wide, with variations in performance across local authorities, a new Ofsted report warns. The annual report, published today, highlights the importance of strong leadership to drive up standards. Ofsted is also launching a league table ranking local authorities according to inspectors’... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/ofsted-warns-over-school-standards 453,455 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/ofsted-warns-over-school-standards Tue, 27 Nov 2012 00:00:00 GMT Welfare to work could miss 5% target The Government’s welfare to work programme is expected to miss its target, official figures are expected to show. The first figures from the scheme, launched last June, are expected to show that less than 5% of jobseekers on the programme have been helped into “sustainable” work. The welfare to work programme sees... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/welfare-to-work-could-miss-5-target 434 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/welfare-to-work-could-miss-5-target Tue, 27 Nov 2012 00:00:00 GMT Work Foundation calls for £4.5bn science funding The Autumn Statement should direct at least £4.5bn to boost science, technology and regional growth, the Work Foundation has stated. In its submission to the Autumn Statement, the Work Foundation is calling for funds from the sale of 4G licences to be invested in science, technology and innovation. There should be a further round of... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/work-foundation-calls-for-45bn-science-funding 438 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/work-foundation-calls-for-45bn-science-funding Tue, 27 Nov 2012 00:00:00 GMT 6.1 million working people in poverty More people in work are also living in poverty, a new report from the Joseph Rowntree Foundation has found. JRF warns that the Government must “give up the belief that welfare reform” is the solution, and that it will take more than simply increasing employment and pushing more people into university. The number of people... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/61-million-working-people-in-poverty 442 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/61-million-working-people-in-poverty Mon, 26 Nov 2012 00:00:00 GMT Austerity could continue until 2018 - IFS The squeeze in public spending may continue until 2018 if the recent deterioration in growth prospects and tax receipts turns out to be permanent, according to a new report. Independent think tank the Institute for Fiscal Studies found that further cuts could bring “more fiscal pain”. The report states that there is “now... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/austerity-could-continue-until-2018--ifs 433 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/austerity-could-continue-until-2018--ifs Mon, 26 Nov 2012 00:00:00 GMT Bristol mayor's all-party offer throws Labour into disarray The leader of the Labour Party in Bristol has resigned after a series of u-turns over the new mayor’s all-party cabinet. Labour councillors were told they would not be allowed to accept the invitation to take up three positions in new elected mayor George Ferguson’s cabinet. Ferguson, pictured above, is an independent, who... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/bristol-mayors-all-party-offer-throws-labour-into-disarray 436,455 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/bristol-mayors-all-party-offer-throws-labour-into-disarray Mon, 26 Nov 2012 00:00:00 GMT Investing in transport could deliver £86bn for economy - BCC Infrastructure investment is being delivered too slowly, with a number of projects delayed or on hold that could bring significant economic returns to the UK, a new report suggests. The British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) has published a map which tracks progress on 13 top projects highlighted for work ahead of the 2010 General Election.... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/investing-in-transport-could-deliver-86bn-for-economy--bcc 433 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/investing-in-transport-could-deliver-86bn-for-economy--bcc Mon, 26 Nov 2012 00:00:00 GMT Energy reforms unveiled Internal Coalition battles over energy policy have resulted in wins and losses for both parties, with customer bills to rise to pay for more renewable energy, but delayed commitments on firm decarbonisation targets. There has been a perception that Lib Dem energy secretary Ed Davey (pictured above) was pushing for an energy future based... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/energy-reforms-unveiled 437,455 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/energy-reforms-unveiled Fri, 23 Nov 2012 00:00:00 GMT Plymouth fined £60,000 for social services data breach The Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) has fined Plymouth City Council £60,000 for sending details of a child neglect case to the wrong family. The ICO called it a “serious breach of the Data Protection Act”, as the report included highly sensitive personal information about two parents and four children... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/plymouth-fined-60000-for-social-services-data-breach 435 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/plymouth-fined-60000-for-social-services-data-breach Fri, 23 Nov 2012 00:00:00 GMT Pothole 'crisis' looming - LGA Councils across the UK will find it almost impossible to keep on top of road repairs if they are stripped of more funding in next month’s autumn statement, the LGA has said. It says the situation would become “critical” if we have another harsh winter like 2010/11, which caused £600 million of road damage, and that... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/pothole-crisis-looming--lga 433 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/pothole-crisis-looming--lga Fri, 23 Nov 2012 00:00:00 GMT £1bn spent on additional costs for academies programme The Department for Education was “unprepared” for the scale of the financial implications of increasing the number of academies so quickly, a new report by the National Audit Office suggests. The report praises the department for delivering “fundamental” change, with 2,309 academies open since 2010, representing... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/1bn-spent-on-additional-costs-for-academies-programme 453 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/1bn-spent-on-additional-costs-for-academies-programme Thu, 22 Nov 2012 00:00:00 GMT Low earners paid more in public sector The gap between public and private sector pay is widest at the bottom end of the pay scale, a new report demonstrates. The ONS analysis was based on characteristics collected in the Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings (ASHE). Including the effects of organisation size and comparing the lowest earners at the 5th percentile, employees... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/low-earners-paid-more-in-public-sector 455,434 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/low-earners-paid-more-in-public-sector Thu, 22 Nov 2012 00:00:00 GMT Retrofits significantly reduce carbon emissions Successful retrofits can halve carbon emissions, as well as supporting improved quality of life for occupants, a new analysis has found. The Institute for Sustainability and UCL Energy Institute have published a new independent report analysing the Technology Strategy Board (TSB)’s £17m ‘Retrofit for the Future’... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/retrofits-significantly-reduce-carbon-emissions 437 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/retrofits-significantly-reduce-carbon-emissions Thu, 22 Nov 2012 00:00:00 GMT Civil servants 'must retain impartiality' Government plans for civil service reform must not undermine impartiality, a new report from the House of Lords Constitution Committee warns. ‘The Accountability of Civil Servants’ was published yesterday and calls for ministers to remain constitutionally responsible for everything done in their departments. The Cabinet... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/civil-servants-must-retain-impartiality 455,434 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/civil-servants-must-retain-impartiality Wed, 21 Nov 2012 00:00:00 GMT Public borrowing higher than expected UK public borrowing is worse than previously expected, new figures from the ONS show. Excluding financial incentives, public borrowing in October rose to £8.6bn, significantly higher than the predicted £6bn. In October 2011, the figure was £5.9bn. This is the last set of borrowing figures before the... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/public-borrowing-higher-than-expected 433 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/public-borrowing-higher-than-expected Wed, 21 Nov 2012 00:00:00 GMT SEUK launches new guidance for Social Value Act New guidance is now available to help local authorities incorporate social value into their contracts. Social Enterprise UK (SEUK) has launched the Social Value Guide to help the public sector prepare for the Social Value Act’s implementation in January 2013. The guide is aimed at commissioners and procurement officials, to explain... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/seuk-launches-new-guidance-for-social-value-act 440 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/seuk-launches-new-guidance-for-social-value-act Wed, 21 Nov 2012 00:00:00 GMT 2% of Danish ash trees immune to dieback fungus Ash dieback from a fungal disease continues to threaten millions of UK trees, but there is a glimmer of hope in suspected natural immunity for a small percentage of trees. Ash trees in Denmark started dying because of the fungus Charala Fraxinia about 10 years ago, and by 2005, the disease had spread across the entire country. Today at... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/2-of-danish-ash-trees-immune-to-dieback-fungus 437 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/2-of-danish-ash-trees-immune-to-dieback-fungus Tue, 20 Nov 2012 00:00:00 GMT Big Six to be forced to give consumers cheapest tariffs The Government is today explaining how it is following up on Prime Minister David Cameron’s shock promise to make energy companies put consumers on their cheapest tariff. Last month, Cameron told MPs at Prime Minister’s Questions that energy firms would be compelled to make the change, which came as a surprise to DECC and its... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/big-six-to-be-forced-to-give-consumers-cheapest-tariffs 437 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/big-six-to-be-forced-to-give-consumers-cheapest-tariffs Tue, 20 Nov 2012 00:00:00 GMT Extra UK funding for European Space Agency Member states of the European Space Agency (ESA) are meeting in Italy this week to determine programmes and budgets for the next five years. The Naples Agenda will cover around €12bn worth of activity. The UK has decided to increase its funding for ESA, in recognition of the strength of the commercial space sector here, which it... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/extra-uk-funding-for-european-space-agency 433,455 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/extra-uk-funding-for-european-space-agency Tue, 20 Nov 2012 00:00:00 GMT 'Fiscal challenges' for independent Scotland Scotland could face long-term financial difficulty if the country votes for independence from the UK, a new report suggests. The independent think tank the Institute for Fiscal Studies (IFS) studied some of the fiscal choices that Scotland might face should it choose independence in the 2014 referendum. In the short term, an... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/fiscal-challenges-for-independent-scotland 436 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/fiscal-challenges-for-independent-scotland Mon, 19 Nov 2012 00:00:00 GMT CBI calls for reform of schools system Business leaders have criticised the “exam factory” focus of schools and called for the emphasis of reform to be shifted from GCSEs to A-levels. Employers seek well-rounded individuals, not just students on a conveyor belt of exams and league tables, a new report by the CBI argues. First Steps highlights that school standards... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/cbi-calls-for-reform-of-schools-system 453 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/cbi-calls-for-reform-of-schools-system Mon, 19 Nov 2012 00:00:00 GMT Charities call for 20mph urban speed limit The Government should make 20mph speed limits the norm in built-up residential areas, road safety charities have urged. A coalition of charities, including Brake, Sustrans and the Campaign to Protect Rural England are launching a ‘GO 20’ campaign, and are calling for the speed limit to be revised. Asking drivers to slow... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/charities-call-for-20mph-urban-speed-limit 435 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/charities-call-for-20mph-urban-speed-limit Mon, 19 Nov 2012 00:00:00 GMT Judicial review process to be made more difficult The right to legally challenge government policy is to be limited, Prime Minister David Cameron will announce today. Speaking to the CBI in London at its annual conference, Cameron will call for measures to curtail “time-wasting” appeals to concentrate on improving the economy instead. There will be less time to apply for... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/judicial-review-process-to-be-made-more-difficult 436,455 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/judicial-review-process-to-be-made-more-difficult Mon, 19 Nov 2012 00:00:00 GMT Economy needs care reform - Carers UK Reform of the care system could boost the economy, as well as improving support for the 6.4 million carers in the UK, a new report suggests. The Cass Business School report, commissioned and published by Carers UK, argued that care must be accessible to all, through improved integration of services. It’s vital to help carers... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/economy-needs-care-reform--carers-uk 433,455 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/economy-needs-care-reform--carers-uk Fri, 16 Nov 2012 00:00:00 GMT Child poverty definition must be broadened A better definition of child poverty is needed, ministers have stated, as a consultation into the calculation is launched. Simply focusing on income levels is too narrow an approach, work and pensions secretary Iain Duncan Smith will say in a speech. The consultation comes after recent figures show fewer children living in poverty.... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/child-poverty-definition-must-be-broadened 442 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/child-poverty-definition-must-be-broadened Thu, 15 Nov 2012 00:00:00 GMT LOS highlights participation barriers for people with disabilities Transport and leisure activities are the most common areas where people with disabilities find barriers to social participation, a new report suggests. Part 1 of the Wave Two Life Opportunities Survey (LOS), conducted by the ONS and sponsored by the DWP, compared the participation of people with impairments in work, education, transport... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/los-highlights-participation-barriers-for-people-with-disabilities 442 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/los-highlights-participation-barriers-for-people-with-disabilities Thu, 15 Nov 2012 00:00:00 GMT Police and Crime Commissioner elections today Polls are open today for the first Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) elections for England and Wales, for everyone outside London. Voting will take place from 7am-10pm in 41 police force areas. PCCs will replace police authorities and the move is designed to make the police more accountable, with a single figurehead monitoring and... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/police-and-crime-commissioner-elections-today 454,455 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/police-and-crime-commissioner-elections-today Thu, 15 Nov 2012 00:00:00 GMT Gove wants challenging exams and information memorising Education secretary Michael Gove is to outline the philosophy underpinning his planned shake-up of GCSEs and A Levels, describing the benefits of more challenging tests. In a speech titled ‘In Praise of Tests’, to be given to the Independent Academies Association, Gove will also say that external tests are more fair, and can... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/gove-wants-challenging-exams-and-information-memorising 453,455 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/gove-wants-challenging-exams-and-information-memorising Wed, 14 Nov 2012 00:00:00 GMT Library projects announced to promote reading Children and young people will be offered automatic library membership through a range of new projects run by the Arts Council England. The council has announced 22 projects which will share £55,000 to test automatic membership, to encourage the use of local libraries and reading for pleasure. The scheme is supported by the... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/library-projects-announced-to-promote-reading 453 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/library-projects-announced-to-promote-reading Wed, 14 Nov 2012 00:00:00 GMT Unemployment falls again - ONS The number of people of out of work in the UK is at 2.51 million – the lowest total for over a year, new figures show. The ONS has published data showing unemployment fell by 49,000 to 2.51m in the three months to September. The jobless rate is also down, from 7.9% to 7.8%, mostly due to a decline in youth unemployment. The... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/unemployment-falls-again--ons 433 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/unemployment-falls-again--ons Wed, 14 Nov 2012 00:00:00 GMT 'Flexible parental leave' from 2015 Deputy PM Nick Clegg has confirmed the details of the Government’s parental leave overhaul. At the heart of the new proposals is that mothers will be entitled to 52 weeks of maternity leave and once they have taken the first two weeks after the birth, they can opt to use the rest as they like, as ‘flexible’ parental... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/flexible-parental-leave-from-2015 455,434 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/flexible-parental-leave-from-2015 Tue, 13 Nov 2012 00:00:00 GMT 30,000 lives lost on European roads in 2011 The European Road Safety Charter has launched a campaign called ‘30,000 lives to save’ aimed at cutting the number of people who die on the roads. That figure is the number of people who died on European roads in 2011. Across the continent, road-related accidents are the leading cause of death for teenagers. It is... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/30000-lives-lost-on-european-roads-in-2011 435,455 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/30000-lives-lost-on-european-roads-in-2011 Tue, 13 Nov 2012 00:00:00 GMT Huge rise in number of children living in B&Bs There has been a “shocking” 60% rise in the number of children and pregnant women living in B&Bs, according to a new report by the National Housing Federation, which represents England’s housing associations. Homeless Bound shows that the number of people forced to stay in temporary accommodation continues to rise... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/huge-rise-in-number-of-children-living-in-bbs 441,442 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/huge-rise-in-number-of-children-living-in-bbs Tue, 13 Nov 2012 00:00:00 GMT £10m academy boost for poorest performing schools 400 poorly-performing primary schools are to be turned into academies by the end of next year, Prime Minister David Cameron is to announce. The schools in England and Wales will be paired with sponsor organisations to improve education and help them turn into academies. The Government plans to spend up to £10m to develop the links... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/10m-academy-boost-for-poorest-performing-schools 453 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/10m-academy-boost-for-poorest-performing-schools Mon, 12 Nov 2012 00:00:00 GMT Flexible working rights to be extended All employees will be entitled to ask for flexible working under new plans to be revealed this week. Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg will announce the changes, in an effort to get more women back into the workplace. The plans are based on research from the Resolution Foundation think tank, which suggests there are 1m women... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/flexible-working-rights-to-be-extended 434 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/flexible-working-rights-to-be-extended Mon, 12 Nov 2012 00:00:00 GMT Pension schemes 'time-bomb' in London An urgent review of London councils’ pension schemes is needed, according to a report by the Pensions Institute. The schemes represent a “ticking time-bomb”, the report states, with trustees of the schemes found to be delaying recovery plans to save money. It wants Department for Communities and Local Government to... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/pension-schemes-time-bomb-in-london 434 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/pension-schemes-time-bomb-in-london Mon, 12 Nov 2012 00:00:00 GMT Transport spending in London £644 per head The funding gap between transport spending in London and the regions is widening, according to new analysis of Treasury public spending figures. Pteg, which represents the passenger transport executives (PTEs) in urban conurbations across the country, found that in London £644 was spent per head on transport in 2011/12. This... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/transport-spending-in-london-644-per-head 433,455 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/transport-spending-in-london-644-per-head Mon, 12 Nov 2012 00:00:00 GMT Accident prevention should be primary priority for public health - RoSPA The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA) has stressed the urgency of preventing accidents, which are responsible for more “preventable” loss of life than any other cause of death to at least the age of 60. RoSPA has urged the Government to examine this crucial research from the ONS to transform their... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/accident-prevention-should-be-primary-priority-for-public-health--rospa 435 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/accident-prevention-should-be-primary-priority-for-public-health--rospa Fri, 09 Nov 2012 00:00:00 GMT End to payoffs for local government chief executives - Pickles Plans to save money by enabling easier and less expensive dismissals of highly paid but incompetent local government chief executives are due to be implemented by the communities secretary Eric Pickles. The dismissal of a council chief executive often involves lengthy and costly legal investigations which result in generous payoffs given... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/end-to-payoffs-for-local-government-chief-executives-pickles 434 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/end-to-payoffs-for-local-government-chief-executives-pickles Fri, 09 Nov 2012 00:00:00 GMT Space spending to be increased by £60m a year Spending on space technology has been increased by £60m per year over the subsequent two years, due to an investment by Chancellor George Osborne to augment the UK’s contribution to the European Space Agency. It is hoped that the investment will bring numerous more hi-tech jobs and contracts to Britain, although the diminution... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/space-spending-to-be-increased-by-60m-a-year 433,455 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/space-spending-to-be-increased-by-60m-a-year Fri, 09 Nov 2012 00:00:00 GMT Metal theft powers to be introduced New powers against metal theft are to be announced this week, including larger fines for ‘rogue’ traders and stronger police rights of entry to scrapyards. Metal theft occurs around 1,000 times each week and costs the UK an estimated £220m a year. Jeremy Browne, the crime prevention minister, will announce the new powers... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/metal-theft-powers-to-be-introduced 454 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/metal-theft-powers-to-be-introduced Thu, 08 Nov 2012 00:00:00 GMT Scholarship scheme won't attract poor students, report warns The planned National Scholarship Programme (NSP) could fail to persuade young people from disadvantaged backgrounds to pursue higher education, a new report from the Institute for Fiscal Studies (IFS) warns. The £50m scheme was suggested in light of the Government’s decision to increase tuition fees to a maximum of... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/scholarship-scheme-wont-attract-poor-students-report-warns 453,442 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/scholarship-scheme-wont-attract-poor-students-report-warns Thu, 08 Nov 2012 00:00:00 GMT TfL highways contracts to save £450m Consolidated London Highways Alliance contracts are to deliver road maintenance and major infrastructure improvements while saving up to £450m in the next eight years, TfL has announced. Four new area-based joint highways contracts will assist in the creation of more than £2bn of investment in road infrastructure. The... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/tfl-highways-contracts-to-save-450m 433,455 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/tfl-highways-contracts-to-save-450m Thu, 08 Nov 2012 00:00:00 GMT British Army in top 10 for gender equality The top ten public sector employers for achieving gender and ethnic diversity have been revealed. The UK Business in the Community (BITC) gender and race diversity survey scores organisations on diversity processes and policies, as well as the impact and result of these policies. Five organisations appeared on both lists this year:... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/british-army-in-top-10-for-gender-equality 434 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/british-army-in-top-10-for-gender-equality Wed, 07 Nov 2012 00:00:00 GMT Employees earn 62% more in real terms than in 1986 A report released by the Office for National Statistics (ONS) has illustrated that full-time employees were on average 62% better off in 2011 than in 1986, even accounting for inflation. The average wage in the UK has rocketed from £3.87 per hour in 1986 to around £12.62 per hour in 2011 – a staggering increase even in... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/employees-earn-62-more-in-real-terms-than-in-1986 433 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/employees-earn-62-more-in-real-terms-than-in-1986 Wed, 07 Nov 2012 00:00:00 GMT More children should be in care, say MPs The Commons education select committee says more at-risk children should be put into care and has called for more support for vulnerable teenagers in need of assistance. The committee’s new report is published in light of recent scandals including the Jimmy Savile allegations and the Rochdale child grooming case, further convincing... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/more-children-should-be-in-care-say-mps 435,455 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/more-children-should-be-in-care-say-mps Wed, 07 Nov 2012 00:00:00 GMT Apprenticeship schemes must be ambitious - MPs Apprenticeships are in need of reform, MPs have argued in a new report, with too much money being doled out to companies that don’t necessarily deserve it. The Business, Innovation and Skills (BIS) Committee has conducted an 11-month review into apprenticeships in the UK and has made a number of recommendations for future... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/apprenticeship-schemes-must-be-ambitious--mps 434 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/apprenticeship-schemes-must-be-ambitious--mps Tue, 06 Nov 2012 00:00:00 GMT Councils 'failing' in statutory duties over libraries Some local authorities have drawn up cost-saving plans cutting down on their library services without taking proper account of local needs, a new report warns. The Commons Culture, Media and Sport Committee says some councils are in danger of failing in their statutory duty. Instead of a change of legislation, the committee... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/councils-failing-in-statutory-duties-over-libraries 438,455 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/councils-failing-in-statutory-duties-over-libraries Tue, 06 Nov 2012 00:00:00 GMT Environmental R&D competition announced Up to £16.5m of funding is available in a new competition for R&D projects that will lead to significant reductions in CO2 emissions in road transport. Business secretary Vince Cable announced the funding, which will be available in grants awarded to UK businesses through a new open competition. The Technology Strategy Board... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/environmental-rd-competition-announced 437 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/environmental-rd-competition-announced Tue, 06 Nov 2012 00:00:00 GMT Ash fungus confirmed at more sites - Defra Ash dieback disease has now been found at 52 sites across England and Scotland, both in the wild and in nurseries and plantations.  The Government has pushed back against claims that it could have acted as long ago as 2009 to ban imports, saying that confusion over the strains of the fungus meant it was not clear until very recently... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/ash-fungus-confirmed-at-more-sites--defra 437 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/ash-fungus-confirmed-at-more-sites--defra Mon, 05 Nov 2012 00:00:00 GMT Cost of public sector pensions spiralling despite Coalition cuts A think-tank has predicted a £32bn cashflow shortfall in public sector pensions by 2017. The Centre for Policy Studies, which is non-partisan but was founded by leading Conservative to champion free market causes, says the gap is “unsustainable” and “impossible to ignore”. Although Government cuts to... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/cost-of-public-sector-pensions-spiralling-despite-coalition-cuts 434 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/cost-of-public-sector-pensions-spiralling-despite-coalition-cuts Mon, 05 Nov 2012 00:00:00 GMT Labour backs 'living wage' Labour leader Ed Miliband is to make the ‘living wage’ a key feature of the party’s platform at the next general election. The Joseph Rowntree Foundation has announced the new living wage as £7.45, a 25p increase. It is more than £1 an hour in London, at £8.55, due to the high costs of living in the... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/labour-backs-living-wage 442 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/labour-backs-living-wage Mon, 05 Nov 2012 00:00:00 GMT Public sector managers reject policy outsourcing plans Fewer than one in 10 senior public sector managers back Government plans to outsource more policy-making and strategic decision-making to other sectors, according to a new survey. More than eight in 10 (81.6%) are against the move, announced as part of a package of civil service reforms by Cabinet Office minister Francis Maude (pictured)... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/public-sector-managers-reject-policy-outsourcing-plans 440,455 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/public-sector-managers-reject-policy-outsourcing-plans Mon, 05 Nov 2012 00:00:00 GMT Government crisis meeting over tree disease The Government’s ‘Cobra’ crisis committee is meeting today to discuss measures to prevent the wipe-out of the UK’s ash tree population from a deadly fungus that has ravaged parts of continental Europe.  The fungal disease, recently found in East Anglia, causes leaf loss and crown dieback and can lead... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/government-crisis-meeting-over-tree-disease 437,455 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/government-crisis-meeting-over-tree-disease Fri, 02 Nov 2012 00:00:00 GMT NAO qualifies audit opinion over SFO pay-off The National Audit Office has criticised the pay-off given to the former CEO of the Serious Fraud Office, saying “there is no evidence that due process was followed”.  Amyas Morse, Comptroller and Auditor General, has said the severance agreement for Phillippa Williamon – a payment of £407,000 to MyCSP, which... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/nao-qualifies-audit-opinion-over-sfo-pay-off 435 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/nao-qualifies-audit-opinion-over-sfo-pay-off Fri, 02 Nov 2012 00:00:00 GMT Ofqual finds 'significant overmarking' in English GCSEs Exams regulator Ofqual has said it is “shocked” by the significant overmarking found on this summer’s English GCSE papers, although it is blaming pressures on teachers and the incentives they face rather than teachers themselves. Chief executive Glenys Stacey told BBC Radio 4’s Today programme: “Teachers are... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/significant-overmarking-in-english-gcses 453 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/significant-overmarking-in-english-gcses Fri, 02 Nov 2012 00:00:00 GMT Coalition split over wind energy There has been no change in the Government’s policy on renewable energy and wind turbines, according to the Prime Minister and Lib Dem energy secretary Ed Davey, who was forced to slap down his Tory junior John Hayes after he suggested in newspaper interviews that on-shore windfarm construction would cease.  Davey said:... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/coalition-split-over-wind-energy 437 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/coalition-split-over-wind-energy Thu, 01 Nov 2012 00:00:00 GMT Government loses Commons vote over EU budget The Government suffered a humiliating defeat over Europe yesterday, as rebel Tories joined with Labour MPs to demand a cut in the EU budget, beyond the real-terms freeze that ministers think is a more realistic negotiating position.  David Cameron and George Osborne have pledged to “take note” of the backbenchers’... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/government-loses-commons-vote-over-eu-budget 436,455 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/government-loses-commons-vote-over-eu-budget Thu, 01 Nov 2012 00:00:00 GMT Lack of employer awareness hampering Work Programme Around half of employers say they are either unaware of the Government’s flagship employment scheme the Work Programme, or say it is not relevant to them and they would not recruit via it.  The Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD), surveyed 1,000 employers, finding that a majority (79%) of employers who have... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/lack-of-employer-awareness-hampering-work-programme 434 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/lack-of-employer-awareness-hampering-work-programme Thu, 01 Nov 2012 00:00:00 GMT Absenteeism higher in smokers Smokers miss more work days each year than non-smokers, a new report suggests, costing the UK economy £1.4bn in 2011. A report published in the journal Addiction analysed 29 separate studies on absenteeism and smoking across the world. Results showed that current smokers are 33% more likely to miss work and are, on average, absent... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/absenteeism-higher-in-smokers 434 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/absenteeism-higher-in-smokers Wed, 31 Oct 2012 00:00:00 GMT Commission calls for £1 an hour childcare Britain is at an “equality crossroads” on issues such as low pay and childcare costs, the Commission on Living Standards has warned. A new report by the commission states that “the balance of income growth now needs to shift away from rising state support towards increasing employment income”. Proposals to... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/commission-calls-for-1-an-hour-childcare 442 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/commission-calls-for-1-an-hour-childcare Wed, 31 Oct 2012 00:00:00 GMT Local investment to drive growth - Lord Heseltine The former Conservative deputy prime minister Lord Heseltine has challenged Government to take action and stimulate the economy through radical reorganisation of local government and business support mechanisms. His hefty new report, commissioned by Downing Street, calls for the £49bn used to support industry to be distributed... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/local-investment-to-drive-growth-lord-heseltine 433,455 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/local-investment-to-drive-growth-lord-heseltine Wed, 31 Oct 2012 00:00:00 GMT Broadband benefits 'overstated' - EIU While superfast broadband will bring long-term benefits to the UK, it is unlikely to deliver fast returns immediately, a new report has warned. The Government aims to achieve 24Mbps by 2015. The Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU) has cautioned that expectations around growth, jobs and the impact on education and healthcare may be... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/broadband-benefits-overstated-eiu 439 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/broadband-benefits-overstated-eiu Tue, 30 Oct 2012 00:00:00 GMT Hitachi buys Horizon Nuclear Power Nuclear project Horizon has been sold to Hitachi Ltd by German companies E.On and RWE. The £700m deal will see Hitachi build reactors on existing sites at Wylfa, Anglesey and Oldbury, near Bristol. Preliminary contracts have been signed with UK companies Babcock International and Rolls-Royce, and the deal should be complete by the... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/hitachi-buys-horizon-nuclear-power 437 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/hitachi-buys-horizon-nuclear-power Tue, 30 Oct 2012 00:00:00 GMT National roll-out for restorative justice planned Restorative justice is to be expanded, and more offenders will be required to meet their victims and apologise before sentencing. The national roll-out of the scheme will be embedded in the process of courts across England and Wales, in an attempt to provide victims with closure and cut re-offending rates. Details are to be set out... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/national-roll-out-for-restorative-justice-planned 454,455 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/national-roll-out-for-restorative-justice-planned Tue, 30 Oct 2012 00:00:00 GMT CIPFA calls for emphasis on growth More emphasis will need to be placed on growth in the Chancellor’s upcoming Autumn Statement, a new report suggests. The Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy (CIPFA) has published ‘The Long Downturn’, highlighting the challenges ahead for the economy. The report states that the Government’s... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/cipfa-calls-for-emphasis-on-growth 433 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/cipfa-calls-for-emphasis-on-growth Mon, 29 Oct 2012 00:00:00 GMT Extra salt to tackle winter roads Councils have 1.3 million tonnes of road salt for use this winter, new figures show. A survey conducted by the LGA found that 20% of councils in England and Wales have more salt than last year, to grit slippery roads and prevent accidents. Many councils have invested in new fleets of GPS-tracked gritting trucks, mini-gritters and... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/extra-salt-to-tackle-winter-roads 443 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/extra-salt-to-tackle-winter-roads Mon, 29 Oct 2012 00:00:00 GMT Latest round of City Deals to be announced The next round of English cities to receive additional spending powers is to be announced today. Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg is to invite cities to set out the powers they need to drive local growth. Earlier this year, Birmingham, Manchester, Sheffield and five other cities received the right to spend tax receipts from local... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/latest-round-of-city-deals-to-be-announced 433,436,455 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/latest-round-of-city-deals-to-be-announced Mon, 29 Oct 2012 00:00:00 GMT Operation Goliath to tackle low-level transport crime Police in the West Midlands will be launching ‘Operation Goliath’ tomorrow, to tackle anti-social behaviour on public transport. Officers from the Safer Travel team will mount extra patrols on buses, trains and trams across the network on October 30, to stage a visible presence against low-level misbehaviour. The Safer... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/operation-goliath-to-tackle-low-level-transport-crime 454 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/operation-goliath-to-tackle-low-level-transport-crime Mon, 29 Oct 2012 00:00:00 GMT Cautious welcome for economy growth The UK has emerged from its double-dip recession with higher than expected growth in the third quarter of 2012. The 1% rise in GDP over the quarter represents the strongest growth since 2007, the ONS said, although much of the increase is due to the Olympics and the unwinding of one-off factors like the extra bank holiday for the Diamond... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/cautious-welcome-for-economy-growth 433,455 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/cautious-welcome-for-economy-growth Fri, 26 Oct 2012 00:00:00 GMT CDP rates Stagecoach as best transport group for carbon Stagecoach Group is the highest listed public transport group for carbon disclosure, a new report shows. The Carbon Disclosure Project FTSE 350 Climate Change Report 2012 analysed how companies are measuring and disclosing the impact of their business on the environment. Focusing on the measurement of greenhouse gas emissions... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/cdp-rates-stagecoach-as-best-transport-group-for-carbon 437 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/cdp-rates-stagecoach-as-best-transport-group-for-carbon Fri, 26 Oct 2012 00:00:00 GMT Digital archives announced for Chatham House Chatham House, the renowned international affairs think tank, has announced plans to digitise its archives. The first phase of the Chatham House Online Archive will be complete by spring 2013, offering a searchable research database spanning 90 years for government, NGOs, corporations, researchers and students. The archives will... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/digital-archives-announced-for-chatham-house 453 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/digital-archives-announced-for-chatham-house Fri, 26 Oct 2012 00:00:00 GMT Cuts mark 'end of local government as we know it' - Birmingham Birmingham City Council is looking to cut around £600m by 2017, marking a £200m rise from previous estimates. Council leader Sir Albert Bore predicts council job positions to decline by 1,000 over the “next few years”. He said: “This is the end of local government as we have known it. But this is not the end... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/cuts-mark-end-of-local-government-as-we-know-it--birmingham 455,434 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/cuts-mark-end-of-local-government-as-we-know-it--birmingham Wed, 24 Oct 2012 00:00:00 GMT Deadline for decision on prisoner votes approaches The Government has denied that it has plans to introduce a draft law to allow some inmates to vote, despite a European court ruling that the current blanket ban is illegal. The European Court of Human Rights has ruled that a complete ban on voting for anyone sent to jail is illegal. It is up to individual countries to decide which... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/deadline-for-decision-on-prisoner-votes-approaches 436 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/deadline-for-decision-on-prisoner-votes-approaches Wed, 24 Oct 2012 00:00:00 GMT Standardised food labelling introduced The supermarket industry is set to introduce a standardised, UK-wide system of food labelling, health minister Anna Soubry has announced. The move aims to help people to make healthier choices about the food they eat. The ‘hybrid’ system will use a combination of Guideline Daily Amounts (GDA), colour coding traffic lights... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/standardised-food-labelling-introduced 453 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/standardised-food-labelling-introduced Wed, 24 Oct 2012 00:00:00 GMT Public support for wind power over gas - ICM The public are significantly more supportive of new wind power installed near their homes than gas or nuclear power, new research shows – although there is a significant age gap. An opinion poll conducted by ICM found that when asked whether they would prefer a wind turbine or shale gas well near their home, 67% preferred wind and... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/public-support-for-wind-power-over-gas--icm 437,455 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/public-support-for-wind-power-over-gas--icm Tue, 23 Oct 2012 00:00:00 GMT TISPOL detects 100,000 seatbelt offences A pan-European seatbelt control operation revealed nearly 100,000 cases of drivers or passengers not wearing seatbelts. The operation involved 25 countries and was coordinated by the European Traffic Police Network (TISPOL). Of the 97,489 total seatbelt offences recorded, 3,539 related to children not wearing seatbelts or other... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/tispol-detects-100000-seatbelt-offences 435 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/tispol-detects-100000-seatbelt-offences Tue, 23 Oct 2012 00:00:00 GMT UK sees sharper fall in economic wellbeing - ONS New data from the ONS shows that real national and household incomes have been falling due to recession and high inflation. The figures produced as part of the National Wellbeing programme showed that in the second quarter of 2012 net national income (NNI) per head in real terms was 13.2% below its level in the first quarter of 2008; a... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/uk-sees-sharper-fall-in-economic-wellbeing--ons 433 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/uk-sees-sharper-fall-in-economic-wellbeing--ons Tue, 23 Oct 2012 00:00:00 GMT Families under stress - FPI One in 10 parents feel they cannot spend enough time with their children, new research suggests. The Family and Parenting Institute surveyed English parents and children aged between 6 and 10 years old. 59% of children stated that they wanted to spend more time with their parents. Many parents said that they could only spend time with... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/families-under-stress--fpi 434 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/families-under-stress--fpi Mon, 22 Oct 2012 00:00:00 GMT NEET costs rise across Europe - Eurofund The costs in state welfare and lost production of young adults not in education, employment or training (NEET) across Europe is now at €153bn a year, EU agency Eurofund has estimated. The agency found that the number of NEETs had reached record levels, with 14 million young people out of work costing £124bn or 1.2% of the... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/neet-costs-rise-across-europe--eurofund 433 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/neet-costs-rise-across-europe--eurofund Mon, 22 Oct 2012 00:00:00 GMT Welfare fund to help an extra 100,000 Scottish people First minister Nicola Sturgeon has announced a £33m welfare fund for the most vulnerable people in Scotland. Speaking at the last day of the SNP conference yesterday, Sturgeon said the £24m Social Fund would be topped up with £9m to help an extra 100,000 people. The funding would go towards crisis payments for people who... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/welfare-fund-to-help-an-extra-100000-scottish-people 445 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/welfare-fund-to-help-an-extra-100000-scottish-people Mon, 22 Oct 2012 00:00:00 GMT Working housing benefit recipients to rise above 1m Over one million workers will be dependent on housing benefit by the next election, a new report predicts. The National Housing Federation found that the number of working households relying on welfare to pay rent has doubled since 2008. In May 2012, there were 903,440 working recipients of housing benefit. Another 10,000 working... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/working-housing-benefit-recipients-to-rise-above-1m 441,455,445 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/working-housing-benefit-recipients-to-rise-above-1m Mon, 22 Oct 2012 00:00:00 GMT £1bn for Regional Growth Fund Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg is to announce £1bn in the third round of the Government’s Regional Growth Fund, which will create or safeguard 240,000 jobs. The fund will benefit 130 projects and leverage £6bn on private sector investment to create new jobs and stimulate growth in manufacturing firms, small businesses... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/1bn-for-regional-growth-fund 433 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/1bn-for-regional-growth-fund Fri, 19 Oct 2012 00:00:00 GMT Customers could see simpler energy tariffs - Ofgem Ofgem has set out proposals for simpler tariffs, where suppliers must tell customers about cheapest gas and electricity tariffs. The plans follow Prime Minister David Cameron’s announcement during Prime Minister’s Questions that the Government would introduce laws to make suppliers give the customers the cheapest... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/customers-could-see-simpler-energy-tariffs--ofgem 437 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/customers-could-see-simpler-energy-tariffs--ofgem Fri, 19 Oct 2012 00:00:00 GMT Impact of cuts is Government blind spot - The Work Foundation The Government is largely “flying blind” on the damage public sector cuts could have on the labour market, The Work Foundation warns. In a new report, Public Loss, Private Gain?, The Work Foundation found there was very little knowledge of the impact of cuts on this scale, in these areas and over this time period. A lack... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/impact-of-cuts-is-government-blind-spot--the-work-foundation 433,455 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/impact-of-cuts-is-government-blind-spot--the-work-foundation Fri, 19 Oct 2012 00:00:00 GMT CSEW demonstrates continued fall in crime There is a 6% decrease in overall crime against adults, the latest figures from the Crime Survey for England and Wales (CSEW) show. The ONS reported that for the year ending June 2012, crimes recorded by the police also fell by 6% compared to the previous year. This represents a continued downward trend in recorded crime seen since... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/csew-demonstrates-continued-fall-in-crime 454 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/csew-demonstrates-continued-fall-in-crime Thu, 18 Oct 2012 00:00:00 GMT Government spending decisions need better information - NAO A lack of good information is damaging the Government’s ability to show value for money in its spending decisions, a new report suggests. The National Audit Office (NAO) reports that improvements have been in the last spending review on how spending on capital projects was allocated, but the Government’s approach to... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/government-spending-decisions-need-better-information--nao 436 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/government-spending-decisions-need-better-information--nao Thu, 18 Oct 2012 00:00:00 GMT Reinstate EMA, child poverty advisor urges EMA should be reintroduced, the Coalition’s child poverty advisor has stated. Former Labour minister Alan Milburn told the Guardian that eliminating the funding was a “very bad mistake”. The Education Maintenance Allowance was scrapped in 2010 by education secretary Michael Gove, who called it “badly... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/reinstate-ema-child-poverty-advisor-urges 453,455 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/reinstate-ema-child-poverty-advisor-urges Thu, 18 Oct 2012 00:00:00 GMT A-level reform to eliminate module work A-levels modules could be scrapped under new proposals to be introduced by education secretary Michael Gove. The reform would introduce the principles of the International Baccalaureate (IB) to England, gradually getting rid of A-level modules, introducing longer essays and requiring students to learn a wider range of... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/a-level-reform-to-eliminate-module-work 453,455 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/a-level-reform-to-eliminate-module-work Wed, 17 Oct 2012 00:00:00 GMT Institute warns of cuts to family services Universal services for families are facing significant cuts as councils continue to search for savings, new research suggests, with these services presenting primary targets for short-term savings. A report published by the Family and Parenting Institute examined children’s service budgets in eight local authorities across England... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/institute-warns-of-cuts-to-family-services 445 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/institute-warns-of-cuts-to-family-services Wed, 17 Oct 2012 00:00:00 GMT UK unemployment falls to 2.53 million Unemployment has fallen to 2.53 million, the latest figures from the ONS show. The number of people out of work fell by 50,000 in the three months to August and the unemployment rate fell to 7.9%. The number of people claiming Job Seekers Allowance (JSA) fell by 4,000 to 1.57 million in September and the number of unfilled vacancies... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/uk-unemployment-falls-to-253-million 433 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/uk-unemployment-falls-to-253-million Wed, 17 Oct 2012 00:00:00 GMT 'Uneconomic' to try to collect all new council tax Local authorities have resigned themselves to the fact that up to half of people on low incomes will refuse to pay council tax after benefit changes, new research shows. Under government plans, two million low-income workers will have to start paying £247 a year from April. But the weekly sums are so low that many councils believe... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/uneconomic-to-try-to-collect-all-new-council-tax 442,455 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/uneconomic-to-try-to-collect-all-new-council-tax Tue, 16 Oct 2012 00:00:00 GMT 110,000 people using food banks in UK The use of food banks in the UK has significantly increased as the cost of living rises, a charity has reported. The Trussell Trust, which runs 270 food banks across the UK, has fed almost 110,000 people since April, compared to 128,697 in the whole of 2011/12. In 2012/13 it expects to feed over 200,000 as food and fuel bills are set to... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/110000-people-using-food-banks-in-uk 442 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/110000-people-using-food-banks-in-uk Tue, 16 Oct 2012 00:00:00 GMT Planning relaxation 'liberalisation' - Boles The relaxation of planning rules on home extensions could be extended beyond the proposed temporary three-year period, a minister has suggested. Last month, a consultation was launched on easing planning regulations for home extensions of up to 8 metres. A limit is currently imposed on 3 or 4 metre extensions. The Government states that... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/planning-relaxation-liberalisation--boles 441 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/planning-relaxation-liberalisation--boles Tue, 16 Oct 2012 00:00:00 GMT Drugs commission urges decriminalisation after six years of research Possession of a small amount of controlled drugs should no longer be a criminal offence, the UK Drug Policy Commission (UKDPC) has recommended. Following a six-year study of British drug laws, the commission concluded that introducing decriminalisation would not lead to a significant increase in drug use. The criminal sanctions... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/drugs-commission-urges-decriminalisation-after-six-years-of-research 454,455 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/drugs-commission-urges-decriminalisation-after-six-years-of-research Mon, 15 Oct 2012 00:00:00 GMT Early intervention vital to combat behavioural problems Parenting interventions must be widely available, fully funded and targeted at children who need them most, a new report recommends. The Centre for Mental Health reviewed the implementation of parenting programmes in the report ‘A Chance to Change’, which calls for a national campaign to raise awareness and support... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/early-intervention-vital-to-combat-behavioural-problems 442 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/early-intervention-vital-to-combat-behavioural-problems Mon, 15 Oct 2012 00:00:00 GMT Families with disabled children 'at breaking point' - Scope Families with disabled children are not receiving the support or services they need in their local area, according to a report by the charity Scope. The report details a chronic shortage of local childcare, nursery places, appropriate schools and essential therapies and healthcare. Figures from Scope, Sense, 4Children and the Family... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/families-with-disabled-children-at-breaking-point--scope 445 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/families-with-disabled-children-at-breaking-point--scope Mon, 15 Oct 2012 00:00:00 GMT Virgin gets West Coast franchise extension after DfT fiasco West Coast incumbent Virgin will be asked to continue to run services on the franchise for 9-13 months, after the decision to award the contract to FirstGroup was overturned. The Government is planning to enter negotiations with Virgin for a temporary contract whilst a new competition is run. The decision was cancelled on October 3, after... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/virgin-gets-west-coast-franchise-extension-after-dft-fiasco 433 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/virgin-gets-west-coast-franchise-extension-after-dft-fiasco Mon, 15 Oct 2012 00:00:00 GMT Fathers to benefit from shared maternity benefits Parents will be able to share maternity leave and pay under new plans set to be announced by the Coalition. Prime Minister David Cameron and Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg will unveil plans that allow fathers to take time off and claim state benefits throughout the first year of their child’s life if the mother returns to... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/fathers-to-benefit-from-shared-maternity-benefits- 442 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/fathers-to-benefit-from-shared-maternity-benefits- Fri, 12 Oct 2012 00:00:00 GMT Gas and electricity tariffs increased by 6% British Gas is raising gas and electricity tariffs by 6%, which means that the annual duel fuel bill for average customers will increase by around £80 from next month. From November 16, prices will go up, making British Gas the second most expensive supplier after SSE, which has already announced price rises of 9% to come into... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/gas-and-electricity-tariffs-increased-by-6 437 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/gas-and-electricity-tariffs-increased-by-6 Fri, 12 Oct 2012 00:00:00 GMT Middle aged drinkers pose burden to NHS The first ever map of alcohol-related health costs shows that middle-aged drinkers are placing the greatest burden on the NHS. Published by Alcohol Concern, the research collates data from local authorities, before they take on responsibilities for public health. The 55-74 year old age group presented over ten times greater inpatient... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/middle-aged-drinkers-pose-burden-to-nhs- 445 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/middle-aged-drinkers-pose-burden-to-nhs- Fri, 12 Oct 2012 00:00:00 GMT Criminal justice trials to be announced Pilot schemes for faster, more flexible criminal justice are to be announced by the Government. The schemes will include extending hours of magistrates courts and maximising the use of video links. Policing minister Damian Green is due to announce the trials today. The push for an improved criminal response follows the aftermath of... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/criminal-justice-trials-to-be-announced 454,455 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/criminal-justice-trials-to-be-announced Thu, 11 Oct 2012 00:00:00 GMT Lanarkshire NHS subcontracted by Atos for disability assessment In a twist of outsourcing, benefits assessor Atos has subcontracted Lanarkshire NHS to carry out consultations in Scotland. Lanarkshire NHS’s occupational arm Salus will carry out assessments of people for the new disability benefit, personal independence payment (Pip), which is due to replace the Disability Living Allowance (DLA)... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/lanarkshire-nhs-subcontracted-by-atos-for-disability-assessment 445 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/lanarkshire-nhs-subcontracted-by-atos-for-disability-assessment Thu, 11 Oct 2012 00:00:00 GMT Public sector workers could be made to work longer Plans to extend hours for public sector employees have been revealed in leaked Cabinet Office documents. A review will examine the terms and conditions of employment and consider how jobs can be made more like the private sector. The documents, seen by the Guardian, cover the possibility of cutting holidays, lengthening working weeks and... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/public-sector-workers-could-be-made-to-work-longer 434 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/public-sector-workers-could-be-made-to-work-longer Thu, 11 Oct 2012 00:00:00 GMT Cameron warns of 'hour of reckoning' for UK Prime Minister David Cameron is due to address the Conservative party conference this morning, warning that the UK is facing an “hour of reckoning”.  He will set out the scale of challenges to economic recovery, urge delegates to stick with his leadership and contrast the Conservatives’ approach of being upfront... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/cameron-warns-of-hour-of-reckoning-for-uk 436 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/cameron-warns-of-hour-of-reckoning-for-uk Wed, 10 Oct 2012 00:00:00 GMT North East hit twice as hard by cuts as Wales Public sector spending cuts have hit Wales less than the most comparable regions in England, new research shows. A report by the Institute for Fiscal Studies (IFS) shows that overall council spending, excluding education, has so far been cut to only half the extent of councils in the north east of England, which has a similar... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/north-east-hit-twice-as-hard-by-cuts-as-wales 433 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/north-east-hit-twice-as-hard-by-cuts-as-wales Wed, 10 Oct 2012 00:00:00 GMT Scotland launches £103m renewable energy fund A £103m fund for renewable energy projects is to be launched, Scotland’s First Minister Alex Salmond is to announce. The Renewable Energy Investment Fund (REIW) aims to attract more private investment to the sector, initially prioritising wave and tidal energy, as well as renewable district heating. REIW will complement... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/scotland-launches-103m-renewable-energy-fund 437 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/scotland-launches-103m-renewable-energy-fund Wed, 10 Oct 2012 00:00:00 GMT Academy launched to improve civil servants' skills The National Outsourcing Association (NOA) has launched the Public Sector Skills Academy to boost the skills and knowledge of civil servants. Workshops will focus on governance, performance management and relationship management, and will be built into university-accredited qualifications. The academy is tailored to outsourcing contracts... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/academy-launched-to-improve-civil-servants-skills 434 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/academy-launched-to-improve-civil-servants-skills Tue, 09 Oct 2012 00:00:00 GMT Council tax freeze to be extended for third year The Government has announced £270m of funding available for a third year of council tax freezes across England, if local authorities accept the deal. This year, they will receive the equivalent of a 1% increase from Whitehall in return – £225m funding in both 2013-14 and 2014-15. While this could be good news for... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/council-tax-freeze-to-be-extended-for-third-year 433 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/council-tax-freeze-to-be-extended-for-third-year Tue, 09 Oct 2012 00:00:00 GMT No need for 'Plan B' - Cameron Prime Minister David Cameron has announced that the Government does not need a ‘Plan B’, and has no intention of easing the austerity programme. His statements come as the IMF forecasts that Britain will miss its deficit reduction targets this year, predicting it will be reduced by 1.25% and 1.5% this year and the year... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/no-need-for-plan-b--cameron 436,455 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/no-need-for-plan-b--cameron Tue, 09 Oct 2012 00:00:00 GMT Bercow backs community meals House of Commons Speaker John Bercow MP was among a group of well-known names supporting National Community Meals Week from 1-7 October. He helped Meals on Wheels supplier apetito deliver meals to residents in Buckinghamshire, and said: “The meals on wheels service is a vital lifeline for many elderly people, enabling them to stay... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/bercow-backs-community-meals 442 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/bercow-backs-community-meals Mon, 08 Oct 2012 00:00:00 GMT Businesses call for 2030 carbon target for power sector The Government must put a 2030 target in place to decarbonise the power sector, 50 businesses have argued. Such a target would stimulate investment in the UK and refurbish ageing infrastructure, they say in a letter to Chancellor George Osborne. Osborne has previously been opposed to a 2030 target, and instead supports new gas-fired... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/businesses-call-for-2030-carbon-target-for-power-sector 437 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/businesses-call-for-2030-carbon-target-for-power-sector Mon, 08 Oct 2012 00:00:00 GMT Conwy and Denbighshire councils scrap consolidation Conwy and Denbighshire councils have halted plans to merge their highway departments, after estimates showed the plans could cost the taxpayer more money than anticipated. It was believed that up to £300,000 could be saved by working together on road networks. However, one estimate claimed that the merger could cost up to £750... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/conwy-and-denbighshire-councils-scrap-consolidation 440 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/conwy-and-denbighshire-councils-scrap-consolidation Mon, 08 Oct 2012 00:00:00 GMT Osborne to announce £10bn benefit cuts The Government is to cut an additional £10bn from the benefits bill, Chancellor George Osborne is to tell the Conservative party conference in his keynote speech today. £18bn of welfare cuts are already underway, and the new cuts would limit housing benefits for the under-25s, possible further cuts to child tax credits and... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/osborne-to-announce-10bn-benefit-cuts 455,445 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/osborne-to-announce-10bn-benefit-cuts Mon, 08 Oct 2012 00:00:00 GMT Pensioners could suffer from RPI changes Changes to the calculation of the retail prices index (RPI) could cut pensioner’s incomes, campaigners have warned. The ONS has launched a consultation on whether it is necessary to change RPI, to bring it more in line with the consumer prices index (CPI). The gap between the two is currently 0.9 percentage points on average... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/pensioners-could-suffer-from-rpi-changes 434 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/pensioners-could-suffer-from-rpi-changes Mon, 08 Oct 2012 00:00:00 GMT Public sector tax avoidance revealed by PAC A new report criticises tax arrangements of some public sector workers, which could allow them to contribute less. The Public Accounts Committee suggested that too many were making their own arrangements to pay tax and national insurance, meaning they could be paying less. A Treasury investigation across government found that for... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/public-sector-tax-avoidance-revealed-by-pac 435 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/public-sector-tax-avoidance-revealed-by-pac Fri, 05 Oct 2012 00:00:00 GMT Spare energy capacity could 'run out' by 2015 - Ofgem Britain risks running out of energy generating capacity by 2015, energy regulator Ofgem has warned in a new report. The first annual Electricity Capacity Assessment suggests that the amount of spare capacity could fall from 14% to 4% in three years, much sooner than originally predicted. This could leave Britain relying more on imported... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/spare-energy-capacity-could-run-out-by-2015--ofgem 437,455 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/spare-energy-capacity-could-run-out-by-2015--ofgem Fri, 05 Oct 2012 00:00:00 GMT Twigg proposes students swap loan for teaching role Students could have part of their tuition fee debt written off in exchange for becoming teachers in deprived areas, shadow education secretary Stephen Twigg has suggested. At the last day of the Labour Party Conference, he said that improving the status of the profession was key to raising the standards of teaching. Twigg also pledged to... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/twigg-proposes-students-swap-loan-for-teaching-role 453 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/twigg-proposes-students-swap-loan-for-teaching-role Fri, 05 Oct 2012 00:00:00 GMT Insurers call for restrictions on young drivers Learner drivers should spend at least a year displaying L plates before being allowed to take their driving test, the Association of British Insurers (ABI) has recommended. In a new report, the ABI calls for a reduction on the drink driving limit to no blood alcohol content for drivers aged under-25 and restrictions on young people... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/insurers-call-for-restrictions-on-young-drivers 435,455 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/insurers-call-for-restrictions-on-young-drivers Thu, 04 Oct 2012 00:00:00 GMT Social value recommended in Liverpool policy Liverpool City Council has announced a major shake-up of contracts, going beyond the Government’s Social Value Act, to support local jobs and skills and promote social enterprises. A report to the Mayor’s cabinet is recommending placing emphasis on socially responsible contractors and suppliers when procuring with the... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/social-value-recommended-in-liverpool-policy 438 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/social-value-recommended-in-liverpool-policy Thu, 04 Oct 2012 00:00:00 GMT Work Programme at risk of failure - charities Almost half of the charities in the Government’s Work Programme face significant financial problems, with some warning they may go bust as a result of its payment-by-results methodology. A survey by the National Council for Voluntary Organisations (NCVO) found that nearly 50% of charities had used their financial reserves to... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/work-programme-at-risk-of-failure--charities 434 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/work-programme-at-risk-of-failure--charities Thu, 04 Oct 2012 00:00:00 GMT Infrastructure Alliance calls for action The Government must take immediate action to upgrade the UK’s infrastructure, a new report urges. The Infrastructure Alliance has published a report, ‘Avoiding the infrastructure crunch: getting Britain working’, which calls for “shovel-ready” maintenance and minor works to begin straight away. The... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/infrastructure-alliance-calls-for-action 433 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/infrastructure-alliance-calls-for-action Wed, 03 Oct 2012 00:00:00 GMT Scottish councils receive £1.2m towards recycling An additional £1.2m funding has been announced to help Scottish councils reach the 50% recycling target set for the end of 2013. Speaking at the Scottish Waste and Resources Conference held in Glasgow today, Scottish environment secretary Richard Lochhead announced the extra money, to be administered by Zero Waste Scotland. The... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/scottish-councils-receive-12m-towards-recycling 437 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/scottish-councils-receive-12m-towards-recycling Wed, 03 Oct 2012 00:00:00 GMT West Coast handover scrapped after catastrophic DfT mistakes The Government has cancelled the award of the West Coast franchise to FirstGroup after “technical flaws” emerged in the bid evaluation process, forcing the whole thing to be scrapped. It is unclear this morning who will run services on the line after December 9 – Virgin or state-owned Directly Operated Railways. New... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/west-coast-handover-scrapped-after-catastrophic-dft-mistakes 436 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/west-coast-handover-scrapped-after-catastrophic-dft-mistakes Wed, 03 Oct 2012 00:00:00 GMT Competitive sports 'out of line' for many school children Too much focus on traditional competitive team sports for school pupils could alienate some children rather than tackle their sedentary lifestyles, a new report suggests. Produced by the Youth Foundation, the report warns of the consequences of Government’s intended policy for PE lessons. The new School Games initiative would... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/competitive-sports-out-of-line-for-many-school-children 453 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/competitive-sports-out-of-line-for-many-school-children Tue, 02 Oct 2012 00:00:00 GMT Labour pledges education reform for the 'forgotten 50%' Labour is setting out plans at its conference today to reform the education system for the ‘forgotten 50%’ of young people who are currently failed by low-value vocational qualifications. Speaking at the party conference in Manchester today, Ed Miliband will state that the focus of educational attainment should no longer... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/labour-pledges-education-reform-for-the-forgotten-50 453 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/labour-pledges-education-reform-for-the-forgotten-50 Tue, 02 Oct 2012 00:00:00 GMT Scrap Ofgem, says Labour Energy regulator Ofgem should be replaced, Labour has suggested. Speaking at the party’s annual conference yesterday, shadow energy secretary Caroline Flint said Ofgem had failed to force large energy companies to pass on price reductions to their customers. She said: “Why, when prices rise, do bills go up like a rocket... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/scrap-ofgem-says-labour 437 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/scrap-ofgem-says-labour Tue, 02 Oct 2012 00:00:00 GMT Balls to take 'tough decisions' on public sector pay Shadow chancellor Ed Balls has pledged to take “tough decisions” on public sector pay, hitting back at union leaders who have attacked the party’s direction. On the first day of the Labour Party annual conference, Balls said they needed to protect jobs ahead of securing pay rises. Last night Len McCluskey, general... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/balls-to-take-tough-decisions-on-public-sector-pay 455,434 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/balls-to-take-tough-decisions-on-public-sector-pay Mon, 01 Oct 2012 00:00:00 GMT Beyond carbon reduction Abigail Burridge, senior advisor at the LGA, describes how councils are working together to deliver benefits in carbon reduction. A newly launched programme helps councils share information and best practice on tackling carbon, and shows how work in this area can cover so many other areas of policy. PSE spoke to the Local... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/beyond-carbon-reduction 437,446 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/beyond-carbon-reduction Mon, 01 Oct 2012 00:00:00 GMT Creating a commercial community Procurement expert Andy Heslop discusses the application of commercial pressures in non-commercial organisations. A senior commercial manager, working in a large county council, proposed a new set of arrangements for managing residential care. He told me that the immediate response of his colleagues in the adult social services team was... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/creating-a-commercial-community 447,440 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/creating-a-commercial-community Mon, 01 Oct 2012 00:00:00 GMT Disciplinary hearings: the end of the lawyer? Dave Palmer, a solicitor at national law firm Dundas & Wilson, explains the impact for the public sector of a recent court decision on legal representation at internal disciplinary hearings. Having an employee’s lawyer involved in an internal disciplinary hearing can be a significant headache for a disciplinary manager. A recent... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/disciplinary-hearings-the-end-of-the-lawyer 447,434 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/disciplinary-hearings-the-end-of-the-lawyer Mon, 01 Oct 2012 00:00:00 GMT Enabling innovation Geoff Snelson, Milton Keynes Council’s director of strategy, speaks to PSE about progress in establishing itself as a test-bed for innovation in energy efficiency. PSE talked to Milton Keynes council director of strategy, Geoff Snelson, about the innovation being trialled and tested across the borough to reduce carbon... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/enabling-innovation 437,446 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/enabling-innovation Mon, 01 Oct 2012 00:00:00 GMT For they only seek to serve us Police reform: elected police and crime commissioners Dr Floyd Millen, director of public affairs think tank yesMinister, discusses the abolition of police authorities and their incoming replacements. There was no grand design for policing in England and Wales; its development was never logical or systematic but was moulded by the... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/for-they-only-seek-to-serve-us 447,454 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/for-they-only-seek-to-serve-us Mon, 01 Oct 2012 00:00:00 GMT Green Deal or green gamble? Kate Ashley reports from a Labour conference fringe session on the Green Deal The Government’s flagship green policy, the Green Deal, launched on October 1 and was the subject of debate at a fringe session of Labour’s annual conference in Manchester The Green Deal offers house owners a financial model to pay for energy... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/green-deal-or-green-gamble 437,446 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/green-deal-or-green-gamble Mon, 01 Oct 2012 00:00:00 GMT Green or growth Can the introduction of new transport infrastructure be achieved in a sustainable way? Or is there a trade-off between ‘green’ and ‘growth’? Kate Ashley reports from the Labour conference fringe. Many local authorities would love to see more sustainable transport in their areas: but achieving this requires serious... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/green-or-growth 437,446 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/green-or-growth Mon, 01 Oct 2012 00:00:00 GMT Health and safety inspections: myths and dogma Richard Jones, head of policy and public affairs at the Institution of Occupational Safety and Health (IOSH), discusses the Government’s proposed changes to workplace health and safety inspections. Amy Kilvington reports. The Coalition is determined to cut “unnecessary red tape” in an attempt to meet the concerns of... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/health-and-safety-inspections-myths-and-dogma 435,451 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/health-and-safety-inspections-myths-and-dogma Mon, 01 Oct 2012 00:00:00 GMT 'Housing association new build will stop' PSE’s Adam Hewitt reports from a Labour conference fringe event on welfare reform and the housing crisis. The Government is determined to clamp down on the benefits bill, not least housing benefit, which now consumes a huge proportion of public spending and distorts the entire housing and rental market. Reform is needed, most... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/housing-association-new-build-will-stop 441,446 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/housing-association-new-build-will-stop Mon, 01 Oct 2012 00:00:00 GMT Innovation and procurement: tracking down the Holy Grail Procurement offers a means to channel billions to the UK’s most innovative businesses. Stian Westlake, executive director of UK innovation foundation, Nesta, explains not only why it is critical, but how to make it happen. The debate about Plan A or Plan B rages now as fiercely as it did in 2008. But the prospects for economic... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/innovation-and-procurement-tracking-down-the-holy-grail 447,440 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/innovation-and-procurement-tracking-down-the-holy-grail Mon, 01 Oct 2012 00:00:00 GMT i-Travel A new integrated package of transport improvements and personalised travel tools aims to encourage people in York out of their cars and onto bikes, public transport, and other more sustainable forms of transport. PSE talks to Graham Titchener, programme manager for the i-Travel scheme, transport leader Cllr Dave Merrett, and head of York &... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/i-travel 433,451 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/i-travel Mon, 01 Oct 2012 00:00:00 GMT Lessons for local government from the third sector At the end of last year Michael O’Connor retired from his job as Director of Children’s Services at Westminster City Council and at around the same time became a trustee at CLIC Sargent, the UK’s leading cancer charity for children and young people. He argues that there are lessons that local government and the voluntary... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/lessons-for-local-government-from-the-third-sector 447,438 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/lessons-for-local-government-from-the-third-sector Mon, 01 Oct 2012 00:00:00 GMT Mapping the fight against fraud Fraud costs the UK billions every year, placing a huge strain on government – but with access to national addressing and digital mapping data, the defence against it is growing, as Graham Hughes from Ordnance Survey explains. The public sector is rich in data. From running public services through to recording and collating public... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/mapping-the-fight-against-fraud 447,438 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/mapping-the-fight-against-fraud Mon, 01 Oct 2012 00:00:00 GMT New national police air service launched Recent cut-backs in police aviation funding have seen the start of a national helicopter initiative that is to replace the current local helicopter scheme. The 25 helicopters are to fly from 23 bases and some will not operate on a 24 hour basis. The new operation is thought to save up to £15m as seven bases are to be... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/new-national-police-air-service-launched 454 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/new-national-police-air-service-launched Mon, 01 Oct 2012 00:00:00 GMT Pension auto-enrolment begins today The Government’s auto-enrolment pension scheme begins for some workers today, with the aim to get 4.3 million more people saving for their retirement by May 2014. Part of workers’ pay will automatically be diverted to a pension scheme, as long as they are over 22 and not already part of a scheme. Payments will start at a... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/pension-auto-enrolment-begins-today 434 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/pension-auto-enrolment-begins-today Mon, 01 Oct 2012 00:00:00 GMT Peppol - The backbone for electronic public procurement in Europe In 2008, the PEPPOL (Pan-European Public Procurement Online) project was launched with the goal to enable businesses to communicate electronically with any European government institution in the procurement process. OpenPEPPOL’s secretary general, André Hoddevik, and communications director, Carmen Ciciriello, explain more.... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/peppol-the-backbone-for-electronic-public-procurement-in-europe 447,433 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/peppol-the-backbone-for-electronic-public-procurement-in-europe Mon, 01 Oct 2012 00:00:00 GMT Police fleet boss addresses US conference North Yorkshire Police’s head of transport Richard Flint, who chairs the National Association of Police Fleet Managers (NAPFM), spoke to a major American fleet conference to share UK best practice. North Yorkshire Police’s fleet management expertise was highlighted in the United States at a major conference in... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/police-fleet-boss-addresses-us-conference 446,440 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/police-fleet-boss-addresses-us-conference Mon, 01 Oct 2012 00:00:00 GMT Public service reform: Outcome scenarios Chris Painter, Emeritus Professor of Public Policy and Management at Birmingham City University, uses alternative scenarios to game longer-term impacts of Coalition government reforms and to develop a richer analysis than the orthodoxies that tend to take hold in official circles. Much metaphorical ink has been spilt – not least by... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/public-service-reform-outcome-scenarios 447,440 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/public-service-reform-outcome-scenarios Mon, 01 Oct 2012 00:00:00 GMT Replacement schools to be 15% smaller New guidelines could mean replacement school buildings are 15% smaller than those built under Labour. The new proposals, expected this week, set the template for 261 replacement primary and secondary school buildings to be constructed over the next five years at a cost of £2.5bn. The space standards will reduce the costs in the... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/replacement-schools-to-be-15-smaller 441 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/replacement-schools-to-be-15-smaller Mon, 01 Oct 2012 00:00:00 GMT Sharing recruitment - across the web PSE talks to Rebecca Davis, head of organisational development at West Midlands Councils, about the decision of 28 public sector organisations in the region to share their recruitment services. When applied to the right problem, digitallybased shared services can have a huge impact. That’s certainly what West Midlands Councils... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/sharing-recruitment-across-the-web 451,434 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/sharing-recruitment-across-the-web Mon, 01 Oct 2012 00:00:00 GMT The housing crisis The Government’s desire to boost growth by relaxing the planning rules around the proportion of new developments that must be affordable housing have come under criticism from local authorities and housing campaigners. Adam Hewitt reports. Increasing the rate of house-building solves a number of problems at once and it has been a... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/the-housing-crisis 441,446 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/the-housing-crisis Mon, 01 Oct 2012 00:00:00 GMT £13m funding for SMEs looking to export Additional funding has been announced to help small businesses within the UK export abroad. BIS has awarded £13m to help over 10,000 firms make contacts and sell to overseas markets. UK Trade and Investment (UKTI) will manage the funding, with up to £9m going directly to small and medium sized businesses. The money will... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/13m-funding-for-smes-looking-to-export 433 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/13m-funding-for-smes-looking-to-export Fri, 28 Sep 2012 00:00:00 GMT £1bn of welfare-to-work schemes at risk of fraud The Department of Work and Pensions (DWP) has failed to ensure the security of money meant for welfare to work schemes, the Commons public accounts committee has reported. The committee found £1bn of schemes were open to fraud and the internal audit also highlighted potential reputational risk or suspected rule breaking by staff... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/1bn-of-welfare-to-work-schemes-at-risk-of-fraud 445 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/1bn-of-welfare-to-work-schemes-at-risk-of-fraud Fri, 28 Sep 2012 00:00:00 GMT Balls promises zero-based spending review Labour has promised a root and branch zero-based budget review if the Party was to return to Downing Street after the next election. In an interview with the Guardian, shadow chancellor Ed Balls outlined the review, in a move to convince voters Labour would be more responsible with spending if re-elected. The review would be expected to... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/balls-promises-zero-based-spending-review 436,455 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/balls-promises-zero-based-spending-review Fri, 28 Sep 2012 00:00:00 GMT Academi Wales launched to improve leadership Leadership excellence can improve Welsh public services, the local government and communities minister Carl Sargeant has announced. He was speaking at the launch of Academi Wales, a Government programme aimed at improving leadership and management practice within Welsh public services. The Academi will be a national centre to support... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/academi-wales-launched-to-improve-leadership 440,455 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/academi-wales-launched-to-improve-leadership Thu, 27 Sep 2012 00:00:00 GMT ONS revises economy contraction to 0.4% The UK economy shrank by less than originally thought, as the ONS revises the figure for the second quarter down again. Initially, the estimate for GDP from April to June this year saw the economy shrink by 0.7%. This was then revised down to 0.5% and is now at 0.4%. Analysts had not been expecting a change from the second... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/ons-revises-economy-contraction-to-04 433 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/ons-revises-economy-contraction-to-04 Thu, 27 Sep 2012 00:00:00 GMT Wind turbine to increase environmental efficiency of railway station The largest wind turbine of its kind has been switched on at Horwich Parkway railway station. The turbine is the largest in terms of scale and potential power generation to be installed at any train station in England. Half the station’s power needs are now supplied by the 11 kilowatt high efficiency turbine, which is set to cut... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/wind-turbine-to-increase-environmental-efficiency-of-railway-station 437 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/wind-turbine-to-increase-environmental-efficiency-of-railway-station Thu, 27 Sep 2012 00:00:00 GMT LGiU raises concerns over centralisation of education The creation of thousands of free schools and academies is leading to the education system “sleepwalking into centralisation”, a new report has suggested. Based on research from the Local Government Information Unit (LGiU) and conducted in partnership with NUT and Unison, the report has found that councils are struggling to... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/lgiu-raises-concerns-over-centralisation-of-education 453,455 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/lgiu-raises-concerns-over-centralisation-of-education Wed, 26 Sep 2012 00:00:00 GMT Lib Dems party of power not protest - Clegg In his end-of-conference speech today, Liberal Democrat leader Nick Clegg is set to urge his party to stick with the Coalition and asserted it was a party of power, not just of protest. Clegg will also introduce an extra £55m to help 110,000 children struggling with maths and English in secondary school, to come in from January 2013... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/lib-dems-party-of-power-not-protest--clegg 436 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/lib-dems-party-of-power-not-protest--clegg Wed, 26 Sep 2012 00:00:00 GMT Teachers to step up industrial action Teachers unions are to step up their industrial action in protest over pensions, pay and workload. NASUWT is to begin restricting teachers’ work from today and will be joined by the NUT from October 3. Members of NASUWT will produce only one written report a year to parents, not submit lesson plans to senior managers, refuse to... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/teachers-to-step-up-industrial-action 434 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/teachers-to-step-up-industrial-action Wed, 26 Sep 2012 00:00:00 GMT £100m pledged towards free nursery places Councils in England are to receive £100m towards providing free nursery places for 100,000 two-year olds, Deputy PM Nick Clegg has announced. The Government has committed to providing up to 15 hours of free childcare for all two-year olds in the poorest two-fifths of households by September 2014. The funding is aimed at capital... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/100m-pledged-towards-free-nursery-places 453,442,455 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/100m-pledged-towards-free-nursery-places Tue, 25 Sep 2012 00:00:00 GMT Industry body launched to facilitate National Infrastructure Plan A joint industry advisory group has been set up to guide the delivery of the National Infrastructure Plan, Treasury chief secretary Danny Alexander has announced. Speaking at the Liberal Democrat party conference, Alexander revealed the plan to establish the National Infrastructure Plan Strategic Engagement Forum, or NIPSEF, which seeks... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/industry-body-launched-to-facilitate-national-infrastructure-plan 433 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/industry-body-launched-to-facilitate-national-infrastructure-plan Tue, 25 Sep 2012 00:00:00 GMT Risk of flooding and severe weather across England Nearly 60 areas in England and Wales have been warned of a risk of flooding, as the heavy rain continues. The warnings are mainly for northern and central England, with some areas predicted to see a months worth of rainfall in one day, the Met Office has reported. The Environment Agency has issued 58 flood warnings for the South West... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/risk-of-flooding-and-severe-weather-across-england 437 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/risk-of-flooding-and-severe-weather-across-england Tue, 25 Sep 2012 00:00:00 GMT £1bn business bank announced The Liberal Democrats are to announce the creation of a new ‘business bank’ at their annual conference, aimed at increasing the amount of lending to small and medium sized businesses. Business secretary Vince Cable has pledged £1bn of government funding to the bank, which it is hoped will be matched by private sector... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/business-bank-announced-with-1bn-government-funding 433 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/business-bank-announced-with-1bn-government-funding Mon, 24 Sep 2012 00:00:00 GMT Clegg calls for further taxing of top 10% Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg has said he will continue to oppose further welfare cuts. But he admitted it would be “wholly unrealistic” to expect welfare to be immune from cuts through 2015-16, as it represents a third of public spending. At the first day of the Liberal Democrats’ annual conference in Brighton... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/clegg-calls-for-further-taxing-of-top-10 445 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/clegg-calls-for-further-taxing-of-top-10 Mon, 24 Sep 2012 00:00:00 GMT Council pay gap diminishing - One Society The gap between the highest and lowest paid council staff is shrinking, according to new research. The think tank One Society found that over 20% of local authorities in England and Wales were paying staff a minimum of the living wage, with over 10% taking steps to reduce chief executive pay. A further 10% have limited the pay ratio... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/council-pay-gap-diminishing--one-society 434 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/council-pay-gap-diminishing--one-society Mon, 24 Sep 2012 00:00:00 GMT Private sector could run £278bn of public services - CBI Government could save over £22bn if public services were opened up to competition, a new report suggests. The CBI believes that certain areas of the public sector, worth £278bn, should be open to competition from private companies, social enterprises and charities, to provide significant savings. The areas the CBI... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/private-sector-could-run-278bn-of-public-services--cbi 440,455 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/private-sector-could-run-278bn-of-public-services--cbi Mon, 24 Sep 2012 00:00:00 GMT £24m additional funding for English LEPs Local Enterprise Partnerships (LEP) are due to receive an extra £24m over the next three years, the Government has announced. BIS and the DCLG are to provide an initial £5m funding package for England’s 39 LEPs, followed by up to £250,000 per LEP for the next two years. This funding is to be matched by... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/24m-additional-funding-for-english-leps 433 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/24m-additional-funding-for-english-leps Thu, 20 Sep 2012 00:00:00 GMT Pensions auto-enrolment begins next month Auto-enrolment into a work pension is due to begin next month, in a shake-up described by Government as a “truly radical social change”. From October 1, the largest employers must place eligible workers into schemes, with all other firms to be gradually enrolled in a staging process over the next six years. The Department... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/pensions-auto-enrolment-begins-next-month 455,434 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/pensions-auto-enrolment-begins-next-month Thu, 20 Sep 2012 00:00:00 GMT Rewards considered for wind farm approval Communities that have wind farms in their area could get benefits in return, the Government has suggested. This could include discounts on electricity bills or grants to spend on facilities such as playgrounds. The Department for Energy and Climate Change (DECC) has launched a consultation into the rewards that could be offered for siting... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/rewards-considered-for-wind-farm-approval 437 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/rewards-considered-for-wind-farm-approval Thu, 20 Sep 2012 00:00:00 GMT Academics call for end to national pay bargaining in the public sector Senior economists from leading universities have urged the Government to scrap national pay bargaining in the public sector, which they say harms the quality of public services and makes it harder for private sector firms to recruit in some areas. Any such plan to force public sector workers to negotiate salaries individually would meet... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/academics-call-for-end-to-national-pay-bargaining-in-the-public-sector 455,434 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/academics-call-for-end-to-national-pay-bargaining-in-the-public-sector Wed, 19 Sep 2012 00:00:00 GMT Domestic violence definition to change The definition of domestic violence is changing from March to help teenage victims and to ensure long-term psychological, emotional and financial abuse is covered. It will explicitly include “coercive control”, meaning patterns of behaviour rather than individual outbursts or attacks. The definition since 2004 has been... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/domestic-violence-definition-to-change 454 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/domestic-violence-definition-to-change Wed, 19 Sep 2012 00:00:00 GMT Youth Contract 'not enough' to tackle unemployment and skills crisis The Government’s flagship work and training scheme, the Youth Contract, is insufficient on its own to tackle the scale of the unemployment crisis, an expert committee of MPs has concluded. The Work and Pensions Committee said it is a “good start in attempting to tackle youth unemployment”, but flagged up a series of... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/youth-contract-not-enough-to-tackle-unemployment-and-skills-crisis 442 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/youth-contract-not-enough-to-tackle-unemployment-and-skills-crisis Wed, 19 Sep 2012 00:00:00 GMT Gove introduces GSCE replacement - the EBacc GCSEs are to be replaced by an English version of the French Baccalaureate qualification, education secretary Michael Gove has announced. The EBacc, as it will be known, will cover English, maths and sciences and will be adjudicated by one end-of-course external examination. Regulator Ofqual will choose a single exam board to mark the... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/gove-introduces-gsce-replacement-the-ebacc 453,455 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/gove-introduces-gsce-replacement-the-ebacc Tue, 18 Sep 2012 00:00:00 GMT Guardianship cases falling - HSCIC The number of cases of guardianship are continuing to fall in England, according to new research. The Health and Social Care Information Centre (HSCIC) has published a report showing a 5% decrease on the previous years’ figures. In 2011/12, 331 new cases were opened – a 31% fall on the number from 2002/03. This year there were... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/guardianship-cases-falling--hscic 445 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/guardianship-cases-falling--hscic Tue, 18 Sep 2012 00:00:00 GMT Prison population reduction would have saved £130m - NAO The National Offender Management Service is facing significant challenges after a reform to radically reduce the prison population was dropped, costing the Ministry of Justice £130m. The National Audit Office (NAO) has published a report highlighting the “substantial” financial and operational challenges involved in... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/prison-population-reduction-would-have-saved-130m--nao 454 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/prison-population-reduction-would-have-saved-130m--nao Tue, 18 Sep 2012 00:00:00 GMT Call for more spending on public services The public want the Government to spend more on public services, even if this means higher taxes, a new report shows. The 2011 British Social Attitudes survey demonstrates the shift in attitudes, with 36% of the public supporting more investment in public services. The percentage had been falling for the last decade, indicating a shift in... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/call-for-more-spending-on-public-services 440 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/call-for-more-spending-on-public-services Mon, 17 Sep 2012 00:00:00 GMT ?Government intervention to be reduced on Anglesey Anglesey’s council cabinet is to be reinstated, reducing the level of governance by an external team appointed by the Local Government and Communities department. The Welsh Government Commissioners’ latest report on corporate governance at the Isle of Anglesey County Council recommends that the minister for LGC reduces the... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/government-intervention-to-be-reduced-on-anglesey 436 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/government-intervention-to-be-reduced-on-anglesey Mon, 17 Sep 2012 00:00:00 GMT More first aid needed at work - St John Ambulance A quarter of public sector employees say their workplace does not have enough first aiders. St John Ambulance, which conducted the survey, has launched a new campaign highlighting misconceptions about the impact of first aid at work and at home. A survey of public sector employees found that 50% of employers lack any formal process... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/more-first-aid-needed-at-work--st-john-ambulance 435 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/more-first-aid-needed-at-work--st-john-ambulance Mon, 17 Sep 2012 00:00:00 GMT Universal Credit could backfire - Social Market Foundation The Government’s flagship welfare policy, the introduction of Universal Credit, has been criticised in a new report that suggests it could endanger the people it seeks to support. The Social Market Foundation has published a report, ‘Sink or Swim’, which highlights concerns with switching to a once-monthly benefit, and... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/universal-credit-could-backfire--social-market-foundation 455,445 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/universal-credit-could-backfire--social-market-foundation Mon, 17 Sep 2012 00:00:00 GMT Compensation for unfair dismissal to be capped New measures have been announced to reduce employment law red tape, by simplifying and speeding up the process of ending an employment relationship. Business Secretary Vince Cable announced that the Government is supporting settlement agreements, which would allow an employee to agree to leave work without a tribunal in return for a... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/compensation-for-unfair-dismissal-to-be-capped 434 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/compensation-for-unfair-dismissal-to-be-capped Fri, 14 Sep 2012 00:00:00 GMT LEP policy approach 'uncoordinated' - MPs The Government’s local enterprise partnership (LEP) policy has been criticised for poor communication and an “uncoordinated” approach. The all-party parliamentary group for local growth, LEPs and enterprise zones has produced a report detailing eight recommendations for Government to improve these... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/lep-policy-approach-uncoordinated--mps 440,455 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/lep-policy-approach-uncoordinated--mps Fri, 14 Sep 2012 00:00:00 GMT London Met students fund created amid deportation fears The Government has created a £2m fund for London Metropolitan students who have been left without visas, after the university’s licence was revoked. Around 2,600 students have been affected by the move, which came after the UK Border Agency reported people using the visas to come to the UK, but failing to attend... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/london-met-students-fund-created-amid-deportation-fears 453 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/london-met-students-fund-created-amid-deportation-fears Fri, 14 Sep 2012 00:00:00 GMT H&F increases cycling rate by 43% A cycling scheme in Hammersmith and Fulham (H&F) has helped boost its cycling journey rate to among the highest in London. Training initiatives, road improvements and the creation of new cycling paths has led to the increase, with cycling up 43% over the past eight years. Around 7% of residents now cycle to work, a percentage expected... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/hf-increases-cycling-rate-by-43 437 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/hf-increases-cycling-rate-by-43 Thu, 13 Sep 2012 00:00:00 GMT No shortage of land for homes - Policy Exchange Green belt land should be freed up to provide new housing, think tank Policy Exchange has suggested. A new report – ‘Why Aren't We Building Enough Attractive Homes?’ – also criticises the current planning system as “deeply flawed”. The report suggests that releasing 2% of green belt land could allow up... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/no-shortage-of-land-for-homes--policy-exchange 441 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/no-shortage-of-land-for-homes--policy-exchange Thu, 13 Sep 2012 00:00:00 GMT Public sector job losses 'slowing' There has been a slowdown in public sector job cuts, unemployment figures show. The number of civil servants declined by 5,000 in the quarter to July, and the number of health workers is higher than three years ago, at 1.55 million. Overall, the drop in public sector unemployment was restricted to 39,000 in the three months to the end of... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/public-sector-job-losses-slowing 433,455 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/public-sector-job-losses-slowing Thu, 13 Sep 2012 00:00:00 GMT 235,000 more people in work There has been a jump in the number of people in work, with the overall jobless total also falling by 7,000 to 2.59 million in the quarter to July. Public sector employment continued to fall, however, by 235,000 to 5.7 million. The overall number of people in work increased by 236,000 to 29.6 million – the largest quarterly... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/235000-more-people-in-work 433,455 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/235000-more-people-in-work Wed, 12 Sep 2012 00:00:00 GMT Government publishes strategy for rural England The LGA is holding its annual rural conference in Windermere today, coinciding with Defra’s publication of the Rural Statement 2012. The statement is based around three main priorities: economic growth, rural engagement, and quality of life. The new environment secretary, Owen Paterson, said: “Rural economic growth is... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/government-publishes-strategy-for-rural-england 433 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/government-publishes-strategy-for-rural-england Wed, 12 Sep 2012 00:00:00 GMT Nottingham chief exec quits on health grounds Jane Todd has announced she is stepping down as Nottingham City Council’s chief executive, following major surgery earlier this year. The city’s first female chief executive has spent the past six months recuperating after her major operation. Though she has made good progress following the acoustic neuroma surgery, which... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/nottingham-chief-exec-quits-on-health-grounds 434 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/nottingham-chief-exec-quits-on-health-grounds Wed, 12 Sep 2012 00:00:00 GMT 'Scandalous' failure of Regional Growth Fund to distribute funds - PAC One of the Government’s main initiatives to create jobs has been criticised for its slow progress so far. A new report from the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) found that so far, only £60m of the £1.4bn Regional Growth Fund has been released. According to the report, some £374m spent so far has been held up in... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/scandalous-failure-of-regional-growth-fund-to-distribute-funds-pac 433,455 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/scandalous-failure-of-regional-growth-fund-to-distribute-funds-pac Tue, 11 Sep 2012 00:00:00 GMT Coordinated strike action planned against pay freeze The Trades Union Congress (TUC) has backed coordinated strike action against a two-year pay freeze on public sector workers. At its annual conference, unions were planning strike action to take place in the spring if negotiations over pay break down. GMB and Unison have formed an alliance which means nearly 1.5m health and local... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/coordinated-strike-action-planned-against-pay-freeze 434 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/coordinated-strike-action-planned-against-pay-freeze Tue, 11 Sep 2012 00:00:00 GMT Frontline police numbers down by almost 1,000 Nearly 6,800 frontline posts have been cut since the general election, compared to the 5,800 predicted to be lost throughout the entire parliament, new analysis shows. Research commissioned by shadow home secretary Yvette Cooper found that the average force has seen a reduction of 6% in frontline officers across England and Wales, with... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/frontline-police-numbers-down-by-almost-1000 454 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/frontline-police-numbers-down-by-almost-1000 Tue, 11 Sep 2012 00:00:00 GMT Broadband roll-out measures 'ride roughshod' over planning Government plans to scrap the requirement for council approval of broadband infrastructure installations have been criticised for ignoring residents’ interests. On Friday, the Government announced a package of temporary measures to make it easier for communications providers to deploy infrastructure and speed up the roll-out of... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/broadband-roll-out-measures-ride-roughshod-over-planning 439 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/broadband-roll-out-measures-ride-roughshod-over-planning Mon, 10 Sep 2012 00:00:00 GMT Disabled access at gyms criticised by charity Many gyms are ‘no-go zones’ for disabled people and are a barrier to the legacy aims of the Paralympics to increase participation in sport, a charity has found. A survey of gyms and leisure centres found that many are partially inaccessible, difficult to navigate and expensive to join. Some do not have any specialist gym... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/disabled-access-at-gyms-criticised-by-charity 442 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/disabled-access-at-gyms-criticised-by-charity Mon, 10 Sep 2012 00:00:00 GMT Joint strikes planned over public sector pay Unions are considering coordinated strikes over pay, as they call for Government to suspend its public sector pay freeze. Unison and the GMB, two of the biggest public sector unions, could develop an alliance to push for more industrial action on this issue. In the 2011 Autumn Statement, Chancellor George Osborne announced that... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/joint-strikes-planned-over-public-sector-pay 433,455 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/joint-strikes-planned-over-public-sector-pay Mon, 10 Sep 2012 00:00:00 GMT Routine health and safety checks scrapped for shops and pubs ‘Low risk’ businesses are to become exempt from health and safety inspections from next year, ministers are to announce today. The plans would come into effect from April 2013 and impact shops, offices, pubs and clubs – where checks would no longer be routinely carried out. Health and safety regulation is placing an... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/routine-health-and-safety-checks-scrapped-for-shops-and-pubs 435 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/routine-health-and-safety-checks-scrapped-for-shops-and-pubs Mon, 10 Sep 2012 00:00:00 GMT Government PR spending 'to rise' Government spending on PR looks set to rise next year, according to an analysis by the BBC and industry commentators. Cabinet Office figures show the 2012-13 marketing budget for Government at £285m, while the COI spent £168m in its final year – though the Government says it is meaningless to compare the two figures, for... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/government-pr-spending-to-rise 438 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/government-pr-spending-to-rise Fri, 07 Sep 2012 00:00:00 GMT Heathrow runway decision will not be taken until after 2015 Airlines have welcomed the establishment of a commission to examine airport capacity, which will report in 2015 – with a final decision on expansion not taken during this Parliament. Ex-Financial Services Authority boss Sir Howard Davies is leading the commission, investigating options including a third runway at Heathrow and a... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/heathrow-runway-decision-will-not-be-taken-until-after-2015 433 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/heathrow-runway-decision-will-not-be-taken-until-after-2015 Fri, 07 Sep 2012 00:00:00 GMT Town centre car parking charges continue to rise A huge number of motorists are avoiding town centres because of excessive car parking charges, a survey has suggested. 69% of people said they avoided shopping in areas with high parking prices, while 65% said they would do more town centre shopping if car parking costs were more reasonable. The total spent on parking across the... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/town-centre-car-parking-charges-continue-to-rise 433 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/town-centre-car-parking-charges-continue-to-rise Fri, 07 Sep 2012 00:00:00 GMT Highest percentage of workless in Liverpool - ONS Liverpool has the highest percentage of workless households in the UK, according to new analysis from the ONS. In 2011, 31.6% of households in Liverpool were classed as workless, slightly down from the previous year’s figure of 31.9%. In Wales, the area with the highest percentage of worklessness was in the Central Valleys at 28.7%.... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/highest-percentage-of-workless-in-liverpool--ons 433 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/highest-percentage-of-workless-in-liverpool--ons Thu, 06 Sep 2012 00:00:00 GMT Planning rules relaxation to be announced An ‘emergency’ year-long relaxation of planning rules is to be introduced to boost development, the Prime Minister David Cameron is to announce today. The proposals will double the amount of space homeowners and businesses can build in, although restrictions will still apply in conservation areas. The rules will apply to lofts... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/planning-rules-relaxation-to-be-announced 441,455 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/planning-rules-relaxation-to-be-announced Thu, 06 Sep 2012 00:00:00 GMT TUC accuses Government of deliberate unemployment policy The Government could be using unemployment to ‘keep people scared’ and to keep pay low, the TUC leader-to-be Frances O’Grady has suggested. But the DWP called that idea “ridiculous” and “utterly laughable”. O’Grady highlighted the possibility of government singling out women for the... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/tuc-accuses-government-of-deliberate-unemployment-policy 434 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/tuc-accuses-government-of-deliberate-unemployment-policy Thu, 06 Sep 2012 00:00:00 GMT 'U-turn in progress' on Heathrow - Johnson The row over a third runway at Heathrow has escalated as Mayor of London Boris Johnson states that Justine Greening’s replacement as transport secretary was purely to remove an obstacle to expansion. Greening had campaigned against the expansion of the airport, but has now been appointed secretary for international... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/u-turn-in-progress-on-heathrow--johnson 436,455 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/u-turn-in-progress-on-heathrow--johnson Wed, 05 Sep 2012 00:00:00 GMT LLDC announces £2m Paralympics legacy programme An annual festival of disability sport will be launched in the Olympic Park, as the London Legacy Development Corporation announces a £2m fund to create a legacy for the Paralympic Games. The fund will help to create new homes, public spaces and sporting venues and provide opportunities to try a range of sports, including wheelchair... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/lldc-announces-2m-paralympics-legacy-programme 441 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/lldc-announces-2m-paralympics-legacy-programme Wed, 05 Sep 2012 00:00:00 GMT Recession hits children in poverty - Save the Children Children in poverty are being hit hardest by the recession and are sometimes missing out on new shoes or hot meals, new research shows. The charity Save the Children has launched its first campaign to help UK children, and is calling for Government to focus on benefits for low-paid families and for employers to pay a living wage. The... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/recession-hits-children-in-poverty--save-the-children 442 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/recession-hits-children-in-poverty--save-the-children Wed, 05 Sep 2012 00:00:00 GMT Cameron reshuffles ministers UPDATE Prime Minister David Cameron’s first major reshuffle of Government is taking place today, with several ministers moving places. Confirmed changes include Kenneth Clarke’s move from justice secretary to minister without portfolio, where he will act as an advisor to Cameron. Also to be replaced are Cheryl Gillan, former welsh... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/cameron-reshuffles-ministers-in-wide-ranging-move 436,455 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/cameron-reshuffles-ministers-in-wide-ranging-move Tue, 04 Sep 2012 00:00:00 GMT Local pay would save £6.3bn - Policy Exchange The introduction of regional pay could save the taxpayer £6bn a year, the think tank Policy Exchange has stated in a new report. Chancellor George Osborne raised the prospect of local pay in the March Budget, but the proposal has been met with much controversy by unions and workers. The report suggests the average public sector... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/local-pay-would-save-63bn--policy-exchange 434 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/local-pay-would-save-63bn--policy-exchange Tue, 04 Sep 2012 00:00:00 GMT Over one in ten UK workers 'underemployed' - TUC The number of people who wish to work more hours has risen by a million since 2008, a new report by the union TUC states. The report also highlights young and low-skilled workers as the hardest hit as underemployment rises. The number of people in work who wish to work more hours rose by 42% to 3.3 million and the underemployment rate has... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/over-one-in-ten-uk-workers-underemployed--tuc 433 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/over-one-in-ten-uk-workers-underemployed--tuc Tue, 04 Sep 2012 00:00:00 GMT £50bn pledged to finance private sector construction The Government is to underwrite up to £50bn of private sector building projects, chancellor George Osborne has announced. The extra finance will help to boost growth in the sector, and new legislation will help to speed up planning decisions, whilst development of Green Belt land is to be encouraged, he added. Labour said that... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/50bn-pledged-to-finance-private-sector-construction 433,455 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/50bn-pledged-to-finance-private-sector-construction Mon, 03 Sep 2012 00:00:00 GMT 55 new free schools to open The second wave of free schools, consisting of 55 new institutions, are opening this month. Education secretary Michael Gove expressed his hopes for their success, despite recent criticism over investment into certain free schools which have had their development cancelled. Free schools can be set up by groups of teachers, parents... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/55-new-free-schools-to-open 453 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/55-new-free-schools-to-open Mon, 03 Sep 2012 00:00:00 GMT Government reshuffle to be 'more wide ranging' than expected Prime Minister David Cameron is expected to embark on a major reshuffle of Government, ranging across all levels of posts, to rejuvenate the coalition. The announcement is expected this week, possibly tomorrow. George Osborne, William Hague and Theresa May are expected to remain in their posts, despite much pressure to swap... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/government-reshuffle-to-be-more-wide-ranging-than-expected 436 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/government-reshuffle-to-be-more-wide-ranging-than-expected Mon, 03 Sep 2012 00:00:00 GMT Paralympic disruption not to be underestimated - TfL Workers in London have been warned not to underestimate the Paralympics effect on the City’s transport network, as the system is likely to be as busy as during the Olympics some days this week. The Paralympic Games are now in their second week, with athletics returning to the Olympic Park Stadium, and crowds expected to... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/paralympic-disruption-not-to-be-underestimated--tfl 433 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/paralympic-disruption-not-to-be-underestimated--tfl Mon, 03 Sep 2012 00:00:00 GMT Civil servants skill gap 'frustrating' reform - IoG Civil servants lack the skills necessary to reform the public sector, the Institute for Government has suggested. This skills shortage is stopping more public sector contracts from being opened up to competition, and civil servants do not have the right skills to deliver more services digitally; something the Prime Minister has been keen... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/civil-servants-skill-gap-frustrating-reform--iog 440 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/civil-servants-skill-gap-frustrating-reform--iog Fri, 31 Aug 2012 00:00:00 GMT Law change over squatting due tomorrow Squatting will become a criminal offence in England and Wales on Saturday, the Government has announced. People who move into a residential building could face jail, a fine or both. The maximum penalty will be six months in jail or a £5,000 fine. Squatting is currently treated as a civil matter and homeowners must go to a civil... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/law-change-over-squatting-due-tomorrow 454,455 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/law-change-over-squatting-due-tomorrow Fri, 31 Aug 2012 00:00:00 GMT Pension reform support from local government Local government employers have backed proposed changes to the local government pension scheme, following support for the proposals from unions earlier in August. Support from employers was recorded at 93%. The proposals main changes include a shift to pensions based on career average salaries and the exclusion of low paid workers... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/pension-reform-support-from-local-government 434 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/pension-reform-support-from-local-government Fri, 31 Aug 2012 00:00:00 GMT Audit Scotland highlights poor management of IT projects Three key IT projects run by the Scottish Government have been criticised by Audit Scotland for either being delayed, cancelled or significantly increasing in cost. Registers of Scotland spent £112m on an ICT provision contract, despite the original cost estimated at £66m. Disclosure Scotland has spent £19m on a... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/audit-scotland-highlights-poor-management-of-it-projects 439,455 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/audit-scotland-highlights-poor-management-of-it-projects Thu, 30 Aug 2012 00:00:00 GMT Data breaches in UK increased significantly since 2007 The number of data breaches in the UK have increased by more than 1,000% in the past five years, figures obtained from the Information Commissioners Office (ICO) show. Since 2007, data breaches in local government have increased by 1,609%. In other public sector organisations the number rose by 1,380% and for the private sector it... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/data-breaches-in-uk-increased-significantly-since-2007 439 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/data-breaches-in-uk-increased-significantly-since-2007 Thu, 30 Aug 2012 00:00:00 GMT Visa licence revoked for London Metropolitan University London Metropolitan University has had its visa licence revoked, leaving over 2,000 students potentially facing deportation. The ban was implemented after the UK Border Agency said the university had “failed to address serious and systemic failings” identified six months ago. The university is now banned from teaching... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/visa-licence-revoked-for-london-metropolitan-university 453 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/visa-licence-revoked-for-london-metropolitan-university Thu, 30 Aug 2012 00:00:00 GMT Franchise sign-off delayed as Virgin launches judicial review Virgin has applied for a judicial review of the West Coast Main Line franchise decision. This will force a delay to the contract signing between the Department for Transport and FirstGroup, which was due this morning. The high court is expected to decide if there are grounds for a review within two weeks and a formal review could take up... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/franchise-sign-off-delayed-as-virgin-launches-judicial-review 436 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/franchise-sign-off-delayed-as-virgin-launches-judicial-review Wed, 29 Aug 2012 00:00:00 GMT Tax the wealthy - Clegg The wealthiest people in England should pay more tax for a limited amount of time, Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg has proposed. This would deliver greater fairness as part of a “longer economic war”, he suggested. Full details of the scheme will be announced at the upcoming Liberal Democrats annual conference. In an... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/tax-the-wealthy--clegg 436 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/tax-the-wealthy--clegg Wed, 29 Aug 2012 00:00:00 GMT Workless households fall to 3.7 million The number of workless households in the UK has fallen by 153,000 to 3.7 million in April to June 2012, new data shows. The ONS found the decrease in families with at least one member aged 16-64 where no-one was working represented 17.9% of all households. The fall of 153,000 on a year earlier represents the second consecutive fall in... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/workless-households-fall-to-37-million 433 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/workless-households-fall-to-37-million Wed, 29 Aug 2012 00:00:00 GMT Each Labour council to build 100 social homes by 2015 The Labour party has accused Conservatives of failing to build enough social housing for the poorest people in their communities, following a freedom of information request to all English councils.  The housing minister Grant Shapps called the survey “completely bogus”.  Labour claims their councils will build... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/each-labour-council-to-build-100-social-homes-by-2015- 441 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/each-labour-council-to-build-100-social-homes-by-2015- Tue, 28 Aug 2012 00:00:00 GMT Greening confirms WCML contract will go to FirstGroup Transport secretary Justine Greening has confirmed that the Government plans to sign the West Coast Main Line contract with winning bidder FirstGroup, despite opposition from Virgin Trains, Labour and members of the public.  She suggested that if Virgin had won the competition they would have been “perfectly happy” with... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/greening-confirms-wcml-contract-will-go-to-firstgroup 436 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/greening-confirms-wcml-contract-will-go-to-firstgroup Tue, 28 Aug 2012 00:00:00 GMT Prisoners doubling up in cells - Prison Reform Trust Prisons in England and Wales are holding almost 7,300 more inmates than they were designed for, the Prison Reform Trust has reported.  Some prisons were holding nearly twice as many people as they were meant to, an analysis of official statistics found. Last month 77 of the 131 prisons in England and Wales were holding more than the... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/prisoners-doubling-up-in-cells--prison-reform-trust 454,455 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/prisoners-doubling-up-in-cells--prison-reform-trust Tue, 28 Aug 2012 00:00:00 GMT Contraction revised to 0.5% by ONS The UK recession is not as deep as previously thought, as the ONS revises figures for the economic contraction between April and June from 0.7% to 0.5%.  Output in the production and construction sectors fell by less than previously estimated, accounting for 0.1% of the revision each to the original estimate.  The previous... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/contraction-revised-to-05-by-ons- 433 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/contraction-revised-to-05-by-ons- Fri, 24 Aug 2012 00:00:00 GMT Police device examination pilot to be rolled out A pilot to speed up police examinations of technological devices used by criminals is set to be extended to all forces after it resulted in five forces achieving a 90% increase in devices examined.  The National Policing Improvement Agency (NPIA) has run a six month pilot involving five forces across the East Midlands:... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/police-device-examination-pilot-to-be-rolled-out 454,455 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/police-device-examination-pilot-to-be-rolled-out Fri, 24 Aug 2012 00:00:00 GMT Tidal turbine contract announced for Shetland The world’s first community-owned tidal turbine is to be built in Scotland, First minister Alex Salmond announced.  The turbine will be built by Steel Engineering and Nova Innovation and will be used and owned by the North Yell community, to power an industrial estate and ice plant in Shetland.  Steel Engineering... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/tidal-turbine-contract-announced-for-shetland 437 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/tidal-turbine-contract-announced-for-shetland Fri, 24 Aug 2012 00:00:00 GMT £300m social care savings available through efficient assessment Councils could save over £300m each year if they carried out clinical assessments for social care more effectively, the Audit Commission has stated. A new report demonstrates that some councils conduct a similar number of reviews at the same quality but more cheaply. Identifying and eliminating the causes of the differences in cost... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/300m-social-care-savings-available-through-efficient-assessment 445 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/300m-social-care-savings-available-through-efficient-assessment Thu, 23 Aug 2012 00:00:00 GMT Babysitters should receive first aid training in schools - Daycare Trust First aid training in schools should be compulsory as part of the National Curriculum, the Daycare Trust has stated. A new report on young babysitters examined the issues and experiences of the young people involved, parents’ satisfaction and child safety and welfare. The report found that young babysitters are crucial to the UK... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/babysitters-should-receive-first-aid-training-in-schools--daycare-trust 453 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/babysitters-should-receive-first-aid-training-in-schools--daycare-trust Thu, 23 Aug 2012 00:00:00 GMT Housing report calls for more rented accommodation Councils should relax planning regulations for new homes to kick-start the construction industry, provide employment opportunities and increase the number of privately rented homes, a government-commissioned report suggests. But critics suggest this could be at the expense of more affordable homes for people attempting to get on the... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/housing-report-calls-for-more-rented-accommodation 441,455 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/housing-report-calls-for-more-rented-accommodation Thu, 23 Aug 2012 00:00:00 GMT 100 quangos culled in Whitehall efficiency programme The Coalition has axed over 100 quangos, with a further 90 merged into other bodies, the Cabinet Office has announced. This means the department is largely on track to save £2.6bn by the end of Parliament. However costs from the reorganisation, including redundancy payouts, could be as much as £900m, with the reliability of... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/100-quangos-culled-in-whitehall-efficiency-programme 438,455 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/100-quangos-culled-in-whitehall-efficiency-programme Wed, 22 Aug 2012 00:00:00 GMT Ofsted warns of abuse of disabled children Disabled children in England need better protection against neglect or abuse, a new report from Ofsted suggests. Research found that children with a disability are more likely to be victims of abuse, but less likely to have a child-protection plan in place to safeguard them against this. Ofsted surveyed cases in 12 local authorities... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/ofsted-warns-of-abuse-of-disabled-children 445 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/ofsted-warns-of-abuse-of-disabled-children Wed, 22 Aug 2012 00:00:00 GMT Push for growth expected following rise in borrowing The Government is reportedly set to reveal a series of measures to promote jobs and growth after a shock rise in borrowing last month. The coordinated plan for growth is expected to launch in September, with a focus on liberalising planning laws, guaranteeing more house building and boosting infrastructure projects. Chancellor George... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/push-for-growth-expected-following-rise-in-borrowing 433 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/push-for-growth-expected-following-rise-in-borrowing Wed, 22 Aug 2012 00:00:00 GMT Fastest broadband in Europe promised for UK The UK will have the fastest broadband in Europe by 2015, the culture secretary Jeremy Hunt has announced, as he reiterates that speed of connection should be the focus of internet improvement schemes. Funding for cities under the urban broadband programme is to be announced from next month, he said. Plans for broadband have been approved... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/fastest-broadband-in-europe-promised-for-uk 439 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/fastest-broadband-in-europe-promised-for-uk Tue, 21 Aug 2012 00:00:00 GMT Programme launched to develop low-carbon fleet in the UK A £23m demonstration programme is being launched to encourage road haulage operators to buy and use low-carbon commercial vehicles. The Government is providing £11m funding for the scheme, which will see 13 companies lead trials to establish and run fleets of alternative and dual heavy goods vehicles. The funding will meet... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/programme-launched-to-develop-low-carbon-fleet-in-the-uk 437,455 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/programme-launched-to-develop-low-carbon-fleet-in-the-uk Tue, 21 Aug 2012 00:00:00 GMT UK borrowing rises in July - ONS A surprise rise in UK borrowing has been reported by the ONS, as corporation tax receipts fell in July. Excluding the bank bailouts, public sector net borrowing was in deficit by £557m; economists were expecting a surplus of £2.2bn to £2.5bn. There was a £2.8bn surplus in July 2011. Government spending... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/uk-borrowing-rises-in-july--ons 433 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/uk-borrowing-rises-in-july--ons Tue, 21 Aug 2012 00:00:00 GMT Call for 'living wage' at private sector contractors A consultation has been launched on the Living Wage Bill in Scotland, which could force private companies who work for the public sector to pay staff at least £7.20 an hour. Labour MSP John Park is seeking to change legislation to ensure all workers are paid a living wage. This is currently in place for staff working directly for... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/call-for-living-wage-at-private-sector-contractors 442 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/call-for-living-wage-at-private-sector-contractors Mon, 20 Aug 2012 00:00:00 GMT Cuts to 'top heavy' military announced Senior positions in the military are to be cut by a quarter, the Government has announced, as it describes the MoD as “top heavy”. 26 civilian military head office posts will be cut, defence secretary Philip Hammond said, with a new senior structure to be introduced from April 2013. The move is expected to save the MoD... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/cuts-to-top-heavy-military-announced 434 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/cuts-to-top-heavy-military-announced Mon, 20 Aug 2012 00:00:00 GMT Security screening considered on railways The Home Office is to consider introducing mass security screening at mainline rail stations and the Tube to scan for terrorist threats, as it launches a research brief for new technology. The search would focus on emerging technology capable of rapidly screening huge numbers of passengers to detect explosives, guns and knives as well as... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/security-screening-considered-on-railways 435 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/security-screening-considered-on-railways Mon, 20 Aug 2012 00:00:00 GMT Sell off expensive social housing to fund more - think tank Social housing in expensive parts of the country should be sold off to fund much more affordable housing in cheaper areas, the Conservative-aligned think tank Policy Exchange has urged in a new report. Selling the highest-value properties once they are vacant could generate up to £4.5bn, which could then be used to build up to... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/sell-off-expensive-social-housing-to-fund-more--think-tank 441,455 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/sell-off-expensive-social-housing-to-fund-more--think-tank Mon, 20 Aug 2012 00:00:00 GMT Benefit medical assessments criticised by NAO The National Audit Office (NAO) has found “weaknesses” in the Government’s sickness benefit system due to underperformance and overly-easy targets for its main contractor, Atos. The contract between Government and Atos covers fit-to-work medical assessments which assess whether people are eligible for Employment and... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/benefit-medical-assessments-criticised-by-nao 445 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/benefit-medical-assessments-criticised-by-nao Fri, 17 Aug 2012 00:00:00 GMT DCLG announces joint approach to homelessness A joint approach would improve the way services are managed to reduce homelessness, a new report suggests. The Government has published a report detailing its commitments to prevent and reduce homelessness, ‘Making every contact count’. The commitments include: working with the National Inclusion Health Board to improve... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/dclg-announces-joint-approach-to-homelessness 442 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/dclg-announces-joint-approach-to-homelessness Fri, 17 Aug 2012 00:00:00 GMT GMB calls for investment to match population growth Investment in social infrastructure is necessary to meet the needs of a growing population and reflate the economy, the union GMB has stated. GMB conducted an analysis on population growth between 2001 and 2011, based on census data for England and Wales. Many areas need more schools, housing, improved transport links, upgraded... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/gmb-calls-for-investment-to-match-population-growth 433 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/gmb-calls-for-investment-to-match-population-growth Fri, 17 Aug 2012 00:00:00 GMT Local shared services save £30m for five partnerships Shared services can save millions and improve business transformation, a report published by the LGA suggests.  Five local shared service arrangements saved a total of £30m through integration of IT systems, renegotiation of contracts and better procurement.  The set up and integration costs were described by the LGA... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/local-shared-services-save-30m-for-five-partnerships- 440 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/local-shared-services-save-30m-for-five-partnerships- Thu, 16 Aug 2012 00:00:00 GMT Public sector strikes at record high in 2011 1.4 million working days were lost to strikes last year, ONS statistics show – the highest total since 1990.  The number of days of industrial action were boosted by the one-day strike by public sector workers in November against Government changes to pensions.  In 201 there were 149 separate stoppages, with almost... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/public-sector-strikes-at-record-high-in-2011- 455,434 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/public-sector-strikes-at-record-high-in-2011- Thu, 16 Aug 2012 00:00:00 GMT Scottish Borders Council faces data breach fine over pensions records The Scottish Borders Council (SBC) is facing a major fine for a records breach that took place last September. Hundreds of pension records were sent for recycling and were found by a member of the public, who alerted the police.  The Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) will issue a fine at the end of the month. In... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/scottish-borders-council-faces-data-breach-fine-over-pensions-records- 439 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/scottish-borders-council-faces-data-breach-fine-over-pensions-records- Thu, 16 Aug 2012 00:00:00 GMT FTSE 100 company becomes higher education provider Pearson will become the first FTSE 100 company to directly deliver a degree course as it sets up its own college offering business degrees.  The for-profit publishing company will offer degrees which “focus on preparing students for the world of business”. The courses will be validated by Royal Holloway and Bedford New... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/ftse-100-company-becomes-higher-education-provider- 453 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/ftse-100-company-becomes-higher-education-provider- Tue, 14 Aug 2012 00:00:00 GMT LGA calls for emergency road repair funding Floods and heavy rain this summer have led to a huge road repair bill for councils, the LGA has reported. Newcastle City Council has to cover £9m worth of repairs.  The LGA has warned that funds may need to be diverted from other areas of spending to plug the gap, and is calling on the DfT to set up an Emergency Capital... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/lga-calls-for-emergency-road-repair-funding- 433 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/lga-calls-for-emergency-road-repair-funding- Tue, 14 Aug 2012 00:00:00 GMT Section 106 agreements are blocking development - Pickles Communities secretary Eric Pickles says that Section 106 agreements, where developers pay councils to mitigate the local impacts of their schemes, are harming growth and that many are “economically unrealistic”.  His department has launched a consultation as part of a drive to get stalled development deals back up and... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/section-106-agreements-are-blocking-development--pickles 441,455 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/section-106-agreements-are-blocking-development--pickles Tue, 14 Aug 2012 00:00:00 GMT 'Make or break' moment for employers - CIPD A third of organisations are trying to avoid losing skills by keeping on more staff than they need, a new survey has shown.  But the CIPD has warned that redundancies will have to be made if economic growth does not return soon.  The survey of over 1,000 employers measured the net employment balance – the difference... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/make-or-break-moment-for-employers--cipd- 434 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/make-or-break-moment-for-employers--cipd- Mon, 13 Aug 2012 00:00:00 GMT Just 16% believe Coalition will survive Very few voters think the Coalition Government will survive until the next election in 2015, a new poll indicates.  Only one in six voters, or 16%, believe the Conservatives and Liberal Democrats can stick together until 2015.  The low vote of confidence follows the collapse of an agreement to reform the House of Lords... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/just-16-believe-coalition-will-survive- 436 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/just-16-believe-coalition-will-survive- Mon, 13 Aug 2012 00:00:00 GMT Social benefits of Scottish procurement reform New proposals on procurement in Scotland could see requirements to provide training and apprenticeships become part of major public sector contracts.  The Scottish Government has launched a consultation on the Procurement Reform Bill, exploring the use of community benefit clauses in large-value contracts, such as providing... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/social-benefits-of-scottish-procurement-reform- 438 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/social-benefits-of-scottish-procurement-reform- Mon, 13 Aug 2012 00:00:00 GMT Sport to be compulsory at primary school Competitive team sports will be made compulsory for all primary school children in England, Prime Minister David Cameron has announced.  A draft new curriculum this autumn would specify participation in sports such as hockey, netball or football. Cameron came under fire last week for scrapping a two-hour per week target for PE... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/sport-to-be-compulsory-at-primary-school 453,455 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/sport-to-be-compulsory-at-primary-school Mon, 13 Aug 2012 00:00:00 GMT Carbon emissions reduced by a quarter in NHS NHS Supply Chain has reduced carbon emissions by 26%, a new report shows. The savings come in response to the NHS Carbon Reduction Strategy for England, published by the NHS Sustainable Development Unit in 2009.  A voluntary target was set for trusts to reduce carbon emissions by 10% by 2015.  The organisations... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/carbon-emissions-reduced-by-a-quarter-in-nhs 437 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/carbon-emissions-reduced-by-a-quarter-in-nhs Fri, 10 Aug 2012 00:00:00 GMT Investment and jobs announced for UK engineering New jobs will be created to advance the UK’s engineering excellence, Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg has announced at a business summit held today.  A series of deals with UK companies will create jobs in the engineering, aerospace and automotive sectors, and investment will boost the country’s manufacturing capabilities... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/investment-and-jobs-announced-for-uk-engineering 433,455 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/investment-and-jobs-announced-for-uk-engineering Fri, 10 Aug 2012 00:00:00 GMT Managers fail to recognise PTSD symptoms, charity warns A new white paper seeks to inform managers about the potential impact of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, or PTSD, in the workplace. Published by the charity PTSD Resolution, the paper ‘Trauma in the Workplace’ describes how the disorder could affect staffing policies and practices. Their research suggests that most... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/managers-fail-to-recognise-ptsd-symptoms-charity-warns 434 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/managers-fail-to-recognise-ptsd-symptoms-charity-warns Fri, 10 Aug 2012 00:00:00 GMT Efficiency drive must go further - Maude The Government efficiency drive is on track so far but still has “a long way to go”, cabinet office minister Francis Maude has stated. Between March 2011 and March 2012, the Government has saved £5.5bn in department efficiency savings, including £1bn on fewer consultants, £390m limiting marketing budgets... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/efficiency-drive-must-go-further--maude 438,455 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/efficiency-drive-must-go-further--maude Thu, 09 Aug 2012 00:00:00 GMT FirstGroup win could lead to rail fare increases Train operator FirstGroup is set to win the west coast rail franchise, with a higher bid than competitor Virgin Rail, reports indicate.  This could lead to fare rises from 2020, insiders fear.  The Department for Transport has highlighted Tuesday as the provisional date for declaring the winner of the West Coast Main Line... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/firstgroup-win-could-lead-to-rail-fare-increases 433 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/firstgroup-win-could-lead-to-rail-fare-increases Thu, 09 Aug 2012 00:00:00 GMT Less students apply to university after fee increases Tuition fee increases have led to a “clear drop” in the number of English students applying to university this autumn, the Independent Commission on Fees has reported.  Average fees this year are £8,385, with many universities charging the maximum of £9,000 per year. One in 20 people were expected to apply... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/less-students-apply-to-university-after-fee-increases 453 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/less-students-apply-to-university-after-fee-increases Thu, 09 Aug 2012 00:00:00 GMT Growth of 0% expected in BoE report The Bank of England is expected to forecast 0% growth in its quarterly inflation report, which will be published today. This compares to predictions of 0.8% three months ago and 2% a year ago.  The predictions could put further pressure on chancellor George Osborne to soften austerity measures.  The UK economy contracted by... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/growth-of-0-expected-in-boe-report- 433 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/growth-of-0-expected-in-boe-report- Wed, 08 Aug 2012 00:00:00 GMT Public could help fight low-level crime - RSA The public should be given lessons in how to tackle anti-social behaviour, a new report suggests. The RSA (Royal Society of Arts, Manufactures and Commerce) charitable think tank believes this could help to get local people involved in managing low-level crime and aggressive behaviour on the streets, especially after cuts to the police... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/public-could-help-fight-low-level-crime--rsa 454 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/public-could-help-fight-low-level-crime--rsa Wed, 08 Aug 2012 00:00:00 GMT School sports provision requirements dropped Targets requiring children to take part in at least two hours of sport at school each week have now been dropped by the Department for Education, the Telegraph has reported.  The DfE has scrapped the requirement, saying it wants headteachers to have more freedom to organise physical activity at their schools. This is part of a wider... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/school-sports-provision-requirements-dropped 453,455 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/school-sports-provision-requirements-dropped Wed, 08 Aug 2012 00:00:00 GMT Coalition tensions as Lords reform and boundary changes scrapped Deputy PM Nick Clegg has confirmed that Lords reform is to be dropped – as are proposed boundary changes that would have aided the Conservatives.  The Lib Dem leader said Tory rebels had broken the Coalition contract and that he would, in turn, instruct his MPs to vote against the bill to equalise boundaries, which would... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/coalition-tensions-as-lords-reform-and-boundary-changes-scrapped 436,455 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/coalition-tensions-as-lords-reform-and-boundary-changes-scrapped Tue, 07 Aug 2012 00:00:00 GMT Legal challenge to work schemes fails A legal challenge to get the Government’s back-to-work schemes declared unlawful as ‘forced labour’ has failed.  Cait Reilly, a University of Birmingham geology graduate, had argued that being forced to work unpaid at a Poundland store for two weeks, or risk losing her benefits, breached her human... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/legal-challenge-to-work-schemes-fails 445 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/legal-challenge-to-work-schemes-fails Tue, 07 Aug 2012 00:00:00 GMT School playing field sell-off continues The Government has approved 21 school playing field sell-offs despite a promise to protect them, according to the Guardian newspaper. The Coalition Agreement says the Government will “seek to protect school playing fields”, but in fact education secretary Michael Gove has approved 21 of 22 requests made to sell playing fields... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/school-playing-field-sell-off-continues 453 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/school-playing-field-sell-off-continues Tue, 07 Aug 2012 00:00:00 GMT £100m green investment funding announced The Government is to announce £100m funding for green investment, as well as safeguarding and creating new jobs.  The UK Green Investment team has announced contracts to provide initial funding of £100m to fund managers Equitix and SDCL, to encourage both foreign and domestic investment in energy efficiency... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/100m-green-investment-funding-announced 437 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/100m-green-investment-funding-announced Mon, 06 Aug 2012 00:00:00 GMT Olympics call for sporting opportunities in the UK The British Olympic Association has called for a ‘step-change’ in sports policy in the UK, after a weekend of gold medals for Team GB.  The culture secretary, Jeremy Hunt admitted that sports provision in schools was “patchy”, and called for inspirational teachers to help motivate young people.  Lord... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/olympics-call-for-sporting-opportunities-in-the-uk1 438,455 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/olympics-call-for-sporting-opportunities-in-the-uk1 Mon, 06 Aug 2012 00:00:00 GMT Over 1,000 people jailed in riots One year on from the riots, prison sentences totalling over 1,800 years have been handed out to rioters. Trouble began in Tottenham last year after the police shot Mark Duggan, and quickly spread across the country.  So far, 1,292 offenders have been jailed, with an average custodial sentence of 16.8 months. The Crown Prosecution... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/over-1000-people-jailed-in-riots 454 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/over-1000-people-jailed-in-riots Mon, 06 Aug 2012 00:00:00 GMT Tuition fee loans for part-time students Part-time students can apply for a student loan for the first time, meaning applicants do not have to pay tuition fees upfront.  Students at a publicly-funded university or college can apply for a loan of up to £6,750, and those at a private university can apply for up to £4,500. The money does not need to be paid back... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/tuition-fee-loans-for-part-time-students- 453 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/tuition-fee-loans-for-part-time-students- Mon, 06 Aug 2012 00:00:00 GMT Basic English and maths courses piloted for prisoners Prisoners are to be given ‘military-style’ maths and English lessons to increase their chances of finding work once they are released, and reduce reoffending.  The courses comprise 54 hours of lessons over two weeks, with more help to be offered if needed. The project will be piloted in six jails, and rolled out to others... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/basic-english-and-maths-courses-piloted-for-prisoners 453 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/basic-english-and-maths-courses-piloted-for-prisoners Fri, 03 Aug 2012 00:00:00 GMT Digital Policy Alliance launches to advise Government A new campaign group has formed to pressure Government to implement better broadband roll-out and improved technical policy. The Digital Policy Alliance consists of leading charities and companies, including Google, Microsoft and IBM. They are calling for more action on issues of technology uptake and broadband to kick-start the... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/digital-policy-alliance-launches-to-advise-government- 439 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/digital-policy-alliance-launches-to-advise-government- Fri, 03 Aug 2012 00:00:00 GMT Social housing could relieve pressure on the NHS Housing associations were told yesterday they have a large role in easing demand on the NHS and ensuring a better quality of life for terminally ill people.  Delegates at the Chartered Institute of Housing’s Older People’s Conference were addressed by Rachael Byrne, executive director of care and support at Home Group... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/social-housing-could-relive-pressure-on-the-nhs 455,445 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/social-housing-could-relive-pressure-on-the-nhs Fri, 03 Aug 2012 00:00:00 GMT Gender life expectancy could converge by 2030 Men could soon expect to live as long as women, and in some cases outlive them, new research suggests. A report by Professor Les Mayhew of Cass Business School, part of City University London, shows that healthier lifestyles have contributed to the predicted convergence. A significant reduction in the prevalence of male smoking... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/gender-life-expectancy-could-converge-by-2030 433 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/gender-life-expectancy-could-converge-by-2030 Thu, 02 Aug 2012 00:00:00 GMT Met Police signs up to online procurement hub The Metropolitan Police Service (MPS) has become the latest force to join the online National Police Procurement Hub (NPPH), a system being rolled out by the National Police Improvement Agency (NPIA). The Hub provides access to a range of goods and services, including IT, stationery, body armour and vehicles. Currently 12 other forces are... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/met-police-signs-up-to-online-procurement-hub 439 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/met-police-signs-up-to-online-procurement-hub Thu, 02 Aug 2012 00:00:00 GMT Military pension age to rise to 60 The Ministry of Defence has outlined reforms to military pensions, with the age at which members of the Armed Forces can claim pensions rising from 55 to 60. The changes are aimed at cutting the cost of public sector pensions. All personnel under 45 will be affected by the new conditions, which will be introduced from April 2015. The... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/military-pension-age-to-rise-to-60 455,434 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/military-pension-age-to-rise-to-60 Thu, 02 Aug 2012 00:00:00 GMT A clean sweep - From 25 databases to just one Derbyshire County Council is the first in the country to amalgamate every piece of information it has about children and families into a single database, to help multi-agency teams do their job more effectively. The council’s head of service ICT for children and young adults, Andy Callow, discussed the challenges and opportunities... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/a-clean-sweep-from-25-databases-to-just-one 439,446 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/a-clean-sweep-from-25-databases-to-just-one Wed, 01 Aug 2012 00:00:00 GMT Breaking down barriers The Home Office has launched a £2.6m Access to Elected Office fund to give financial help to disabled people wanting to stand in elections. PSE discussed the initiative with equalities minister Lynne Featherstone MP. The Government’s equalities strategy recognises that there are physical, financial and cultural barriers that... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/breaking-down-barriers 451,442 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/breaking-down-barriers Wed, 01 Aug 2012 00:00:00 GMT 'Do more with more' In one of the many interesting fringe sessions at the LGA conference, PSE discovered a move to boost social inclusion via place-based leadership. Kate Ashley reports. In stark contrast to the aggressive search for efficiency savings and the drive to do “more with less”, a new approach to leadership suggests that instead of... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/do-more-with-more 438,446 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/do-more-with-more Wed, 01 Aug 2012 00:00:00 GMT Economic growth and local leadership PSE’s Kate Ashley and Adam Hewitt report from the LGA annual conference and exhibition 2012 at The ICC in Birmingham. The LGA conference and exhibition 2012 heard from the people leading local government, those setting policy nationally, councillors and officers responsible for smallscale but big-impact service changes, and leaders... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/economic-growth-and-local-leadership 436,446 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/economic-growth-and-local-leadership Wed, 01 Aug 2012 00:00:00 GMT Falling between the cracks - The perils and pitfalls of the new commissioning arrangements for children A fringe session of the NHS Confederation conference saw Dr Nicholas Hicks, Dr Vimal Tiwari, Andrew Webb and Katrina Percy discuss how to make the new commissioning arrangements work for children and young people. PSE’s Kate Ashley reports. Fragmentation in children’s services has long been a problem – but the new... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/falling-between-the-cracks-the-perils-and-pitfalls-of-the-new-commissioning-arrangements-for-children 446,440 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/falling-between-the-cracks-the-perils-and-pitfalls-of-the-new-commissioning-arrangements-for-children Wed, 01 Aug 2012 00:00:00 GMT Finding the funding Adam Hewitt reports from a local government finance session at the LGA conference 2012, involving Simon Ridley, director of local government finance at the Department for Communities and Local Government; Birmingham City Council chief executive Stephen Hughes; Cornwall Council’s Cllr Julian German; leader of Stevenage Borough Council and... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/finding-the-funding 438,446 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/finding-the-funding Wed, 01 Aug 2012 00:00:00 GMT Just the job The award-winning MyJobScotland public sector jobsite and application-tracking system was conceived as an easy way to save money, but has proved valuable in many different ways. PSE talks to the man in charge, Douglas Shirlaw, digital projects director at COSLA (the Convention of Scottish Local Authorities). Just a few short years ago... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/just-the-job 451,434 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/just-the-job Wed, 01 Aug 2012 00:00:00 GMT Managing expectations Kate Ashley reports from a roundtable event highlighting challenges and potential solutions in the sphere of performance management. The public and private sectors sometimes seem like different worlds – but many obstacles are common to both, with lessons learnt in one field equally applicable to another. One such area is... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/managing-expectations 446,434 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/managing-expectations Wed, 01 Aug 2012 00:00:00 GMT New guide released to identify fake protection equipment A new guide to identify fake and illegal personal protection equipment (PPE) has been published by the British Safety Industry Federation (BSIF), to ensure workers are protected. All PPE is required to meet certain CE standards and is given official certification to confirm it has met them. BSIF has launched a new CE Certificate Checklist... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/new-guide-released-to-identify-fake-protection-equipment 435 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/new-guide-released-to-identify-fake-protection-equipment Wed, 01 Aug 2012 00:00:00 GMT News from the colonies Dr Andy Asquith, director of the Public Management Group at the School of Management at Massey University – Albany in Auckland, New Zealand, explores public sector issues there and in the UK. New Zealand /Aotearoa – Land of the Long White Cloud, home of the All Blacks (and 40 million sheep) and the place where New Public... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/news-from-the-colonies 447,440 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/news-from-the-colonies Wed, 01 Aug 2012 00:00:00 GMT One size does not fit all Worcestershire County Council has transformed its estate portfolio through collaboration and innovation. Peter Parkes, head of property services, told us more. Worcestershire County Council has won many plaudits for the transformation of its property portfolio, including at a recent achievement awards. It has demonstrated a level of... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/one-size-does-not-fit-all 451,443 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/one-size-does-not-fit-all Wed, 01 Aug 2012 00:00:00 GMT Over the counter The Post Office wants to become the ‘front office of government’, for both central departments and local authorities. PSE spoke to Martin Moran, commercial director, about its latest deal, which will see its branches offer residents of Hammersmith & Fulham services they only used to be able to get at council offices. A... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/over-the-counter 438,451 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/over-the-counter Wed, 01 Aug 2012 00:00:00 GMT People and the power of collaborative working Dr Robin Singleton, Associate Director at the Institute for Collaborative Working, emphasises the importance of developing competencies and behaviours for successful collaborative working in a changing market. New expectations Changing markets and a struggling economy lead us to look at increasingly more innovative ways of carrying... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/people-and-the-power-of-collaborative-working 447,438 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/people-and-the-power-of-collaborative-working Wed, 01 Aug 2012 00:00:00 GMT Public excluded from government data - PAC Government data needs to be made easier to access and to understand, the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) has warned. The committee said that government data produced for public consumption must be “easy to understand”. PAC’s report, ‘Implementing the Transparency Agenda’, commended the Government’s... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/public-excluded-from-government-data-pac 436,455 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/public-excluded-from-government-data-pac Wed, 01 Aug 2012 00:00:00 GMT Public sector looking to carbon management to drive resource efficiency Tim Pryce, head of public sector at the Carbon Trust, explains the staging scale of the opportunity for energy efficiency across the sector. In an era where the need for austerity and cuts are frequently discussed, opportunities can often be overlooked. The case for the public sector to invest in comprehensive carbon management programmes... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/public-sector-looking-to-carbon-management-to-drive-resource-efficiency 447,437 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/public-sector-looking-to-carbon-management-to-drive-resource-efficiency Wed, 01 Aug 2012 00:00:00 GMT Rubbishing regional pay Fenton Coulthurst talks to Helen Kersley, head of the New Economics Foundation (nef) team behind a report that seems to demolish the economic case for regional pay in the public sector. Would a regional pay structure for the public sector cut government spending and help revitalise the private sector across the country? Not according to a... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/rubbishing-regional-pay 451,434 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/rubbishing-regional-pay Wed, 01 Aug 2012 00:00:00 GMT Shaping the Future: A regional project with worldwide potential Judy Craske, project director at Shaping the Future, describes an innovative £4m talent management programme that could transform social and economic development in North West Wales. With the UK economy in a double-dip recession and news headlines full of the struggles of the unemployed, it is becoming more and more difficult for... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/shaping-the-future-a-regional-project-with-worldwide-potential 447,434 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/shaping-the-future-a-regional-project-with-worldwide-potential Wed, 01 Aug 2012 00:00:00 GMT 'Transport should generate wellbeing' A new study for the RAC Foundation, Car Rental 2:0, covers a range of new innovations in the car club industry. PSE spoke to report author Scott Le Vine of the Centre for Transport Studies at Imperial College London. New and emerging forms of car club could bring significant benefits to the public sector, along with new issues to consider... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/transport-should-generate-wellbeing 437,446 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/transport-should-generate-wellbeing Wed, 01 Aug 2012 00:00:00 GMT Up in flames In 2008, Melton Borough Council’s headquarters burnt down, meaning crisis plans had to be implemented to ensure services could still be delivered and staff could do their jobs. Virtually everything went to plan, and now the council’s new headquarters building has been officially opened. PSE caught up with the council’s chief... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/up-in-flames 451,443 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/up-in-flames Wed, 01 Aug 2012 00:00:00 GMT We need to be careful what we're outsourcing Richard Flint, chairman of the National Association of Police Fleet Managers (NAPFM) and head of transport at North Yorkshire Police, talks about the organisation’s upcoming conference, outsourcing deals and collaboration. Public sector police services are changing, and fleet management is no exception. The National Association of... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/we-need-to-be-careful-what-were-outsourcing- 433,446 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/we-need-to-be-careful-what-were-outsourcing- Wed, 01 Aug 2012 00:00:00 GMT York Council adopts car-sharing scheme York City Council is adopting an hourly rental car share service for its staff to travel to work. The council is using the scheme to tackle transport costs and move away from the ‘grey fleet’ model of transport where employees use their own cars for business journeys and claim mileage reimbursement. Five vehicles are... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/york-council-adopts-car-sharing-scheme 438 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/york-council-adopts-car-sharing-scheme Wed, 01 Aug 2012 00:00:00 GMT 25% increase in homelessness in England Homelessness rose by 25% in England over the last three years, new data shows. Data company SSentif reported that 50,290 families and individuals were classed as homeless in 2011/12, compared to 40,020 in 2009/10. But spending to tackle the problem had fallen from £213.7m to £199.8m over that same period, SSentif... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/25-increase-in-homelessness-in-england 442 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/25-increase-in-homelessness-in-england Tue, 31 Jul 2012 00:00:00 GMT Broadband strategy 'preoccupied with speed' - Lords The Government’s broadband strategy focuses too much on speed and not enough on universal access, according to a critical report form the House of Lords Communications Committee. They suggest the priority should be to close the digital divide between those with good internet access and those without, rather than aiming for the best... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/broadband-strategy-preoccupied-with-speed-lords 438,455 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/broadband-strategy-preoccupied-with-speed-lords Tue, 31 Jul 2012 00:00:00 GMT Transport sector asked for views on apprenticeships As the Government reviews apprenticeships, businesses are being asked to give their opinions on the proposed changes. Sector skills council People 1st is consulting on apprenticeships for the passenger transport sector to ensure all employers have the chance to provide feedback. The company is requesting opinions on all elements of... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/transport-sector-asked-for-views-on-apprenticeships 434 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/transport-sector-asked-for-views-on-apprenticeships Tue, 31 Jul 2012 00:00:00 GMT Housing association investments help millions A report by the National Housing Federation (NHF) shows that eight million people have benefited due to housing association investment totalling over half a billion pounds. The NHF’s new report, Building Futures, shows that during 2010/11, housing associations invested over £73m in learning and skills and £80m helping... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/housing-association-investments-help-millions 441,455 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/housing-association-investments-help-millions Mon, 30 Jul 2012 00:00:00 GMT Long-term unemployed to work six months for free A new Government work scheme could mean almost 1 million long-term unemployed people being forced to work unpaid for six months to keep their benefits, a think tank has warned – though ministers have said that figure is “pure guesswork”. A pilot of the DWP’s Community Action Programme (Cap) has now finished and its... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/long-term-unemployed-to-work-six-months-for-free 434 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/long-term-unemployed-to-work-six-months-for-free Mon, 30 Jul 2012 00:00:00 GMT Marine energy park launched in Scotland Scotland’s first marine energy park is to be officially launched later today, to boost progress in marine power development. The Pentland Firth and Orkney Waters Marine Energy Park includes the European Marine Energy Centre (Emec) and will link to university researchers and private companies working in marine energy. The park... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/marine-energy-park-launched-in-scotland 437 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/marine-energy-park-launched-in-scotland Mon, 30 Jul 2012 00:00:00 GMT UK economy gets over £3bn from universities Universities contributed £3.3bn to theUKeconomy in 2010-11, the funding body HEFCE has reported. This represents a 7% increase from £3.1bn in 2009-10. A new company was created for every £24m spent on research funding, and spending on universities by large companies grew 7% from £587m in 2009-10 to £629m in... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/uk-economy-gets-over-3bn-from-universities 453 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/uk-economy-gets-over-3bn-from-universities Mon, 30 Jul 2012 00:00:00 GMT LLDC unveils plans for Olympic Park South Plaza Plans to transform the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park have been published by the London Legacy Development Corporation (LLDC) The South Plaza, located in the South Park, will be a landscaped public area offering entertainment and activity for visitors and locals alike. The park will include a 12m-wide tree line promenade, fountain... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/lldc-unveils-plans-for-olympic-park-south-plaza 441 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/lldc-unveils-plans-for-olympic-park-south-plaza Fri, 27 Jul 2012 00:00:00 GMT Public sector home registrations fall by 49% The number of new public sector home registrations has fallen by 49% over the past 12 months, according to new figures from the National House-Building Council (NHBC). The second quarter of 2012 saw a fall of 24% for all homes registered, with a 49% drop in public sector registrations. There were 6,272 homes registered in the public... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/public-sector-home-registrations-fall-by-49 441 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/public-sector-home-registrations-fall-by-49 Fri, 27 Jul 2012 00:00:00 GMT UK councils to integrate systems through TSB funding Councils across the UK have been awarded funding in a Technology Strategy Board (TSB) competition to integrate city systems. The TSB has selected 30 councils to use £50,000 to complete feasibility studies showing how they could integrate their transport, communications and other infrastructure to improve the local economy, increase... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/uk-councils-to-integrate-systems-through-tsb-funding 440 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/uk-councils-to-integrate-systems-through-tsb-funding Fri, 27 Jul 2012 00:00:00 GMT 'We've got to do more' - Cameron on economy The Prime Minister has stated that more must be done to help the British economy recover from its deepening double-dip recession, following the publication of new figures which showed a 0.7% contraction in the second quarter of 2012. In an address at the Global Investment Conference today, Cameron will blame the crisis in the Eurozone for... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/weve-got-to-do-more--cameron-on-economy 433 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/weve-got-to-do-more--cameron-on-economy Thu, 26 Jul 2012 00:00:00 GMT English university fees to average £8,507 a year Tuition fees are set to rise again in England next year, with the average rising from £8,414 to £8,507 a year. A new report from the Office for Fair Access (Offa) indicates that around three out of four institutions are planning to charge the maximum £9,000 a year for some or all of their courses. All institutions... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/english-university-fees-to-average-8507-a-year 453 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/english-university-fees-to-average-8507-a-year Thu, 26 Jul 2012 00:00:00 GMT Nine-year low for police officer numbers Police officer numbers in England and Wales have fallen to their lowest level in nine years, statistics from the Home Office show. Full time equivalent (FTE) officers in 43 forces across England and Wales numbered 134,101 at the end of March. This is a fall of 5,009, or 3.6%, on the previous year. The number of community support... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/nine-year-low-for-police-officer-numbers 454 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/nine-year-low-for-police-officer-numbers Thu, 26 Jul 2012 00:00:00 GMT Border staff Olympic strike suspended A union strike involving members of immigration and passport control due tomorrow has been called off. The industrial action was planned to take place on Thursday, the day before the Olympic Games. Thursday is expected to be the busiest day ever at Heathrow airport, as spectators fly in for the event. PCS general secretary Mark... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/border-staff-olympic-strike-suspended 434 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/border-staff-olympic-strike-suspended Wed, 25 Jul 2012 00:00:00 GMT Scotland to introduce gay marriage - Sturgeon Scotland is to become the first country in the UK to introduce gay marriage, SNP ministers have confirmed. A bill on the issue will be brought forward later this year. The news has been welcomed by equality groups but received strong opposition from the Catholic Church and the Church of Scotland. Other faith groups, including Quakers... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/scotland-to-introduce-gay-marriage--sturgeon 436 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/scotland-to-introduce-gay-marriage--sturgeon Wed, 25 Jul 2012 00:00:00 GMT Shock fall in GDP even worse than expected New figures for the second quarter of 2012 show the UK double-dip recession deepening, with a fall in GDP of 0.7%. Analysts had expected a fall of around 0.2% in the three months to June. The decline followed the 0.3% fall in the first three months of 2012 and a 0.4% decline in the final quarter of 2011, according to data from the Office... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/shock-fall-in-gdp-even-worse-than-expected 433,455 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/shock-fall-in-gdp-even-worse-than-expected Wed, 25 Jul 2012 00:00:00 GMT Lords call for 'greater rigour' in maths education Maths should be compulsory for all A-level students, a Lords report has suggested. The House of Lords Science and Technology committee stated that improving numeracy is important to employers, and would also address the problem of students starting undergraduate degrees without the requisite maths skills. Additionally, the committee... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/lords-call-for-greater-rigour-in-maths-education 453 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/lords-call-for-greater-rigour-in-maths-education Tue, 24 Jul 2012 00:00:00 GMT Manufacturing institute launched to boost British productivity A new High Speed Sustainable Manufacturing Institute is to be launched today in Essex, with the Government providing £3.5m over three years to keepBritainas a top choice for investment. The Institute is being developed in partnership with the Centre for Engineering and Manufacturing Excellence (CEME) and Ford of Britain to bring... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/manufacturing-institute-launched-to-boost-british-productivity 433,455 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/manufacturing-institute-launched-to-boost-british-productivity Tue, 24 Jul 2012 00:00:00 GMT More unemployed people have lower life satisfaction - ONS Employment and owning your own house are key measures of overall wellbeing, new statistics suggest. The Office for National Statistics (ONS) has published a series of articles reporting progress on the Measuring National Wellbeing programme. The organisation has also set out the domains and measures to be used for assessing... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/more-unemployed-people-have-lower-life-satisfaction--ons 442 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/more-unemployed-people-have-lower-life-satisfaction--ons Tue, 24 Jul 2012 00:00:00 GMT Opposition grows to forests sell-off The campaign against the planned sell-off of England’s forests got cross-party backing from MPs at a protest rally at the weekend. Liberal Democrat president Tim Farron, MP for Westmorland and Lonsdale, ripped up a copy of the controversial Public Bodies Bill, which gives ministers more powers over quangos but also includes the... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/opposition-grows-to-forests-sell-off 437 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/opposition-grows-to-forests-sell-off Tue, 24 Jul 2012 00:00:00 GMT Councils 'unaware' of suppliers' size and location Although UK councils spend around £88bn a year procuring goods and services, they are largely ignorant about their suppliers, new research suggests. The Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) found that only 51% of 148 councils that responded recorded the size of the company for each contract awarded. For those that did, spending with... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/councils-unaware-of-suppliers-size-and-location 438 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/councils-unaware-of-suppliers-size-and-location Mon, 23 Jul 2012 00:00:00 GMT DWP long-lists 15 councils for Universal Credit pilot Fifteen local authorities have been long-listed as potential pilot sites for Universal Credit, the Department for Work and Pensions has announced. The councils will focus on delivering face to face support for people claiming benefits under the new system and help with budgeting and job searches. The pilot aims to reduce fraud and error... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/dwp-long-lists-15-councils-for-universal-credit-pilot 445 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/dwp-long-lists-15-councils-for-universal-credit-pilot Mon, 23 Jul 2012 00:00:00 GMT Energy bill 'unworkable' - Tim Yeo The Treasury has been accused of making the energy bill “unworkable” by the Commons Energy & Climate Change Select Committee and its Conservative chairman Tim Yeo MP. The legislation would scrap systems of subsidy for large-scale renewable energy and encourage nuclear power through a new system of ‘contracts for... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/energy-bill-unworkable-tim-yeo 437,455 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/energy-bill-unworkable-tim-yeo Mon, 23 Jul 2012 00:00:00 GMT Welsh councils write off £15m tax and rates debt Local authorities in Wales have written off over £15m in council tax and business rates debt, new figures suggest. However, this sum has significantly fallen from previous years; in 2009/10, £38m was owed just in council tax. The 22 Welsh councils have written off £5.4m in council tax in the last financial year... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/welsh-councils-write-off-15m-tax-and-rates-debt 433 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/welsh-councils-write-off-15m-tax-and-rates-debt Mon, 23 Jul 2012 00:00:00 GMT Economic recovery 'has stalled' - IMF The Government must act quickly to kick-start the economy with a boost to spending, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) has warned. The new report suggests theUKmust increase investment to avoid a long depression and avoid the worst effects of the euro crisis and highlights that the current measures have led to a “stalled”... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/economic-recovery-has-stalled-imf 433,455 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/economic-recovery-has-stalled-imf Fri, 20 Jul 2012 00:00:00 GMT Jobless teens to be woken up by mentors Deputy PM Nick Clegg has urged organisations in the Youth Contract scheme to be “creative” in their approach to help NEETs back to work, and companies have responded with help to wake teenagers up in the mornings. The £126m scheme will run for three years, with the aim of helping 55,000 young people not in education... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/jobless-teens-to-be-woken-up-by-mentors 434 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/jobless-teens-to-be-woken-up-by-mentors Fri, 20 Jul 2012 00:00:00 GMT Manchester geothermal heat network announced A geothermal energy project has been announced to bring renewable energy for heating to Manchester, it has been announced. The UK’s largest deep-geothermal heat plant will tap into the natural energy reservoir known as the Cheshire Basin, beneath Manchester. The project is also expected to generate green economy skills and... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/manchester-geothermal-heat-network-announced 437 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/manchester-geothermal-heat-network-announced Fri, 20 Jul 2012 00:00:00 GMT A14 toll to fund congestion measures The A14 is to become the first existing road to be tolled under Coalition plans to ease congestion, the transport secretary has announced. The move comes despite the Prime Minister’s assurances in March that tolls would only apply to new routes, not existing roads. The Government proposes that a 20-mile stretch of the busy road... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/a14-toll-to-fund-congestion-measures 433 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/a14-toll-to-fund-congestion-measures Thu, 19 Jul 2012 00:00:00 GMT PCS vote for strike action over job cuts Staff at the Home Office could be set to go on strike, after members of the PCS union vote for industrial action over jobs, pay issues and cuts to staff numbers. 57.2% voted for a strike on a turnout of 20% and almost 75% voted in favour of action short of a strike. Details of dates and the form of action are expected to be released today... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/pcs-vote-for-strike-action-over-job-cuts 455,434 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/pcs-vote-for-strike-action-over-job-cuts Thu, 19 Jul 2012 00:00:00 GMT UK housing third costliest in Europe - Shelter UK housing costs are the third highest inEurope, according to a new report. This makes theUKthe most expensive in the European Union, after Denmark and Greece, with 16.5% of families spending more than 40% of their total income on housing costs. These costs include rent, mortgage payments and utility bills, service charges and... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/uk-housing-third-costliest-in-europe--shelter 441 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/uk-housing-third-costliest-in-europe--shelter Thu, 19 Jul 2012 00:00:00 GMT £50bn infrastructure investment underwritten by Government The Government is to underwrite £50bn in infrastructure investment and exports to promote economic growth, the Chancellor is to announce. Under the ‘UK Guarantees’ scheme, up to £40bn will be underwritten for infrastructure projects previously on hold due to difficulties securing private sector funding. The... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/50bn-infrastructure-investment-underwritten-by-government 433 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/50bn-infrastructure-investment-underwritten-by-government Wed, 18 Jul 2012 00:00:00 GMT Historical problems 'entrenched' in troubled families Troubled families’ problems are based on generations of abuse, welfare dependency and juvenile delinquency, a new report suggests. Head of troubled families policy, Louise Casey, was charged by government to compile a report investigating the issues these families have faced. She interviewed 16 families in detail and has decided... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/historical-problems-entrenched-in-troubled-families 442,455 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/historical-problems-entrenched-in-troubled-families Wed, 18 Jul 2012 00:00:00 GMT Local authorites to be refunded for academy cuts Almost £60m is to be returned to local authorities from funding for academies, the Department for Education has confirmed. Around 30 councils threatened to seek a judicial review of the amount of money the Government had deducted to reflect the growth in academies, as the number of academies varies across the country but the funding... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/local-authorites-to-be-refunded-for-academy-cuts 453 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/local-authorites-to-be-refunded-for-academy-cuts Wed, 18 Jul 2012 00:00:00 GMT England and Wales have largest population growth on record The population of England and Wales has increased from 52.4 million to 56.1 million since 2001, the largest growth ever shown by aUKcensus. The population has grown 7.1% to 3.7 million, outstripping the figures from 1991-2001 which saw a growth of 1.6 million. On the 27 March 2011, England was recorded as having a population of 53 million... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/england-and-wales-have-largest-population-growth-on-record 441 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/england-and-wales-have-largest-population-growth-on-record Tue, 17 Jul 2012 00:00:00 GMT G4S boss to face MPs over Olympic security debacle The chief executive of G4S is due to face the MPs of the Home Affairs Select Committee after his security company were unable to supply the security guards necessary for the Olympics. The company was contracted to provide 10,000 members of staff for securing the Olympic sites for a fee of £280m. After the Government had to call in 3... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/g4s-boss-to-face-mps-over-olympic-security-debacle 436,455 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/g4s-boss-to-face-mps-over-olympic-security-debacle Tue, 17 Jul 2012 00:00:00 GMT UKBA and Border Force need faster progress - NAO Key projects are behind schedule and over budget at the UK Border Agency and Border Force, new analysis suggests. The National Audit Office (NAO) has praised the UK Border Agency (UKBA) and Border Force (BF) for cutting costs and improving performance since 2010, but stresses that the agencies’ progress has been hampered by unclear... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/ukba-and-border-force-need-faster-progress-nao 440 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/ukba-and-border-force-need-faster-progress-nao Tue, 17 Jul 2012 00:00:00 GMT 'Squeeze almost over' for UK economy - Item Club TheUKeconomy could soon return to growth, a new report has suggested. The Ernst & Young Item Club’s latest quarterly forecast reports that inflation rate is set to fall to 1.7% by the end of the year with overall growth remaining flat for the remainder of 2012. However, the economy is forecast to grow by 1.6% in 2013 and... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/squeeze-almost-over-for-uk-economy--item-club 433 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/squeeze-almost-over-for-uk-economy--item-club Mon, 16 Jul 2012 00:00:00 GMT Coalition announces £9bn investment in rail Over £9bn investment in the railways is to be announced by the Coalition, in a demonstration of unity following Tory rebellion over House of Lords reform. Prime Minister David Cameron and Deputy PM Nick Clegg are to outline a series of investments to take place between 2014 and 2019, with £5bn to complete current schemes such... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/coalition-announces-9bn-investment-in-rail- 433,455 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/coalition-announces-9bn-investment-in-rail- Mon, 16 Jul 2012 00:00:00 GMT Free access to British research in publishing shake-up Taxpayer-funded research will be freely available for anyone to access online, the Government is set to announce in a major reform of academic publishing. Universities and science minister David Willets will outline the plans today, with the transition to be complete by 2014. Journal publishers currently make large profits by locking... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/free-access-to-british-research-in-publishing-shake-up- 453 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/free-access-to-british-research-in-publishing-shake-up- Mon, 16 Jul 2012 00:00:00 GMT Over 100,000 jobs at risk from regional pay - nef Local pay for the public sector could cost jobs and billions of pounds, a new report suggests. Research by the New Economics Foundation (nef) indicates that the best case scenario would see 11,000 jobs created at a cost of £2.7bn to the taxpayer, but the worst case would be a fall in job numbers by 110,000 acrossEnglandandWales... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/over-100000-jobs-at-risk-from-regional-pay--nef 434 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/over-100000-jobs-at-risk-from-regional-pay--nef Mon, 16 Jul 2012 00:00:00 GMT Faster justice proposed in white paper on crime New criminal justice plans could see justice delivered more quickly, with flexible court hours, more video links and tougher community-based judgments. The police minister Nick Herbert has published a white paper on the proposals and calls for neighbourhood justice panels to be implemented, allowing local people to decide how offenders... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/faster-justice-proposed-in-white-paper-on-crime 454,455 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/faster-justice-proposed-in-white-paper-on-crime Fri, 13 Jul 2012 00:00:00 GMT Next tranche of 102 free schools approved 102 more free schools have been approved to open in England next year. The first 24 opened last September and around 50 more are expected to open this year. The schools are set up by groups, including charities, teachers, parents and religious bodies. The Government states that they will bring parents choice and drive standards up, but... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/next-tranche-of-102-free-schools-approved 453 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/next-tranche-of-102-free-schools-approved Fri, 13 Jul 2012 00:00:00 GMT SEAP programme launched in Liverpool to create 128,000 jobs Liverpool City Council has launched a regional Sustainable Energy Action Plan (SEAP) as a coordinated programme for a low carbon economy. In partnership with six local authorities and Arup, the council secured funding from the Department for Communities and Local Government through the Climate Change Skills Fund. The plans could... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/seap-programme-launched-in-liverpool-to-create-128000-jobs 437 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/seap-programme-launched-in-liverpool-to-create-128000-jobs Fri, 13 Jul 2012 00:00:00 GMT 'One more try' for Lords reform - Cameron David Cameron is to look at watering down the extent of House of Lords reforms as part of a last push to get Conservative rebels to agree to changes. Sir George Young, Leader of the House of Commons, is set to reveal the updated plans later today, which could see the expulsion of the remaining 92 hereditary peers and a similar number to... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/one-more-try-for-lords-reform--cameron 436 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/one-more-try-for-lords-reform--cameron Thu, 12 Jul 2012 00:00:00 GMT City regions for Cardiff and Swansea recommended A city region approach should be implemented in Wales, with two areas identified in the south-east and Swansea, a new report recommends. The City Regions Task and Finish Group has called for the creation of Cardiff City Region and Swansea Bay City Region to drive economic growth and deliver more jobs in Wales. These areas would... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/city-regions-for-cardiff-and-swansea-recommended 433 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/city-regions-for-cardiff-and-swansea-recommended Thu, 12 Jul 2012 00:00:00 GMT Top and bottom cities today same as in 1901 The long-term economic wellbeing of cities is dependent on investment in citizens’ skills and professional qualifications, new research suggests. The Centre for Cities think tank found that the places with the highest numbers of well-trained and educated residents in 1901 are among the best performing places today and vice... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/top-and-bottom-cities-today-same-as-in-1901 455,434 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/top-and-bottom-cities-today-same-as-in-1901 Thu, 12 Jul 2012 00:00:00 GMT Disabled most affected by introduction of universal credit Benefit reforms will unfairly disadvantage disabled people, a group of charities has claimed in a new report. ‘Disability and Universal Credit’ was compiled by Disability Rights UK, the Children’s Society and Citizens Advice to show how the combined effect of the changes to benefits could push many families below the... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/disabled-most-affected-by-introduction-of-universal-credit 445 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/disabled-most-affected-by-introduction-of-universal-credit Wed, 11 Jul 2012 00:00:00 GMT Lords bill is 'a dead duck' following Tory rebellion Reform of the House of Lords has been halted – for now – after 91 Conservative MPs rebelled against the Government and a three-line whip. Yesterday the Government was forced to withdraw its programme motion, which aimed to limit the debate to ten days, as Labour made it clear it would vote with the rebels against the timetable... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/lords-bill-is-a-dead-duck-following-tory-rebellion 436,455 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/lords-bill-is-a-dead-duck-following-tory-rebellion Wed, 11 Jul 2012 00:00:00 GMT Technology Strategy Board £250m innovation investment published UK businesses have been given a clearer view on Government investment in 12 key areas, as information is published on investment through the Technology Strategy Board. Up to £250m will be available through around 60 competitions in areas such as healthcare, energy, transport and manufacturing. The TSB Delivery Plan also... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/technology-strategy-board-250m-innovation-investment-published 438 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/technology-strategy-board-250m-innovation-investment-published Wed, 11 Jul 2012 00:00:00 GMT Cost of family living rises by a third over recession A family with two children needs to earn £36,800 – a third more than before the recession – to have an acceptable standard of living, new research shows. The Joseph Rowntree Foundation has published a report highlighting the growing cost of childcare and travel, alongside cuts to tax credits, as hitting families hardest.... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/cost-of-family-living-rises-by-a-third-over-recession 442 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/cost-of-family-living-rises-by-a-third-over-recession Tue, 10 Jul 2012 00:00:00 GMT Crucial vote on Lords reform could destabilise Coalition The Coalition Government could face its first defeat in the House of Commons later today as House of Lords reform is put to the vote. Up to 100 Tory backbenchers are thought to be prepared to vote against the Government’s ten-day timetable motion, which would limit the time for debate on the bill in the Commons. This could delay the... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/crucial-vote-on-lords-reform-could-destabilise-coalition- 436 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/crucial-vote-on-lords-reform-could-destabilise-coalition- Tue, 10 Jul 2012 00:00:00 GMT NSMC becomes non-profit social enterprise The National Social Marketing Centre (NSMC) has officially launched as a non-profit social enterprise, established to serve a community interest. Any surplus generated will be invested back into the community. The centre works to improve the effectiveness of behaviour change programmes and has recently launched an accredited Level 4... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/nsmc-becomes-non-profit-social-enterprise 438 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/nsmc-becomes-non-profit-social-enterprise Tue, 10 Jul 2012 00:00:00 GMT Pickles unveils new council audit regime The Government has unveiled new legislation that will overhaul the local government audit system inEngland. Communities secretary Eric Pickles says the new auditing regime – which has been talked about since the very first days of the Coalition – will save £650m over the next five years. The legislation shifts... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/pickles-unveils-new-council-audit-regime 435,455 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/pickles-unveils-new-council-audit-regime Tue, 10 Jul 2012 00:00:00 GMT Deficit £4.4bn lower due to departmental underspends Government departments cut spending by £6.7bn more than they had planned to in the year to March, official Treasury data demonstrates. The planned reduction in spending was £4.4bn, but spending was actually down by £11bn compared to 2010-11. According to analysis by the Institute for Fiscal Studies (IFS), only... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/government-deficit-44bn-lower-due-to-underspends 436,455 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/government-deficit-44bn-lower-due-to-underspends Mon, 09 Jul 2012 00:00:00 GMT Lords reform set to face up to 100 Tory rebels The two-day debate on House of Lords reform begins today, with the Government facing a backbench Tory rebellion over the plans to create a smaller, mostly elected second chamber of Parliament. MPs are due to vote on a timetable for the Bill tomorrow, with Labour expected to oppose the programme motion. The Government is seeking to limit... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/lords-reform-set-to-face-up-to-100-tory-rebels 436 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/lords-reform-set-to-face-up-to-100-tory-rebels Mon, 09 Jul 2012 00:00:00 GMT Number of fatally injured workers 'largely unchanged' - HSE The long-term downwards trend in the number of deaths at work has stalled over the last two years, data from the Health and Safety Executive shows. The rate of fatal injury remains the same as the previous year, at 0.6 per 100,000 workers. In 2011/12 there were 173 deaths caused by fatal injury, two less than in 2010/11. 2009/10 was a... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/number-of-fatally-injured-workers-largely-unchanged--hse 435 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/number-of-fatally-injured-workers-largely-unchanged--hse Mon, 09 Jul 2012 00:00:00 GMT 11-year-olds to sit national grammar test from 2013 A national grammar and spelling test will be introduced in primary schools to improve pupils’ literacy levels, the Department for Education has confirmed. The exam would form part of the Sats tests and will cover vocabulary, spelling, grammar and punctuation. Pupils will be expected to recognise the difference between formal and... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/11-year-olds-to-sit-national-grammar-test-from-2013 453 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/11-year-olds-to-sit-national-grammar-test-from-2013 Fri, 06 Jul 2012 00:00:00 GMT Government continues to agree new PFI contracts PFI could ultimately cost £300bn, a new analysis of Government figures and contracts suggests. The Guardian evaluated contracts sanctioned by the Treasury and found that repayments will grow to £10bn per year by 2017/18. The Coalition Government is still agreeing new PFI deals, despite publicly criticising Labour for its... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/government-continues-to-agree-new-pfi-contracts 433,455 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/government-continues-to-agree-new-pfi-contracts Fri, 06 Jul 2012 00:00:00 GMT Housing targets could be missed by 85,000 The Government could miss its housing target by 85,000 homes, the latest forecast of housing delivery figures suggest. The third annual Housing the Nation report warns that this could mean less than 100,000 new homes built in 2012. Local authorities have reduced their target to around 160,000 new homes per year, a reduction of 13% from... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/housing-targets-could-be-missed-by-85000 441 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/housing-targets-could-be-missed-by-85000 Fri, 06 Jul 2012 00:00:00 GMT 20,000 army posts to go under budget cuts Army cuts could see 20,000 jobs disappearing over the next two years – many through compulsory redundancy. Defence secretary Philip Hammond is expected to confirm today the closure of five battalions, with others to be merged. The new structure will see the army with a reduced strength of 82,000 – half the amount it had... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/20000-army-posts-to-go-under-budget-cuts 433 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/20000-army-posts-to-go-under-budget-cuts Thu, 05 Jul 2012 00:00:00 GMT Ageing population could impact public services The impact of an ageing population on public services is being considered today as the House of Lords Committee on Public Service and Demographic Change holds an evidence session with the ONS and population academics. The Committee is investigating the challenges theUK’s ageing population will pose to public service provision and... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/Ageing-population-could-impact-public-services 445 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/Ageing-population-could-impact-public-services Thu, 05 Jul 2012 00:00:00 GMT City Deals will see budgets devolved from Whitehall Eight cities are to receive extra powers over transport, infrastructure and education budgets, as they sign up to new ‘City Deals’. Birmingham, Bristol, Leeds, Liverpool, Newcastle, Nottingham, Sheffield and Manchester have been negotiating the deals with cities minister Greg Clark and Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg for the... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/city-deals-will-see-budgets-devolved-from-whitehall 436 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/city-deals-will-see-budgets-devolved-from-whitehall Thu, 05 Jul 2012 00:00:00 GMT 'Irregular' payments to staff at RDA as it wound down The National Audit Office has criticised “irregular” payments totalling £51,000 given to staff at the East of England Development Agency (EEDA) as it wound down. Is February 2011, BIS approved retention payments worth up to 12 months’ salary for nominated key staff in each RDA who would be critical to ensuring... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/Irregular-payments-to-staff-at-RDA-as-it-wound-down 435 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/Irregular-payments-to-staff-at-RDA-as-it-wound-down Wed, 04 Jul 2012 00:00:00 GMT Government push on employee ownership Deputy PM Nick Clegg has announced a new Institute for Employee Ownership to make it easier for people to run their own business. Clegg said he wants employee ownership to become ‘normal’ and told a summit in London that he is keen to see a culture shift that will help people become their own boss. He said: “If we... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/government-push-on-employee-ownership 433,455 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/government-push-on-employee-ownership Wed, 04 Jul 2012 00:00:00 GMT Party leaders argue over banking inquiry David Cameron and Ed Miliband have clashed at PMQs about a proposed inquiry into culture and standards of the banking industry in the wake of the Barclays scandal and Bob Diamond’s resignation. Cameron wants a short and sharp Parliamentary inquiry, led by Treasury select committee chairman and Tory MP Andrew Tyrie, while Labour is... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/Party-leaders-argue-over-banking-inquiry 435 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/Party-leaders-argue-over-banking-inquiry Wed, 04 Jul 2012 00:00:00 GMT Better use of public data could save billions - Policy Exchange Up to £33bn a year could be saved in the public sector by making better use of citizen data, a new report suggests. The think tank Policy Exchange calls for government departments to utilise data from sources such as applications for driving licences, tax returns and social media. ‘The Big Data Opportunity’... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/better-use-of-public-data-could-save-billions-policy-exchange 439,455 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/better-use-of-public-data-could-save-billions-policy-exchange Tue, 03 Jul 2012 00:00:00 GMT Joint management team to save councils £1.2m Mid Suffolk and Babergh councils have created a joint management team, in a bid to save £1.2m a year. Management teams have been cut at both councils. The number of management posts has been reduced from 81 to 46 in the new joint team. Some services are being integrated although the councils remain separate legal entities. Residents... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/Joint-management-team-to-save-councils-£12m 440 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/Joint-management-team-to-save-councils-£12m Tue, 03 Jul 2012 00:00:00 GMT MPs call for exam system reform for falling standards England’s exams system is in need of “fundamental reform” to stop the “dumbing down” of courses, MPs have argued. The education committee suggests exam boards currently compete to offer the easiest tests to make schools look good in local league tables. The MPs say they should be stripped of the right to set... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/MPs-call-for-exam-system-reform-for-falling-standards 453 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/MPs-call-for-exam-system-reform-for-falling-standards Tue, 03 Jul 2012 00:00:00 GMT Bi-borough chief executive voted best in country The joint chief executive of Hammersmith & Fulham and Kensington & Chelsea councils has been named the country’s ‘most impressive council chief executive’. Derek Myers was voted top by other council chief executives and leaders in an Ipsos MORI poll. Myers has been chief executive of both boroughs since... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/Bi-borough-chief-executive-voted-best-in-country- 438 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/Bi-borough-chief-executive-voted-best-in-country- Mon, 02 Jul 2012 00:00:00 GMT Career talks boost pupils' employment prospects A new scheme is being launched by Deputy PM Nick Clegg to encourage workers to volunteer to give careers talks to pupils in state schools, which has been found to improve pupils’ future earnings. The organisers aim to recruit 100,000 volunteers for the scheme, which helps state schools match those in the independent sector, where... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/Career-talks-boost-pupils-employment-prospects 434 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/Career-talks-boost-pupils-employment-prospects Mon, 02 Jul 2012 00:00:00 GMT Drink-driving consultation to open in Scotland Scotlandis set to receive new responsibility for drink-driving, the national speed limit and airguns as powers are transferred fromWestminsterto Holyrood this week. Under the recently-passed 2012 Scotland Act, the Scottish Government also gains more responsibility over the rate of income tax, landfill taxes and new borrowing... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/Drink-driving-consultation-to-open-in-Scotland 436 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/Drink-driving-consultation-to-open-in-Scotland Mon, 02 Jul 2012 00:00:00 GMT Police fear impact of cuts on response to new riots Police officers think riots could easily reoccur this summer as nothing fundamental has changed since last August.  Many officers have serious concerns about their ability to manage such disorder, after cuts to the police numbers and budgets. The ‘Reading the Riots’ study, compiled by the Guardian and the London... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/Police-fear-impact-of-cuts-on-response-to-new-riots 454,455 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/Police-fear-impact-of-cuts-on-response-to-new-riots Mon, 02 Jul 2012 00:00:00 GMT 'Be pushy,' Pickles urges local government Communities secretary Eric Pickles called for local government leaders to act now to promote localism as he introduced new measures to increase their transparency. Councils will now be required to declare all donations and payments they receive from trade unions, he announced in his keynote address at the Local Government Association... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/Be-pushy-Pickles-urges-local-government 436 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/Be-pushy-Pickles-urges-local-government Fri, 29 Jun 2012 00:00:00 GMT 'Reductive' primary curriculum criticised The plans to introduce a national primary school grammar test will “impoverish” teaching, the National Association for Teaching of English has argued. The Government wants higher standards for pupils and is proposing a more rigorous approach with a key focus on grammar, spelling and punctuation. The national test for grammar... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/Reductive-primary-curriculum-criticised 453 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/Reductive-primary-curriculum-criticised Fri, 29 Jun 2012 00:00:00 GMT Police forces consider outsourcing deal Police from three counties in the East of England are investigating outsourcing services to tackle a £73m funding gap, it has emerged. Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire and Hertfordshire are considering using the private security company G4S to provide HR, finance and IT services. The move could affect 1,100 staff and save each force... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/Police-forces-consider-outsourcing-deal 440 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/Police-forces-consider-outsourcing-deal Fri, 29 Jun 2012 00:00:00 GMT Council leader under police investigation quits LGA role Leicestershire County Council leader David Parsons has stepped down from his LGA role and police have launched an investigation into his travel expenses. A police spokeswoman told the Leicester Mercury that officers are investigating allegations of financial irregularities relating to Cllr Parsons’Europetrips. He was censured... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/Council-leader-under-police-investigation-quits-LGA-role 435 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/Council-leader-under-police-investigation-quits-LGA-role Thu, 28 Jun 2012 00:00:00 GMT Government has 'compromised' localism and growth agendas Birmingham City Council’s chief executive spoke out strongly at the LGA conference yesterday against the Government allowing local authorities to keep only half of business rates income. At a session on local government finance, addressed by the Department for Communities & Local Government’s director of local government... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/government-has-compromised-localism-and-growth-agendas-stephen-hughes 440,455 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/government-has-compromised-localism-and-growth-agendas-stephen-hughes Thu, 28 Jun 2012 00:00:00 GMT Wasteful MoD storing useless equipment - NAO The MoD is spending billions on keeping spares for equipment and vehicles it no longer uses and on other unnecessary supplies, according to a National Audit Office investigation. The NAO said that among the stockpiles is a 54-year-old supply of bombing equipment for an old model of Nimrod aircraft out of service since 2010. The... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/wasteful-mod-storing-useless-equipment--nao 435,455 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/wasteful-mod-storing-useless-equipment--nao Thu, 28 Jun 2012 00:00:00 GMT CSE's plan could be scrapped, Gove suggests Gove has hinted at dropping the CSE-style exam from his reforms for the exam system, following significant opposition to the plans. Proposals to abolish GCSE’s and reinstate O Levels and CSE exams were criticised by many for segregating less academic children at an early age and Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg said they would lead... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/CSEs-plan-could-be-scrapped-Gove-suggests 453 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/CSEs-plan-could-be-scrapped-Gove-suggests Wed, 27 Jun 2012 00:00:00 GMT Faster help for young unemployed in 20 worst areas Extra support is to be announced for young people in the worst areas for employment, as part of the introduction of the Youth Contract scheme. Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg will reveal 20 areas across the north ofEngland,Scotlandand southWaleswhich will benefit from faster introduction of the programme. The areas have been calculated... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/Faster-help-for-young-unemployed-in-20-worst-areas 434 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/Faster-help-for-young-unemployed-in-20-worst-areas Wed, 27 Jun 2012 00:00:00 GMT Lords reform faces Tory rebels as bill is published The Lords reform bill has been endorsed by the Cabinet and is due to be published today, whilst Tory rebels prepare to oppose the legislation. The revised 60-clause bill proposes a 450 member, mainly elected second chamber, to be named the Senate. The Government stated there is strong support for the measures and there was no need for a... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/Lords-reform-faces-Tory-rebels-as-bill-is-published 436,455 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/Lords-reform-faces-Tory-rebels-as-bill-is-published Wed, 27 Jun 2012 00:00:00 GMT £16.5bn shortfall could see council services disappear - LGA Many council services could disappear by 2020, due to a £16.5bn nationwide funding shortfall, the LGA has predicted. Popular services such as public libraries and leisure centres could close unless councils receive an “immediate injection of money” to cope with spiralling demand in social care especially. The... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/£165bn-shortfall-could-see-council-services-disappear---LGA 440 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/£165bn-shortfall-could-see-council-services-disappear---LGA Tue, 26 Jun 2012 00:00:00 GMT Mutuals missing Government targets While the number of public sector mutuals has risen from nine to over 50, it still falls short of Government targets. A new report, commissioned by the Cabinet Office, has analysed the mutuals that have been set up since 2010. The Government aims to have a million public sector workers owning their own mutuals by 2015, but so far only... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/Mutuals-missing-Government-targets 440 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/Mutuals-missing-Government-targets Tue, 26 Jun 2012 00:00:00 GMT Public borrowing at £17.9bn - ONS Public borrowing rose to £17.9bn in May, up from £15.2bn in the same month last year, according to figures from the ONS. Statistics suggest a 7.3% fall in income tax receipts and an 11.7% jump in welfare benefits contributed to the larger than expected total. Chancellor George Osborne is aiming to cut total borrowing in... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/Public-borrowing-at-£179bn---ONS 433 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/Public-borrowing-at-£179bn---ONS Tue, 26 Jun 2012 00:00:00 GMT Scotland stronger as part of UK - Darling Independence for Scotland could lead to uncertainty for the next generation, Alistair Darling is set to say as he launches the ‘No’ campaign today in Edinburgh. The ‘Yes’ campaign for Scottish independence launched last month. The former chancellor will lead the ‘Better Together’ campaign, which... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/scotland-stronger-as-part-of-uk--darling 436 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/scotland-stronger-as-part-of-uk--darling Tue, 26 Jun 2012 00:00:00 GMT Cameron calls for changes to 'welfare gap' In a controversial speech on welfare, Prime Minister David Cameron is to suggest moves that restrict or cut benefits for the under-25s, large families and the unemployed. He will assert that the current system is causing deep social divisions and will call for a wider debate on the best ways to get people back into work. Many of his ideas... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/Cameron-calls-for-changes-to-welfare-gap 445 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/Cameron-calls-for-changes-to-welfare-gap Mon, 25 Jun 2012 00:00:00 GMT HMRC staff strike against job cuts HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) staff are going on strike over job cuts and “creeping privatisation”, the union PCS has announced. The staff are protesting against plans to cut 10,000 posts at HMRC by 2014/15. Union members are also opposed to year-long trials using private companies to handle tax credit enquiries at two centres... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/HMRC-staff-strike-against-job-cuts 434 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/HMRC-staff-strike-against-job-cuts Mon, 25 Jun 2012 00:00:00 GMT Gove's GCSE plan a 'two-tiered system' - Clegg The Liberal Democrats have vowed to block leaked proposals to scrap GCSEs, stating that the reintroduction of O-Levels and CSEs would create a “two-tiered system”. Senior Conservative MPs and teaching unions have also criticised education secretary Michael Gove’s plans. The proposals, leaked to the Daily Mail on... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/Goves-GCSE-plan-a-two-tiered-system---Clegg 453 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/Goves-GCSE-plan-a-two-tiered-system---Clegg Fri, 22 Jun 2012 00:00:00 GMT MSPs call for public sector cultural change There needs to be a “cultural change” in some parts of the public sector for different bodies to work together and deliver effective services, MSPs suggest in a new report. The Local Government and Regeneration Committee has published a report on community planning partnerships (CPPs), which consist of local councils, health... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/MSPs-call-for-public-sector-cultural-change 436 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/MSPs-call-for-public-sector-cultural-change Fri, 22 Jun 2012 00:00:00 GMT Private firms could take over crime investigation The majority of police services will be privatised within the next five years, the world’s biggest security firm has predicted West Midlands and Surrey police are currently discussing outsourcing policing activities such as investigating crimes, detaining suspects, supporting victims and providing legal services in a £1.5bn... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/Private-firms-could-take-over-crime-investigation 454 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/Private-firms-could-take-over-crime-investigation Fri, 22 Jun 2012 00:00:00 GMT Nine-year low for public sector employment Jobs in the public sector are at a nine-year low, statistics from the ONS suggest, but the private sector could compensate for the increase in unemployment. The number fell by 39,000 between February and April this year to 5.9 million, the lowest total since March 2003. Ministers have a deliberate policy to promote private sector... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/Nine-year-low-for-public-sector-employment 433 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/Nine-year-low-for-public-sector-employment Thu, 21 Jun 2012 00:00:00 GMT Nine-year low for public sector employment Jobs in the public sector are at a nine-year low, statistics from the ONS suggest, but the private sector could compensate for the increase in unemployment. The number fell by 39,000 between February and April this year to 5.9 million, the lowest total since March 2003. Ministers have a deliberate policy to promote private sector... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/Nine-year-low-for-public-sector-employment 433 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/Nine-year-low-for-public-sector-employment Thu, 21 Jun 2012 00:00:00 GMT Return to O-levels as GCSEs 'beyond rescue' - Gove The school system could be completely overhauled, with a return to O-level style exams, scrapping the national curriculum at secondary schools and creating a single exam board proposed. The changes, planned by education secretary Michael Gove, were revealed in a leaked document seen by the Daily Mail. Sources suggest Gove believes GCSEs... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/Return-to-O-levels-as-GCSEs-beyond-rescue---Gove 453 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/Return-to-O-levels-as-GCSEs-beyond-rescue---Gove Thu, 21 Jun 2012 00:00:00 GMT Companies to publish greenhouse emissions UK public companies will be required to publish details of the greenhouse gases they produce from next year, Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg has revealed. Writing in the Guardian, Clegg stated that 1,800 companies in the FTSE-100, including Tesco and BP, must publish the full figures from next April. The scheme aims to encourage... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/Companies-to-publish-greenhouse-emissions 437 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/Companies-to-publish-greenhouse-emissions Wed, 20 Jun 2012 00:00:00 GMT Public sector image damaging recruitment Public sector organisations are struggling to recruit and retain senior staff as the impact of the cuts is felt. A survey conducted by the CIPD and recruiting group Hays showed that of 500 employers questioned, 82% reported difficulties in filling at least some vacancies, which has increased since the 2011 survey. 43% of public... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/Public-sector-image-damaging-recruitment 434 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/Public-sector-image-damaging-recruitment Wed, 20 Jun 2012 00:00:00 GMT Unemployment falls to 2.61 million UK unemployment fell by 51,000 to 2.61 million in the three months to April, figures from the ONS show. However, other statistics show a mixed picture on the state of the economy, with the claimant count and number of people in long-term unemployment increasing. In May, the number of people claiming Jobseeker’s Allowance increased... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/Unemployment-falls-to-261-million 433 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/Unemployment-falls-to-261-million Wed, 20 Jun 2012 00:00:00 GMT Government announces new PSN network 29 suppliers have been selected on the new PSN framework for Government IT services, the Cabinet Office has announced. The services available include CCTV and physical security monitoring, video and teleconferencing systems, mobile services and secure gateways. The PSN is intended to provide a single logical network and marketplace for... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/Government-announces-new-PSN-network 439 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/Government-announces-new-PSN-network Tue, 19 Jun 2012 00:00:00 GMT Public sector strikes possible over pay freeze The leader of Unison is to warn of possible strike action over public sector pay at the union’s annual conference in Bournemouth. Dave Prentis is launching a fair pay campaign, as it suggests many of its members are finding money a main concern. A two-year pay freeze was announced in the 2010 Budget, with those earning £21,000... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/Public-sector-strikes-possible-over-pay-freeze 434 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/Public-sector-strikes-possible-over-pay-freeze Tue, 19 Jun 2012 00:00:00 GMT Youth unemployment response criticised Government response to youth unemployment is “fragmented” and “insufficient”, a new report suggests. The Work Foundation is calling for the creation of a national youth unemployment unit to join up policy at a national level. The report, ‘Short tem crisis, long term problem: Addressing the youth unemployment... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/Youth-unemployment-response-criticised 433 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/Youth-unemployment-response-criticised Tue, 19 Jun 2012 00:00:00 GMT £480,000 for Anglesey nuclear project Extra funding will be available for the new nuclear build at Anglesey, energy minister Charles Hendry has announced. £480,000 extra funding has been provided for the Anglesey Energy Island (EIP) programme by the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority (NDA). The EIP is a collective effort between the public and private sectors to drive... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/£480000-for-Anglesey-nuclear-project 437 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/£480000-for-Anglesey-nuclear-project Mon, 18 Jun 2012 00:00:00 GMT Care homes must protect elderly - Commission A “major cultural shift” is necessary to improve quality of care for the elderly, the final report by a commission into dignity suggests. The Commission on Improving Dignity in Care for Older People has made a number of recommendations to tackle the underlying causes of poor care. These include the Government working to... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/Care-homes-must-protect-elderly---Commission 445 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/Care-homes-must-protect-elderly---Commission Mon, 18 Jun 2012 00:00:00 GMT Child protection system 'failing' - MPs The children’s home system inEnglandis “not fit for purpose” for those who go missing, an investigation by MPs has found. The report suggests the system fails to protect runaways and criticises care homes for placing children far away from their family and friends. 46% of children in care homes originally come from... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/Child-protection-system-failing---MPs 442 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/Child-protection-system-failing---MPs Mon, 18 Jun 2012 00:00:00 GMT No compensation for workers who strike Low-paid workers who go on strike will no longer be able to recoup some of the money they lose via the tax credits system. Currently, those earning up to £13,000 a year can claim working tax credits to top up their income, even if they take industrial action. From next year there will be no increase in benefits if a... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/no-compensation-for-workers-who-strike 455,445 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/no-compensation-for-workers-who-strike Mon, 18 Jun 2012 00:00:00 GMT Banks receive £140bn to offer loans A £140bn emergency scheme has been launched to kick start the economy and protect banks from the Eurozone crisis. Chancellor George Osborne announced that the Bank of England will offer high street banks money to prevent loans being rationed. Banks will be allowed to temporarily swap their assets with the Bank of England in return... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/Banks-receive-£140bn-to-offer-loans 433 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/Banks-receive-£140bn-to-offer-loans Fri, 15 Jun 2012 00:00:00 GMT Government proposes higher driving fines Fixed penalty notice fines for motorists could rise from £60 to £90, the Government has proposed. A consultation on the changes is now open to the public. The document suggests that fines of £60 could create the perception that an offence is minor. “If the FPN [fixed penalty notice] is set at a level lower... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/Government-proposes-higher-driving-fines 436 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/Government-proposes-higher-driving-fines Fri, 15 Jun 2012 00:00:00 GMT Only 16% of civil servants keen on mutual model The majority of civil servants are unenthusiastic about forming mutuals, a new survey has demonstrated. This is despite Cabinet Office minister Francis Maude’s assurances that it would make services more efficient and empower employees. The first mutualised company to be spun off fromWhitehallwas launched last month, with... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/Only-16-of-civil-servants-keen-on-mutual-model 440 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/Only-16-of-civil-servants-keen-on-mutual-model Fri, 15 Jun 2012 00:00:00 GMT £1.89bn loss for social care funding revealed Cuts to council funding have led to social care budgets losing £1.89bn over the past two years, a new survey suggests. Conducted by the Association of Directors of Adult Social Services (Adass), the survey showed a £900m reduction in budgets for social care this year. Combined with last year’s results, the cumulative... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/£189bn-loss-for-social-care-funding-revealed 445 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/£189bn-loss-for-social-care-funding-revealed Thu, 14 Jun 2012 00:00:00 GMT Government to 'broaden' definition of poverty Child poverty figures fell by 2% last year, but the definition of ‘in poverty’ has been moved, it has been revealed. In 2010/11, 18% of children lived in households classed as below the poverty line; 300,000 less than the previous year. However the level of household income which defines ‘in poverty’ (60% of median... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/Government-to-broaden-definition-of-poverty 442 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/Government-to-broaden-definition-of-poverty Thu, 14 Jun 2012 00:00:00 GMT Scotland must learn lessons from public sector mergers The actual savings of public sector mergers in Scotland are lower than initially predicted, a new analysis suggests. Audit Scotland is calling for lessons to be learned before new mergers take place. Over the past five years, 18 Scottish public bodies have merged as part of the Government’s simplification programme. The... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/Scotland-must-learn-lessons-from-public-sector-mergers 440 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/Scotland-must-learn-lessons-from-public-sector-mergers Thu, 14 Jun 2012 00:00:00 GMT Education reform 'overly prescriptive' Michael Gove’s proposed education reforms for the national curriculum have been criticised by one of the experts originally involved in drawing them up. Andrew Pollard was one of four academics on an expert panel that drew up the stages. Pollard drew up the framework intended to shape the new curriculum, which was published last... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/Education-reform-overly-prescriptive 453 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/Education-reform-overly-prescriptive Wed, 13 Jun 2012 00:00:00 GMT Government consultations must give more time Some policy consultations between central and local government are “rushed”, the National Audit Office has reported. Communication between the two bodies is generally good, but organisational differences can lead to challenges, the report stated. Central government must consider the operational experience of councils when... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/Government-consultations-must-give-more-time 436 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/Government-consultations-must-give-more-time Wed, 13 Jun 2012 00:00:00 GMT Older workers double in last 20 years - ONS The number of people working past the state pension age has nearly doubled in the past 20 years, a new report from the ONS shows. In 1993 there were 753,000 people working past the state pension age, compared to 1.4 million in 2011. A high proportion of these workers are self-employed and are twice as likely to be working part time than... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/Older-workers-double-in-last-20-years---ONS 434 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/Older-workers-double-in-last-20-years---ONS Wed, 13 Jun 2012 00:00:00 GMT £24m for future city to integrate systems Cities are being invited to compete for £24m to become the ‘city of tomorrow’, integrating transport, communications and other city infrastructure to improve the local economy, increase quality of life and reduce the impact on the environment. The Future Cities Demonstrator programme is offering 20 cities £50,000... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/£24m-for-future-city-to-integrate-systems 438 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/£24m-for-future-city-to-integrate-systems Tue, 12 Jun 2012 00:00:00 GMT Green Deal insulation projects to plummet The number of loft insulations under the Green Deal is set to fall dramatically, the Government’s impact assessment suggests. The policy aimed to transform energy efficiency in 14 million homes and create 65,000 jobs, but the number of loft insulations will fall by 83% by 2013, figures show. The number of cavity wall installations... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/Green-Deal-insulation-projects-to-plummet 437 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/Green-Deal-insulation-projects-to-plummet Tue, 12 Jun 2012 00:00:00 GMT Olympic Route Network details published Transport for London (TfL) has set out detailed plans for the road network during the Olympics Games, and is warning motorists that central London and roads near Olympics venues will be virtual no-go areas due to the expected amount of congestion. The Olympic Route Network (ORN) will begin operation on July 25. A 109-mile network, the ORN... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/olympic-route-network-details-published 440 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/olympic-route-network-details-published Tue, 12 Jun 2012 00:00:00 GMT Apprenticeships review to be led by Doug Richard Doug Richard, founder of School for Startups and an entrepreneur, is to lead an independent review into the future of apprenticeships for the Government. This will ensure apprenticeships meet the needs of a changing economy, deliver high quality training and maximise the impact of Government investment. Richard will identify current... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/Apprenticeships-review-to-be-led-by-Doug-Richard 434 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/Apprenticeships-review-to-be-led-by-Doug-Richard Mon, 11 Jun 2012 00:00:00 GMT Councils to fund troubled families programme Every eligible council has agreed to join the Government’s troubled families scheme, which financially incentivises them to reduce benefit dependency and truanting among the hardest-to-reach households. The Government says the 120,000 families being targeted cost the taxpayer £9bn per year and cause significant social problems... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/Councils-to-fund-troubled-families-programme 442 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/Councils-to-fund-troubled-families-programme Mon, 11 Jun 2012 00:00:00 GMT Flood evacuation in Wales Heavy rainfall and flooding across mid-Wales this weekend led to the evacuation of hundreds of people from their homes. The Environment Agency has warned of the possibility of more flooding across the north of Englandthis week. In Pennal, Gwynedd, 600 people were temporarily evacuated amid fears of a reservoir dam at risk of... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/Flood-evacuation-in-Wales 437 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/Flood-evacuation-in-Wales Mon, 11 Jun 2012 00:00:00 GMT Foreign language learning to be compulsory Changes to the national curriculum could include compulsory foreign language learning from the age of seven, education secretary Michael Gove is set to announce. Children in primary schools could also be required to recite poetry from the age of five, proposals suggest. The plans will go to public consultation later this year and are... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/Foreign-language-learning-to-be-compulsory 453 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/Foreign-language-learning-to-be-compulsory Mon, 11 Jun 2012 00:00:00 GMT More criticism of no-fault dismissal idea The Charted Institute of Personnel & Development (CIPD) has joined the ranks of those criticising proposals to reform employment legislation to allow ‘no-fault’ dismissal, labelling them “objectionable and unnecessary”. In its response to the Government consultation on the issue, the CIPD says that... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/More-criticism-of-no-fault-dismissal-idea 434 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/More-criticism-of-no-fault-dismissal-idea Thu, 07 Jun 2012 00:00:00 GMT NHS cash used to 'prop up' crumbling social care system A new report suggests that much of the money transferred from the NHS to councils for social care has been used prop up existing services. The research by MHP Health Mandate, ‘An atlas of variations in social care’, says £115m of the £648m earmarked for ‘additional’ spending in 2011/12 is being used to... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/nhs-cash-used-to-prop-up-crumbling-social-care-system 442 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/nhs-cash-used-to-prop-up-crumbling-social-care-system Thu, 07 Jun 2012 00:00:00 GMT 2012 Games could mark 'historic watershed' for family life The London 2012 Olympics Games could be a “historic turning point” for UK family life, according to one charity. With just seven weeks to go until the Games, Dr Katherine Rake, CEO of the Family and Parenting Institute, said: “Flexible working is a key aspect of ensuring London and other UK cities can host events... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/2012-Games-could-mark-historic-watershed-for-family-life 438 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/2012-Games-could-mark-historic-watershed-for-family-life Wed, 06 Jun 2012 00:00:00 GMT Manufacturers condemn 'no-fault dismissal' proposal The trade body representing manufacturers has called on the Government to ignore calls for ‘no-fault dismissal’. Their position is in line with that held by business secretary Vince Cable, who has said the idea would create uncertainty for workers, leading to less spending and worse economic performance. The idea was the... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/Manufacturers-condemn-no-fault-dismissal-proposal 433 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/Manufacturers-condemn-no-fault-dismissal-proposal Wed, 06 Jun 2012 00:00:00 GMT Warsi investigated over possible breach of ministerial code Cabinet minister Lady Warsi, co-chair of the Conservative Party, has been referred to the adviser on ministers’ interests after failing to properly declare her business dealings. She has apologised to the Prime Minister after admitting that she failed to inform civil servants that she and a relative, Abid Hussain, both owned stakes... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/Warsi-investigated-over-possible-breach-of-ministerial-code 436 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/Warsi-investigated-over-possible-breach-of-ministerial-code Wed, 06 Jun 2012 00:00:00 GMT Workplace wellbeing and lessons for public sector employers Jo Swinson MP, as well as being deputy leader of the Scottish Lib Dems and PPS to Deputy PM Nick Clegg, chairs the All Party Parliamentary Group on Wellbeing Economics. She spoke to PSE after a recent event in Parliament on happy workers and business growth, which should have implications for the public sector too. Spending resources and... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/workplace-wellbeing-and-lessons-for-public-sector-employers 451,434 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/workplace-wellbeing-and-lessons-for-public-sector-employers Sat, 02 Jun 2012 00:00:00 GMT A lasting legacy Roger Taylor, director of the Host Boroughs Unit, talks to PSE about Olympic legacy. Life chances for people living within the Olympic host boroughs are significantly lower than those for people living in the rest of London, and the area represents the largest concentration of extreme deprivation in the UK. To repair this damage and... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/a-lasting-legacy 433,451 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/a-lasting-legacy Fri, 01 Jun 2012 00:00:00 GMT A new approach to public procurement Kate Ashley reports on the launch of a national strategy to improve public sector procurement. The Government has published data on £70bn of potential future contracts over the next five years, across 13 different sectors. This aims to allow Government and industry to work together to spot skills gaps early and safeguard UK... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/A-new-approach-to-public-procurement 438,446 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/A-new-approach-to-public-procurement Fri, 01 Jun 2012 00:00:00 GMT An evolving space Peter Tudor, director of venues at the London Legacy Development Corporation, discusses the plans to transform the Olympic Park following the Games. Every venue and piece of infrastructure constructed for the Olympic Park will be recycled, modified and re-used, through the planning and management of the London Legacy Development... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/an-evolving-space 433,451 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/an-evolving-space Fri, 01 Jun 2012 00:00:00 GMT Award-winning procurement Jeff Nielsen, head of the Procurement Cooperative at NHS North Central London, discusses a more entrepreneurial way of working. An NHS procurement cooperative that has saved millions of pounds for its members and won an award for its innovation could provide lessons for other parts of the public sector. The NHS North Central London... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/Award-winning-procurement 438,446 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/Award-winning-procurement Fri, 01 Jun 2012 00:00:00 GMT Breaking free from 'crazy' IT Chris Chant, the former Cabinet Office programme director for G-Cloud, who led many government IT projects during his decades in the civil service, gave a candid take on the problems with IT at many departments, the vested interests of the big suppliers, and the serious lack of skills in this area internally following years of outsourcing.... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/Breaking-free-from-crazy-IT 439,446 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/Breaking-free-from-crazy-IT Fri, 01 Jun 2012 00:00:00 GMT Concern grows over lack of new housebuilding The leading organisations in the housing sector are concerned that Government pledges are not materialising in reality. Adam Hewitt reports. The updated edition of the Housing Report shows only ‘limited progress’ on housebuillding, which is failing to tackle the country’s “dire housing crisis”. The... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/Concern-grows-over-lack-of-new-housebuilding 441,446 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/Concern-grows-over-lack-of-new-housebuilding Fri, 01 Jun 2012 00:00:00 GMT Disabled people's human rights must be factored into housing benefit John Wadham, general counsel for the Equality and Human Rights Commission, explains why it intervened in an important legal case on disability and housing benefit. The additional needs of disabled children and adults must be taken into account when their housing benefit is calculated, following an important legal ruling in the Court of... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/disabled-peoples-human-rights-must-be-factored-into-housing-benefit 442,446 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/disabled-peoples-human-rights-must-be-factored-into-housing-benefit Fri, 01 Jun 2012 00:00:00 GMT Driving a culture of fraud prevention across the whole public sector Government needs to take lessons from the private sector and look beyond big wins to tackle fraud effectively, argues CIFAS chief executive Peter Hurst. Much of the Government’s work on fraud, error and debt is coming to fruition this year. It’s important work – perhaps not the most exciting item on the... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/Driving-a-culture-of-fraud-prevention-across-the-whole-public-sector 447,454 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/Driving-a-culture-of-fraud-prevention-across-the-whole-public-sector Fri, 01 Jun 2012 00:00:00 GMT Effective and flexible resourcing models are crucial to future delivery of public services Tom Hadley, director of policy & professional services at the Recruitment & Employment Confederation (REC), discusses why it is more important than ever for the public sector to balance cost-control and quality of service when procuring for recruitment services. The 2012 Budget affirmed the Treasury’s intentions to extend... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/Effective-and-flexible-resourcing-models-are-crucial-to-future-delivery-of-public-services 447,434 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/Effective-and-flexible-resourcing-models-are-crucial-to-future-delivery-of-public-services Fri, 01 Jun 2012 00:00:00 GMT Innovate and collaborate Neville Cannon, programme director for ICT shared services at Plymouth City Council, told the Socitm conference about the importance of working with other organisations. Plymouth has its fair share of problems: a life expectancy gap of 16 years from one side of the city to the other, some problematic benchmarking against other cities... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/Innovate-and-collaborate 439,446 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/Innovate-and-collaborate Fri, 01 Jun 2012 00:00:00 GMT 'Innovation needs variety' The Manchester Institute of Innovation Research, at the University of Manchester, has been investigating ways that public sector procurement policies can foster innovation, creating positive knock-on benefits for both the supplier and customer. The work was led by Professor Jakob Edler, the institute’s executive director. Adam Hewitt... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/Innovation-needs-variety 438,446 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/Innovation-needs-variety Fri, 01 Jun 2012 00:00:00 GMT Major changed to CRC on the way Adam Hewitt reports on the Government’s response to the criticisms of rules on carbon reporting. The Government is consulting on its plans to ‘simplify’ the Carbon Reduction Commitment (CRC) Energy Efficiency Scheme, which should drastically cut administration costs for the businesses and public sector organisations that... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/Major-changed-to-CRC-on-the-way 437,446 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/Major-changed-to-CRC-on-the-way Fri, 01 Jun 2012 00:00:00 GMT Olympic links Peter Kelly, project delivery manager for the Leyton Links programme in Waltham Forest, describes improvements to the high street in a scheme that is both special and sensible. Improving access to key roads can help residents, as well as visitors, make their way around their hometown and encourage greater participation in the community.... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/Olympic-links 441,446 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/Olympic-links Fri, 01 Jun 2012 00:00:00 GMT Our schizophrenic attitude towards water Justin Taberham, director of policy at CIWEM (the Chartered Institution of Water & Environmental Management), discusses the urgent need for an integrated water management strategy. We seem to have a schizophrenic attitude towards water. When it rains we all panic about floods, trying to get rid of water ‘down the drain’ as... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/Our-schizophrenic-attitude-towards-water 447,437 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/Our-schizophrenic-attitude-towards-water Fri, 01 Jun 2012 00:00:00 GMT Paying more than you think? Take a leaf out of Defra’s book and change your approach to printing costs, says Graham Lowes of OKI Systems UK. It’s estimated that only around 2.3% of departmental spending cuts have been completed so far, against a target of 19% by April 2015. Yet, most government departments are wondering where to turn next to make the... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/Paying-more-than-you-think 439,446 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/Paying-more-than-you-think Fri, 01 Jun 2012 00:00:00 GMT Plaudits for London's new recycling centre Southwark Council leader Cllr Peter John says that recycling and waste collection technology has taken “a huge leap forward”. One of the most advanced recycling and waste centres in Europe was officially opened in Southwark in April. The £60m facility is operated by Veolia Environmental Services with Southwark... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/Plaudits-for-Londons-new-recycling-centre 446,444 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/Plaudits-for-Londons-new-recycling-centre Fri, 01 Jun 2012 00:00:00 GMT Redeployment, not redundancy In the March/April edition of PSE, we covered the CIPD’s report into trust at public and private sector organisations, and the high praise it gave to the way Sunderland City Council has handled budget cuts without resorting to redundancies. We asked Sunderland’s head of organisational development and workforce development Dave... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/redeployment-not-redundancy 446,434 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/redeployment-not-redundancy Fri, 01 Jun 2012 00:00:00 GMT Safeguarding Success Public to private sector streamlining The key to success during the streamlining of public sector organisations is to avoid enforcing abrupt change and to enable cultural and structural shift, argues Andrew Harvey, chairman of the Chartered Institute of Marketing. He discusses the challenges of privatisation, and provides his insights... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/Safeguarding-Success 447,440 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/Safeguarding-Success Fri, 01 Jun 2012 00:00:00 GMT Seeing energy use differently A new pan-European project aims to cut energy consumption in public sector buildings through imaginative visualisation tools and building manager engagement. PSE spoke to Dr Richard Bull of the Institute of Energy and Sustainable Development at De Montfort University, which is evaluating the SmartSpaces project. Buildings, and activities... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/Seeing-energy-use-differently 437,446 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/Seeing-energy-use-differently Fri, 01 Jun 2012 00:00:00 GMT The end of the 'mega-contract' Following up a previous PSE report on public sector leaders’ attitudes to outsourcing and private sector partnerships, we spoke with Alan Charnley, MD of Xerox UK, about the need for smaller, more flexible contracts and innovation in local government. Recent research and surveys have suggested that many decision-makers in the public... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/the-end-of-the-mega-contract 438,451 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/the-end-of-the-mega-contract Fri, 01 Jun 2012 00:00:00 GMT The potential pitfalls of PPP PPP and PFI schemes are used all over the world to finance new infrastructure. ACCA’s head of public sector, Gillian Fawcett, describes the lessons learnt from a new report that examines these trends. The Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) recently commissioned a report evaluating the use of Public Private... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/The-potential-pitfalls-of-PPP 446,440 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/The-potential-pitfalls-of-PPP Fri, 01 Jun 2012 00:00:00 GMT The transforming council PSE caught up with Glyn Evans, president of Socitm for the 2011/12 year and the architect of the transformation programme at Birmingham, at the society’s spring conference where he handed over the chains of office to Kay Brown. Is IT a back office function, as it is usually labelled? Or is it a service delivery function – as... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/the-transforming-council 451,439 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/the-transforming-council Fri, 01 Jun 2012 00:00:00 GMT Transforming public services In the run up to his presentation with Sefton Metropolitan Borough Council at the National Outsourcing Association’s 25th Anniversary Conference, Michael Jones, partnership director for NAO member arvato’s relationship with Sefton Council, talks about current challenges in public sector outsourcing and his predictions for the... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/transforming-public-services 438,446 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/transforming-public-services Fri, 01 Jun 2012 00:00:00 GMT Waste not want not The Chartered Institution of Wastes Management’s chief executive Steve Lee talks to PSE about realising the value of waste and the need for greater infrastructure to achieve this. There is a severe waste infrastructure ‘gap’ in the UK – perhaps in the region of £10bn to £20bn. The size of the gap... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/waste-not-want-not 446,444 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/waste-not-want-not Fri, 01 Jun 2012 00:00:00 GMT Met racism review launched Boris Johnson is launching a review of measures introduced to reduce racism within the Metropolitan police, alongside Met Commissioner Bernard Hogan-Howe. In 2008, a ‘Race and Faith’ inquiry into racism in the force prompted the Met to propose opening up senior positions to people from different backgrounds, and make it easier... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/met-racism-review-launched 442 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/met-racism-review-launched Thu, 31 May 2012 00:00:00 GMT Public sector fraud and error worth £20m uncovered An Audit Scotland investigation has revealed £20m in public sector fraud and error between 2010 and 2011. Its investigation highlighted 318 cases of housing benefit fraud and 184 instances where dead pensioners were still receiving a state pension. 45 cases of alleged fraud were identified. The National Fraud Initiative... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/Public-sector-fraud-and-error-worth-£20m-uncovered 433 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/Public-sector-fraud-and-error-worth-£20m-uncovered Thu, 31 May 2012 00:00:00 GMT Reduced fines for flouting rubbish laws Households who put their rubbish out incorrectly will now face smaller fines, as the Government cuts the maximum charges councils can impose, in a bid to promote “common sense”. The fixed penalty notices, for people who repeatedly overfill bins or put them out at the wrong time, have been reduced from between £75 and... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/Reduced-fines-for-flouting-rubbish-laws 444 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/Reduced-fines-for-flouting-rubbish-laws Thu, 31 May 2012 00:00:00 GMT Childcare pilots for ten cities announced Free childcare trials are to begin this September – a year early – Deputy PM Nick Clegg has announced. The trials could benefit 1,000 two-year olds in ten towns and cities. Following the trials, the programme aims to give 150,000 of the most disadvantaged two-year olds up to 15 hours a week of free pre-school education from... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/Childcare-pilots-for-ten-cities-announced 453 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/Childcare-pilots-for-ten-cities-announced Wed, 30 May 2012 00:00:00 GMT Police BlackBerry scheme makes only 'woeful' savings A scheme to give police officers smartphones and streamline bureaucracy has failed to achieve its expected £125m savings, the Commons Public Accounts Committee has reported, instead making just £600,000 – less than 1% of the money spent on the project. The Mobile Information Programme ran between 2008 and 2010 with... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/Police-BlackBerry-scheme-makes-only-woeful-savings 439 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/Police-BlackBerry-scheme-makes-only-woeful-savings Wed, 30 May 2012 00:00:00 GMT Social mobility needs 'level playing field of opportunity' - Milburn Professions need to widen their intake to increase social mobility, the deputy prime minister’s social mobility adviser, Alan Milburn, has stated. He has published a progress report with recommendations to improve this. Milburn, a former Labour cabinet minister linked with the modernising wing of the party, calls for professions... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/Social-mobility-needs-level-playing-field-of-opportunity---Milburn 442 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/Social-mobility-needs-level-playing-field-of-opportunity---Milburn Wed, 30 May 2012 00:00:00 GMT Employers to offer Olympics flexibility Over half of employers are planning to allow greater flexibility for staff during the Olympics, data suggests, as the CIPD launches new guidance on sporting events and absence management. Data from the Resourcing and Talent Planning survey indicates many employers are planning greater flexibility to avoid potential transport disruption... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/employers-to-offer-olympics-flexibility 434 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/employers-to-offer-olympics-flexibility Tue, 29 May 2012 00:00:00 GMT Government cuts hit charities Charities’ frontline services are being hit hard by government cuts, new research from think tank New Philanthropy Capital (NPC) suggests. NPC surveyed the top 750 charities in England and Wales, and found that 65% are cutting frontline services, with 73% making staff redundant and 9% at risk of closing down entirely in the next... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/Government-cuts-hit-charities 440 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/Government-cuts-hit-charities Tue, 29 May 2012 00:00:00 GMT Residents vote for Queen's Park parish council The first parish council inLondonfor fifty years is set to be established in Queen’s Park. A referendum held by Westminster Council saw 1,100 residents vote in favour of a new community council, on a turnout of around 20% of eligible voters. The creation of the parish council is expected to be formally approved by Westminster... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/Residents-vote-for-Queens-Park-parish-council- 436 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/Residents-vote-for-Queens-Park-parish-council- Tue, 29 May 2012 00:00:00 GMT Lower limit for Scottish drink driving The drink drive limit in Scotland will soon be lowered, Justice Secretary Kenny MacAskill has announced. The limit will be reduced from 80mg of alcohol per 100ml of blood to 50mg per 100ml later this year. The Scottish Government now has the power to change this limit under the 2012 Scotland Act, which recently received Royal... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/Lower-limit-for-Scottish-drink-driving 436 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/Lower-limit-for-Scottish-drink-driving Mon, 28 May 2012 00:00:00 GMT Pension funds could provide investment for infrastructure The Government could kickstart an investment spree into infrastructure through pension funds, a report by the CBI suggests. If the Treasury guaranteed 10% of funding forgreenfieldprojects, such as HS2, this could significantly attract investment from the private sector. The proposal would also raise the assets’ credit rating from... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/Pension-funds-could-provide-investment-for-infrastructure 433,455 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/Pension-funds-could-provide-investment-for-infrastructure Mon, 28 May 2012 00:00:00 GMT Start-up loans for young entrepreneurs Prime Minister David Cameron is to launch a new loan scheme for young entrepreneurs to start up businesses, with £83m funding available over the next three years. The Start Up scheme will fund loans worth on average £2,500 to 18-24 year olds with robust business plans. The loan can last up to five years with an interest rate... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/Start-up-loans-for-young-entrepreneurs 438 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/Start-up-loans-for-young-entrepreneurs Mon, 28 May 2012 00:00:00 GMT Waltham Forest changes re-housing policy Waltham Forest council has suspended long-distance re-housing and will concentrate on finding more accommodation in eastLondon, appreciating school and family ties. The council was recently criticised when a Stoke-on-Trent housing body revealed it had been approached about re-housing residents in temporary accommodation. Other... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/Waltham-Forest-changes-re-housing-policy 441 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/Waltham-Forest-changes-re-housing-policy Mon, 28 May 2012 00:00:00 GMT Biosciences receives £250m funding £250m funding is being allocated to the UK bioscience industry, science minister David Willetts has announced. The Government’s strategy for high-tech growth includes securing theUK’s research base, creating stronger links between academics and business and identifying new technology. The Biotechnology and... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/Biosciences-receives-£250m-funding 437 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/Biosciences-receives-£250m-funding Fri, 25 May 2012 00:00:00 GMT Priority schools allocated funding for rebuilding The Government has announced the schools that will receive funding from the Priority Schools Building Programme (PSBP). 587 schools applied for projects and 261 were approved, with the most rundown 42 prioritised. The programme replaces the Building Schools for the Future scheme, introduced by Labour with the aim to rebuild every... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/Priority-schools-allocated-funding-for-rebuilding 453 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/Priority-schools-allocated-funding-for-rebuilding Fri, 25 May 2012 00:00:00 GMT Scottish independence 'Yes' campaign launched The Yes campaign for independence in Scotland is launching today, with support from the SNP and other smaller parties. A referendum is likely to be held in 2014. The campaign will be launched with Scottish celebrities and businesses as well as a new website promoting independence. The referendum could be a simple yes/no ballot, but the... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/Scottish-independence-Yes-campaign-launched 436 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/Scottish-independence-Yes-campaign-launched Fri, 25 May 2012 00:00:00 GMT £32m Pupil Deprivation Grant announced Schools in Wales are to receive a share of £32.4m to improve attainment for their poorest pupils. The Pupil Deprivation Grant is paid directly to schools, based on the number of children eligible for free school meals. First Minister Carwyn Jones is set to unveil further details of the scheme today as he opens the new... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/£32m-Pupil-Deprivation-Grant-announced 453 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/£32m-Pupil-Deprivation-Grant-announced Thu, 24 May 2012 00:00:00 GMT GDP decreased by 0.3% - ONS UK first-quarter GDP estimate has been revised down, according to a release from the Office for National Statistics. This suggests the downturn is worse than the minor contraction originally thought. GDP in volume terms decreased by 0.3% in the first quarter of 2012, revised from the previously estimated decline of 0.2%. This puts... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/GDP-decreased-by-03---ONS 433 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/GDP-decreased-by-03---ONS Thu, 24 May 2012 00:00:00 GMT Universal Credit to be trialled early The new single benefit, Universal Credit, is to be introduced six months earlier than originally planned, with trials taking place in the North West from next April. The system will be tested in Tameside, Oldham, Wigan andWarrington, with up to 1,500 new claimants expected in those areas. The pilots will be followed by a full roll-out in... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/Universal-Credit-to-be-trialled-early 445 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/Universal-Credit-to-be-trialled-early Thu, 24 May 2012 00:00:00 GMT 450,000 NEETs have never worked Half of all NEETs in England have never had a regular job, a new report demonstrates, and face a ‘catch-22’ trying to gain experience of work. Published by the Work Foundation and the Private Equity Foundation, ‘Lost in Transition’ highlights the rise in 16-24 year olds either taking much longer, or being... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/450000-NEETs-have-never-worked 434 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/450000-NEETs-have-never-worked Wed, 23 May 2012 00:00:00 GMT Government could shift emphasis to growth The Coalition could shift its main focus from deficit reduction to investment and growth, as Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg signals a new direction for the economy. In an interview with the Financial Times, Clegg suggested that the Government would increase investment in housing and infrastructure and shift the emphasis to growth. The... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/Government-could-shift-emphasis-to-growth 433 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/Government-could-shift-emphasis-to-growth Wed, 23 May 2012 00:00:00 GMT High speed alternatives insufficient for demand - MPs Alternatives to HS2 would not solve capacity problems on the rail network, a parliamentary inquiry has concluded. The first phase of HS2, from London to Birmingham, was approved by Government in January, despite significant opposition from environmental campaigners. Following a four month inquiry, the All-Party Parliamentary Group... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/High-speed-alternatives-insufficient-for-demand---MPs 436 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/High-speed-alternatives-insufficient-for-demand---MPs Wed, 23 May 2012 00:00:00 GMT Draft energy bill to reassure investors The Government’s draft energy bill is due today, designed to encourage investment in clean energy generation and reduce the UK’s reliance on gas from overseas. The bill is expected to outline long-term contracts for nuclear and renewable energy, which should reassure companies looking to invest by guaranteeing profits. The UK... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/Draft-energy-bill-to-reassure-investors 437 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/Draft-energy-bill-to-reassure-investors Tue, 22 May 2012 00:00:00 GMT Social mobility an 'economic prerogative' - Clegg Social mobility must be improved, Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg has urged, citing wasted talent as both a moral and economic crime. Speaking at a conference organised by the Sutton Trust, which promotes educational opportunities for young people from underprivileged backgrounds, Clegg declared social mobility as a “vital... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/Social-mobility-an-economic-prerogative---Clegg 433 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/Social-mobility-an-economic-prerogative---Clegg Tue, 22 May 2012 00:00:00 GMT Think tank recommends Scottish council mergers The number of local authorities in Scotland should be reduced from 32 to just 19, Reform Scotland has proposed, enabling decentralisation of powers from Holyrood to these bigger authorities. Other recommendations include transferring responsibility from health and police boards to the 19 local authorities, which would be formed through a... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/Think-tank-recommends-Scottish-council-mergers 436 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/Think-tank-recommends-Scottish-council-mergers Tue, 22 May 2012 00:00:00 GMT Call to standardise income tax rate to 30% A flat 30% rate of income tax on all workers would boost UK growth, a report by the 2020 Tax Commission suggests. The commission is a joint project between the Taxpayers’Allianceand the Institute of Directors, which both favour lower state spending. Other recommendations in the radical 421-page report include abolishing national... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/Call-to-standardise-income-tax-rate-to-30 433 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/Call-to-standardise-income-tax-rate-to-30 Mon, 21 May 2012 00:00:00 GMT Learning to Work campaign to boost youth employment The Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) has launched a new campaign to help young people into work by changing employers’ engagement with them and creating more opportunities for work experience. Recent research conducted by the CIPD showed that nearly three in ten employers did not recruit any young people in... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/Learning-to-Work-campaign-to-boost-youth-employment 455,434 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/Learning-to-Work-campaign-to-boost-youth-employment Mon, 21 May 2012 00:00:00 GMT MP calls for childcare refor Childcare in the UK must be made more affordable, a new report by think tank CentreForum suggests. Research shows that the average family in the UK spends 27% of their income on childcare, which is higher than every country in the world except Switzerland. Conservative MP Elizabeth Truss, who wrote the report, found problems with quality... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/MP-calls-for-childcare-refor 445 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/MP-calls-for-childcare-refor Mon, 21 May 2012 00:00:00 GMT Slashing red tape threatens environment - MPs Cutting environmental protections in the name of efficiency is “irresponsible”, an all-party group of MPs has warned. The new report from the Environment Audit Committee criticises the Government for its negative attitude towards the environment and growth of the green economy. A longer term view, driven by a clear... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/Slashing-red-tape-threatens-environment---MPs 437 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/Slashing-red-tape-threatens-environment---MPs Mon, 21 May 2012 00:00:00 GMT 59% of IT staff 'undecided' on CloudStore A lack of enthusiasm and understanding from public sector IT staff might lead the Government to miss its cloud computing targets, a new report suggests. The Government launched the CloudStore in February to offer services that meet Government standards to the public sector, aiming to reduce IT costs by £200m each year. The G-Cloud... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/59-of-IT-staff-undecided-on-CloudStore 439 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/59-of-IT-staff-undecided-on-CloudStore Fri, 18 May 2012 00:00:00 GMT Free parenting classes trial launched The Government has announced plans for free parenting classes in three pilot areas, as well as a new information service advising on pregnancy through to parenting issues. The free classes scheme has up to £5m available funding, and will take place inCamden, and Middlesbrough andHighPeakin Derbyshire over the next two years. All... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/Free-parenting-classes-trial-launched 455,445 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/Free-parenting-classes-trial-launched Fri, 18 May 2012 00:00:00 GMT Northern Rock rescue could cost taxpayers £2bn The creation and sale of Northern Rock plc could cost the taxpayer £2bn, the National Audit Office (NAO) has warned. About £480m was lost on the sale of Northern Rock plc last year, but the quick sale of the bank to Virgin Money helped to minimise the losses for the taxpayer. In 2008 the bank was split into a mortgage lending... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/Northern-Rock-rescue-could-cost-taxpayers-£2bn 433 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/Northern-Rock-rescue-could-cost-taxpayers-£2bn Fri, 18 May 2012 00:00:00 GMT Consultation indicates single question for Scottish independence The UK government is set to publish the responses to its consultation on Scotland’s independence referendum. The consultation closed in March, and received nearly 3,000 replies. Results showed strong support for a single, clear question on independence, ministers said. The Scottish government’s consultation ended last week... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/Consultation-indicates-single-question-for-Scottish-independence 436 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/Consultation-indicates-single-question-for-Scottish-independence Thu, 17 May 2012 00:00:00 GMT Housing report shows "limited" progress The property market is set to “get worse”, unless significant numbers of new homes are built, housing groups argue as they publish the latest edition of the Housing Report. The National Housing Federation, Shelter and the Chartered Institute of Housing cite a small increase in the overall number of new homes being built, but... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/Housing-report-shows-"limited"-progress 441 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/Housing-report-shows-"limited"-progress Thu, 17 May 2012 00:00:00 GMT Statutory mandate recommended for carbon targets UK carbon targets are ‘at risk’ over local authority funding cuts, the Committee on Climate Change has said. The committee has published a new report which calls for national funding and a statutory duty for councils to develop and implement plans to cut emissions. This could include improving energy efficiency, public... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/Statutory-mandate-recommended-for-carbon-targets 437 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/Statutory-mandate-recommended-for-carbon-targets Thu, 17 May 2012 00:00:00 GMT A4e loses DWP 'mandatory work' contract Employment firm A4e, which has employees at the centre of fraud inquiries, has lost a contract with the Department for Work & Pensions. The company – whose chair Emma Harrison stepped down earlier this year – lost its contract for organising mandatory work placements in the South East. The DWP said its investigations... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/A4e-loses-DWP-mandatory-work-contract 445 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/A4e-loses-DWP-mandatory-work-contract Wed, 16 May 2012 00:00:00 GMT Police anger at Theresa May Home Secretary Theresa May is facing angry policy officers at the Police Federation conference in Bournemouth today. The union has said her policies mean the Government is “on the precipice of destroying a police service that is admired throughout the world”. A week ago, 30,000 off-duty officers marched throughLondonin... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/Police-anger-at-Theresa-May 434 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/Police-anger-at-Theresa-May Wed, 16 May 2012 00:00:00 GMT Shadow cabinet reshuffle announced Labour leader Ed Miliband has reshuffled his shadow cabinet, following the resignation of Peter Hain, but has not brought back figures like Alistair Darling, David Miliband or Alan Johnson. Liam Byrne, the work and pensions spokesman, is no longer in charge of the party’s policy review – some say Labour MPs are not happy with... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/Shadow-cabinet-reshuffle-announced 436 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/Shadow-cabinet-reshuffle-announced Wed, 16 May 2012 00:00:00 GMT Clegg dismisses regional pay proposals Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg has said ‘no decision’ has been made yet concerning regional public sector pay, despite earlier statements by Chancellor George Osborne. Clegg said: “There is going to be no regional pay system. That is not going to happen. No decisions have been taken. “All that has been asked... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/Clegg-dismisses-regional-pay-proposals 433,455 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/Clegg-dismisses-regional-pay-proposals Tue, 15 May 2012 00:00:00 GMT Prospect accepts pensions deal The second largest civil service union has accepted the Government’s public sector pensions deal, with changes coming into effect from 2015. Prospect voted 79% in favour of the deal on a 50% turnout. The union suggested it was the best deal that could be achieved from negotiations. The Government has stated that reform is... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/Prospect-accepts-pensions-deal 434 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/Prospect-accepts-pensions-deal Tue, 15 May 2012 00:00:00 GMT SEN control for parents Control for special education needs (SEN) budgets is to be given to parents, as part of a package of reforms. Instead of local authorities being the only provider, parents will be able to choose support. The reforms will also legally bind education, health and social care services to plan services for SEN children together. The... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/SEN-control-for-parents 445 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/SEN-control-for-parents Tue, 15 May 2012 00:00:00 GMT 500,000 could lose disability benefit Half a million people who currently receive disability living allowance (DLA) may be ineligible to get help under the replacement programme, personal independence payments (PIP). The changes will help cut the annual cost of such payments by £2.24bn, according to work and pensions secretary Iain Duncan Smith, who said far more people... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/500000-could-lose-disability-benefit 455,445 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/500000-could-lose-disability-benefit Mon, 14 May 2012 00:00:00 GMT Equality review demonstrates need for transparency A formal assessment of the Government’s 2010 spending review shows that greater transparency is needed to ensure policy decisions consider the impact on equality. The Equality and Human Rights Commission has published a report analysing whether legal obligations on equality were met, using access to confidential documents and oral... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/Equality-review-demonstrates-need-for-transparency 436 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/Equality-review-demonstrates-need-for-transparency Mon, 14 May 2012 00:00:00 GMT Pupil premium to 'close the gap' in schools A £10,000 prize is to be proposed for schools who find the best way of spending the pupil premium, Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg is set to announce. Additional cash awards will also be available for 50 schools as an incentive to boost social mobility. Other proposals include funding £500 per pupil for summer schools between... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/Pupil-premium-to-close-the-gap-in-schools 453 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/Pupil-premium-to-close-the-gap-in-schools Mon, 14 May 2012 00:00:00 GMT Welsh road repair borrowing scheme launched Councils in Wales are going to be allowed to borrow £60m to fund highways repairs this year, to plug the funding gap that would otherwise see many roads rapidly deteriorate. Under the new Local Government Borrowing Initiative (LGBI), across Wales, local authorities will receive £240m of funding from the Welsh Government over... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/Welsh-road-repair-borrowing-scheme-launched 433 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/Welsh-road-repair-borrowing-scheme-launched Mon, 14 May 2012 00:00:00 GMT Drought ends for 19 counties The Environment Agency has removed drought status in 19 counties in the South West, Midlands andYorkshire, following the wettest April on record. However, hosepipe bans remain in place inLondon, the South East and parts ofEast Anglia, while groundwater levels remain very low. The Environment Agency is keeping the situation under... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/Drought-ends-for-19-counties 437 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/Drought-ends-for-19-counties Fri, 11 May 2012 00:00:00 GMT PAC calls for clearer responsibility on school finance More robust spending checks are needed for schools and academies, the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) has said. The MPs suggest that it is unclear how responsibility for ensuring value for money is divided up between the various organisations that manage education provision. The committee is also “alarmed” by... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/PAC-calls-for-clearer-responsibility-on-school-finance 453 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/PAC-calls-for-clearer-responsibility-on-school-finance Fri, 11 May 2012 00:00:00 GMT Regional Jobs Fund value for money criticised One of the Government’s flagship employment scheme could have created “thousands more jobs from the same resources” with better allocation of resources, according to a National Audit Office (NAO) investigation. In some cases, jobs created under the Regional Jobs Fund cost taxpayers as much as £200,000... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/Regional-Jobs-Fund-value-for-money-criticised 433 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/Regional-Jobs-Fund-value-for-money-criticised Fri, 11 May 2012 00:00:00 GMT Heathrow queues due to poor planning - Vine Long queues at Heathrow airport have been caused by organisational change and a lack of planning, a new report asserts. The chief inspector of borders and immigration, John Vine, suggested that there were too few staff during peaks at Terminal 3 passport checks. The report on the UK Border Agency and Border Force comes as passengers from... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/Heathrow-queues-due-to-poor-planning---Vine 440 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/Heathrow-queues-due-to-poor-planning---Vine Thu, 10 May 2012 00:00:00 GMT More information needed to achieve value for money - Audit Scotland Councils in Scotland spend almost £40,000 every minute, and must do more to ensure value for money, Audit Scotland reports. Better information on how money is spent could lead to well-informed policy decisions and allow local authorities to scrutinise performance, the report for the Accounts Commission suggests. Scottish... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/More-information-needed-to-achieve-value-for-money---Audit-Scotland 438 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/More-information-needed-to-achieve-value-for-money---Audit-Scotland Thu, 10 May 2012 00:00:00 GMT Public sector strikes take place Up to 400,000 public sector employees are staging a day of protest today against the Government’s pension reforms. Police officers will also be demonstrating against projected job losses over the next four years. Unions taking part include the Public and Commercial Services (PCS), Unite and University and Colleges Union. Prison... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/public-sector-strikes-take-place 455,434 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/public-sector-strikes-take-place Thu, 10 May 2012 00:00:00 GMT Business bills will help 'secure economic growth' The Department for Business, Innovation and Skills has said the two bills it has planned for the next session of Parliament will “strengthen the business environment and boost consumer and business confidence”. The two bills – theEnterprise and Regulatory Reform Bill, and the Groceries Code Adjudicator Bill – were... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/Business-bills-will-help-secure-economic-growth 433 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/Business-bills-will-help-secure-economic-growth Wed, 09 May 2012 00:00:00 GMT Queen's Speech to Parliament outlines Government agenda The Government has announced its legislative programme for the next Parliamentary session via the Queen’s Speech today, with measures including public sector pensions reform, changes to the libel laws, a draft bill on social care funding, more flexible working for families, banking reform, secret hearings in courts, and a new regulator... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/Queens-Speech-to-Parliament-outlines-Government-agenda 436 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/Queens-Speech-to-Parliament-outlines-Government-agenda Wed, 09 May 2012 00:00:00 GMT Wave of strikes planned tomorrow Hundreds of thousands of public sector workers will protest against measures affecting their pensions in a day of action tomorrow. Health workers, MoD personnel, immigration staff, civil servants, off-duty policy officers, lecturers and many others will join walk-outs and demonstrations, which could involve up to 400,000 people, according... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/Wave-of-strikes-planned-tomorrow 434 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/Wave-of-strikes-planned-tomorrow Wed, 09 May 2012 00:00:00 GMT BIS seeks country's most business-friendly community The Government is promoting a competition to find the most enterprising and innovative business community in the country. Business and enterprise minister Mark Prisk said: “There are some fantastic enterprises across the UKthat are starting up and growing to become real forces in business. Despite the difficult economic conditions... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/BIS-seeks-countrys-most-business-friendly-community 433 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/BIS-seeks-countrys-most-business-friendly-community Tue, 08 May 2012 00:00:00 GMT Give councils freedom to solve housing crisis - MPs A committee of MPs have warned that there is no ‘silver bullet’ to tackle the country’s housing shortfall, and that it will require investment from many quarters. The Commons Communities and Local Government (CLG) Committee, in its report released today, ‘Financing of new housing supply’, says that local... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/Give-councils-freedom-to-solve-housing-crisis---MPs 441 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/Give-councils-freedom-to-solve-housing-crisis---MPs Tue, 08 May 2012 00:00:00 GMT New report questions care funding consensus An influential think tank has said the current consensus on funding long-term care focuses too much on protecting wealthier homeowners’ assets, and not enough on better care for the poorest. The Centre for Social Justice, founded by work and pensions secretary Iain Duncan Smith but independent and cross-party in its governance, says... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/New-report-questions-care-funding-consensus 455,445 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/New-report-questions-care-funding-consensus Tue, 08 May 2012 00:00:00 GMT TUC calls for 'genuine national insurance' The TUC has called for a return to social security that offers something for everyone who pays in – not just for the poorest. In a discussion pamphlet published on Friday, the trades unions body says that successive governments have undermined the social security system so that it no longer enjoys popular support. It says... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/TUC-calls-for-genuine-national-insurance 445 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/TUC-calls-for-genuine-national-insurance Tue, 08 May 2012 00:00:00 GMT Cities reject elected mayors Four cities have so far voted against introducing a mayoral system, with six others still counting. The vote concerns a directly elected mayoral system to replace local council cabinet and leader system, but has been rebuffed by voters in Manchester, Nottingham, Bradford and Coventry. Birmingham, Bristol, Leeds, Newcastle-upon-Tyne... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/Cities-reject-elected-mayors 436 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/Cities-reject-elected-mayors Fri, 04 May 2012 00:00:00 GMT Local election gains for Labour Labour has made significant gains in local elections, winning hundreds of seats and winning control of councils across England and Wales. The party has won nearly 500 seats so far, as well as control of significant councils including Birmingham and Cardiff. The Conservatives have lost 288 seats and the Lib Dems 133 so far. Labour is... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/Local-election-gains-for-Labour 436 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/Local-election-gains-for-Labour Fri, 04 May 2012 00:00:00 GMT Prisoners need more work experience - Clarke Businesses should help prisoners into work, justice secretary Ken Clarke has suggested. He said that firms such as Virgin and Marks and Spencer could hire-ex offenders and should provide work experience placements and training. The Government is launching a new scheme to improve prisoners’ job prospects. Clarke said:... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/Prisoners-need-more-work-experience---Clarke 434 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/Prisoners-need-more-work-experience---Clarke Fri, 04 May 2012 00:00:00 GMT 37 flood warnings issued The Environment Agency has issued 37 flood warnings, with particular concern for Somerset, Dorset and Devon, as heavy rain continues in southern Britain. 144 alerts of possible flooding have also been issued. Areas affected are checking their flood defences on rising rivers and sandbags have been issued inTewkesbury... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/37-flood-warnings-issued 443 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/37-flood-warnings-issued Tue, 01 May 2012 00:00:00 GMT Closer cooperation needed for government projects Assurance for major government projects has improved, but is not yet ‘built to last’, according to a new report by the National Audit Office. Following the launch of the Major Projects Authority, significant impacts have been realised, including better quality and visibility of government project data. However, the NAO... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/Closer-cooperation-needed-for-government-projects 436 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/Closer-cooperation-needed-for-government-projects Tue, 01 May 2012 00:00:00 GMT Payment by results for teachers suggested A plan to introduce performance-related pay in schools has been proposed by MPs, with weak teachers being paid less and stronger teachers offered higher salaries and the opportunity for paid sabbaticals. Developing a clearer link between pay and classroom performance could boost results and attract the best graduates into the profession... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/Payment-by-results-for-teachers-suggested 453,455 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/Payment-by-results-for-teachers-suggested Tue, 01 May 2012 00:00:00 GMT Calls for wind farm clarity The Government should publish a strategic plan detailing how many onshore wind turbines will be built and where, the Campaign to protect Rural England (CPRE) has stated. 1,826 onshore wind turbines are currently planned inEngland, with 8,581 for theUKoverall. The CPRE is arguing for planning inspectors to put more weight on local concerns... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/Calls-for-wind-farm-clarity 441 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/Calls-for-wind-farm-clarity Mon, 30 Apr 2012 00:00:00 GMT MyCSP becomes first Whitehall mutual The first mutualised company spun off from Whitehallis being launched, with the former Labour cabinet minister John Hutton as chairman. Almost 500 workers will leave the civil service as MyCSP (My Civil Service Pension) becomes a mutual joint venture. It will be owned 25% by staff, 40% by financial services firm Paymaster and 35% by... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/MyCSP-becomes-first-Whitehall-mutual 440,455 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/MyCSP-becomes-first-Whitehall-mutual Mon, 30 Apr 2012 00:00:00 GMT SOCITM appoints new president Kay Brown, head of IT at South Lanarkshire Council, took up the post of president of SOCITM at the IT organisation’s spring conference in London on Wednesday. She took over from Glyn Evans, telling attendees: “This is the time for IT.” She said she was “honoured and proud” to be the first female... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/SOCITM-appoints-new-president 439 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/SOCITM-appoints-new-president Mon, 30 Apr 2012 00:00:00 GMT Workplace wellbeing has 'huge implications' for public sector - MPs The role of worker happiness in promoting business growth is being discussed at an event being hosted by a cross-party group of MPs. Public sector executives are also being invited to the event, called ‘Happy Workers = Business Growth’ on May 17. Jo Swinson MP, who chairs the group, said: “Research shows promoting... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/Workplace-wellbeing-has-huge-implications-for-public-sector---MPs 434 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/Workplace-wellbeing-has-huge-implications-for-public-sector---MPs Mon, 30 Apr 2012 00:00:00 GMT 'Shaping the Future' for Welsh regeneration A £4m project to support employment and economic and social development has been launched by the Welsh Government. ‘Shaping the Future’ aims to mitigate the socio-economic impact of decommissioning theUKnuclear legacy inNorth Wales, and drive economic regeneration in the area. Funding worth £2.3m comes from the... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/Shaping-the-Future-for-Welsh-regeneration 433 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/Shaping-the-Future-for-Welsh-regeneration Fri, 27 Apr 2012 00:00:00 GMT MoD staff join pensions strike Civilian workers from the Ministry of Defence (MoD) and staff from other government departments will join the national strike next month, Unite has announced. On May 10, 25,000 members of the union will walk out on a day of industrial action. The announcement follows a 94% vote against the Government’s proposed pension reforms... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/MoD-staff-join-pensions-strike 434 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/MoD-staff-join-pensions-strike Fri, 27 Apr 2012 00:00:00 GMT Only 44% of state school teachers encourage Oxbridge applications Almost half of secondary school teachers do not encourage gifted students at state schools to consider applying for Oxford or Cambridge, research suggests. Commissioned by the Sutton Trust, the study questioned 730 state secondary school teachers and found that 44% would encourage bright pupils to apply. This proportion is down 50% from... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/Only-44-of-state-school-teachers-encourage-Oxbridge-applications 453 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/Only-44-of-state-school-teachers-encourage-Oxbridge-applications Fri, 27 Apr 2012 00:00:00 GMT £500m shortfall for police savings Police forces face deeper cuts as the National Audit Office (NAO) reports that only £1bn of savings has been identified out of the £1.5bn required to meet Treasury targets by 2014/15. The report shows that, by the summer of 2011, two-thirds of forces had failed to meet their targets, with some plans incomplete and others... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/£500m-shortfall-for-police-savings 433,455 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/£500m-shortfall-for-police-savings Thu, 26 Apr 2012 00:00:00 GMT Need to cut costs on green energy - Cameron Renewable energy must become “financially sustainable”, Prime Minister David Cameron is set to say at an international clean energy summit today. He will call for affordable green energy sources to meet the world’s needs. Cameron will welcome the recent £350m investment into energy projects, creating 800 jobs, and... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/Need-to-cut-costs-on-green-energy---Cameron 437 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/Need-to-cut-costs-on-green-energy---Cameron Thu, 26 Apr 2012 00:00:00 GMT Public sector fined more for data breaches than private The private sector accounts for over a third of reported data breaches but only 1% of the fines, a Freedom of Information request demonstrates. Data from the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) showed that the public sector were issued five fines, totalling £790,000, whilst only one private sector company was fined... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/Public-sector-fined-more-for-data-breaches-than-private 439 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/Public-sector-fined-more-for-data-breaches-than-private Thu, 26 Apr 2012 00:00:00 GMT Double-dip recession for UK The UK economy is officially in a double-dip recession, according to figures from the ONS. The economy shrank by 0.2% in the first three months of 2012, mainly due to a sharp fall in construction output. A recession is defined by two consecutive quarters of contraction, and the latest figures follow the 0.3% contraction for the fourth... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/double-dip-recession-for-uk 433,455 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/double-dip-recession-for-uk Wed, 25 Apr 2012 00:00:00 GMT Drought areas issued flood warnings Flood warnings have been issued by the Environment Agency for areas in drought, as heavy rain is forecast this week. The rivers Coley, Upper and Lower Axe, Char, Upper and Lower Otter, Taw and Wriggle are likely to break their banks and residents have been advised to take immediate action to protect themselves and their property. Lower... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/Drought-areas-issued-flood-warnings 437 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/Drought-areas-issued-flood-warnings Wed, 25 Apr 2012 00:00:00 GMT Future Fund launches for IT innovation Councils can apply for funding, consultancy time, services and technology to drive positive change in their communities through IT, as the O2 Future Fund launches today. Part of O2’s Local Government Future Forum, the fund is comprised of three grants of up to £125,000, £75,000 and £30,000. IT teams within local... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/Future-Fund-launches-for-IT-innovation 439 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/Future-Fund-launches-for-IT-innovation Wed, 25 Apr 2012 00:00:00 GMT Free schools take fewer deprived pupils Three-quarters of free schools take on fewer deprived pupils than the local average, Department of Education data demonstrates. Of the 24 free schools that opened last autumn, 18 took a smaller number of pupils who were eligible for free school meals than other schools across the local authority. Ministers maintained that free schools... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/Free-schools-take-fewer-deprived-pupils 453 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/Free-schools-take-fewer-deprived-pupils Tue, 24 Apr 2012 00:00:00 GMT New methodology to accurately measure wellbeing The Humankind Index has demonstrated a new methodology to measure quality of life that goes beyond the ‘simplistic’ traditional methods of wellbeing assessments. The charity Oxfam’s Scottish arm has launched the index, which is now being considered for use across theUK. The project uses 18 measures, including health... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/New-methodology-to-accurately-measure-wellbeing 445 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/New-methodology-to-accurately-measure-wellbeing Tue, 24 Apr 2012 00:00:00 GMT Newham asks Stoke to house families on benefits A council in London has been accused of ‘social cleansing’ by attempting to move tenants to a housing association in Stoke-on-Trent. Newham council states that it can no longer afford to house tenants on its waiting list for private accommodation and has offered the Brighter Futures housing association the opportunity to lease... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/Newham-asks-Stoke-to-house-families-on-benefits 441 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/Newham-asks-Stoke-to-house-families-on-benefits Tue, 24 Apr 2012 00:00:00 GMT Infrastructure savings on track The Coalition Government is on target to save 15% from national infrastructure costs, the results of a cost review show. Finance minister Lord Sassoon, who launched the review, said that the total savings target is to achieve between £2-£3bn by 2015. The Government plans to spend between £15bn and £20bn a year on... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/Infrastructure-savings-on-track 433 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/Infrastructure-savings-on-track Mon, 23 Apr 2012 00:00:00 GMT New spending measures for Whitehall Chief secretary to the Treasury Danny Alexander is to announce newWhitehallspending scrutiny measures, in a move to tighten financial management of Government departments. The departments will also be asked to set aside 5% of their own budgets to be ‘re-prioritised’ if new pressures emerge – rather than relying on... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/New-spending-measures-for-Whitehall 433 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/New-spending-measures-for-Whitehall Mon, 23 Apr 2012 00:00:00 GMT Recommendations to elect Lords due The parliamentary committee report on House of Lords reform is due today, and is likely to call for a mostly elected upper chamber, with 80% of Lords voted in rather than appointed. The joint committee of MPs and peers is also set to suggest a referendum on the plan, although Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg has stated this is unnecessary... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/Recommendations-to-elect-Lords-due 436 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/Recommendations-to-elect-Lords-due Mon, 23 Apr 2012 00:00:00 GMT Tanker drivers resume talks Talks to resolve the tanker drivers’ dispute will resume at Acas later, after the union Unite rejected a proposed deal last week after six days of talks. The union now has until Tuesday to make a decision on strike action, but has appealed to the public not to panic. The union would have to give at least seven days notice before... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/Tanker-drivers-resume-talks 434 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/Tanker-drivers-resume-talks Mon, 23 Apr 2012 00:00:00 GMT Coalition rift over green policies Deputy PM Nick Clegg and Lib Dem energy secretary Ed Davey are struggling to maintain the Government’s commitment to strict green targets and taxes. Senior Conservatives have been urging the downgrading of green commitments in a number of areas, such as renewable energy, and the compulsory parts of the Green Deal. The two Lib... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/Coalition-rift-over-green-policies 437,455 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/Coalition-rift-over-green-policies Fri, 20 Apr 2012 00:00:00 GMT More state intervention to help pre-school children Hard to reach and vulnerable parents will get earlier interventions from nurses and education experts to ensure children are ready for school. New guidance from the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) has said in draft guidance that health visitors and nursery teachers should intervene earlier when families are... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/More-state-intervention-to-help-pre-school-children 442 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/More-state-intervention-to-help-pre-school-children Fri, 20 Apr 2012 00:00:00 GMT Positive response to 'Lords relocation' calls The chief executive of Salford city council is among the people backing a call from Lord Adonis to relocate the House of Lords out of London to a Midlands or northern city. Adonis said there was no need for the Lords, when it is reformed, to be based inLondon, and that siting it in Birmingham or Manchester would make it geographically... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/Positive-response-to-Lords-relocation-calls 436 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/Positive-response-to-Lords-relocation-calls Fri, 20 Apr 2012 00:00:00 GMT Mental health a key factor in homelessness The NHS must improve its support for homeless people with mental health problems, a joint report by the NHS Confederation Mental Health Network and homelessness charity St Mungo’s suggests. Rough sleeper numbers have risen by 23% nationally since 2010, the report states, with mental ill-health both a major contributing factor and a... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/Mental-health-a-key-factor-in-homelessness 442,455 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/Mental-health-a-key-factor-in-homelessness Thu, 19 Apr 2012 00:00:00 GMT Report calls for compulsory lorry 'blind spot' devices Engineers have urged the UK to take the lead on ‘intelligent transport’ technology by forcing lorries to be fitted with devices to prevent cyclist deaths. The Institution of Mechanical Engineers’ ‘Intelligent Transport Intelligent Society’ report wants vehicles to be installed with systems that automatically... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/Report-calls-for-compulsory-lorry-blind-spot-devices 433 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/Report-calls-for-compulsory-lorry-blind-spot-devices Thu, 19 Apr 2012 00:00:00 GMT UK over-reliant on carbon capture technology The UK Energy Research Council has raised doubts about carbon capture and storage technology, calling it “particularly challenging” – despite Government reliance on it in future energy mixes. The two-year study from the research body said the design of the new £1bn competition to build a ‘demonstration’... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/UK-over-reliant-on-carbon-capture-technology 437 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/UK-over-reliant-on-carbon-capture-technology Thu, 19 Apr 2012 00:00:00 GMT Green Deals home requirements dropped Prime Minister David Cameron has halted the compulsory elements of the Government’s Green Deal for homes, in a blow for the Liberal Democrats who supported the plans. Proposals currently out to consultation will be rejected, dropping the requirement for homeowners to make their homes more energy efficient before undertaking... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/Green-Deals-home-requirements-dropped 441 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/Green-Deals-home-requirements-dropped Wed, 18 Apr 2012 00:00:00 GMT New £62.9m enterprise capital fund launched The Government has launched a new Enterprise Capital fund, Notion Capital, to invest at least £40m in high growth potential small and medium sized enterprises in theUK. £62.9m has already been committed to Notion Capital from the first funding round. The Government has committed a total of £200m to the Enterprise Capital... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/New-£629m-enterprise-capital-fund-launched 433 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/New-£629m-enterprise-capital-fund-launched Wed, 18 Apr 2012 00:00:00 GMT Unemployment down by 0.1% Unemployment has fallen for the first time since last spring, according to the ONS. For the period between December 2011 and February 2012, the unemployment rate is at 8.3%, down 0.1% on the previous quarter. The number of unemployed people is 2.65m, down by 35,000. The employment rate for 16-64 year olds is 70.4%, up 0.1% on the... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/Unemployment-down-by-01 434 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/Unemployment-down-by-01 Wed, 18 Apr 2012 00:00:00 GMT Fire Service College to be sold Government plans to sell the UK Fire Service College in Gloucestershire have been criticised by a union. Communities minister Bob Neill announced the plans as the best way of securing the college’s future and relieving Government of financial risk. The site has been run as a trust since 1992 and the union Prospect has argued that... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/Fire-Service-College-to-be-sold 440 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/Fire-Service-College-to-be-sold Tue, 17 Apr 2012 00:00:00 GMT Fracking recommended, despite quakes A controversial gas extraction method should continue under strict conditions, a Government-appointed panel of experts has recommended. Yet opponents highlight possible side effects of the practice, including water contamination and earthquakes. Fracking involves pumping water and chemicals into shale rock at high pressure to extract gas... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/Fracking-recommended-despite-quakes 437 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/Fracking-recommended-despite-quakes Tue, 17 Apr 2012 00:00:00 GMT Localism risks accountability - PAC More spending clarity is needed when services are decentralised, the Commons Public Accounts Committee (PAC) has said. PAC suggested that scrutiny systems lack consistency and accountability is being hit as the Government’s localism drive gives the public sector more freedoms. The ‘Accountability for Public Money’... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/Localism-risks-accountability---PAC 436,455 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/Localism-risks-accountability---PAC Tue, 17 Apr 2012 00:00:00 GMT Cap needed to prevent wealthy paying less tax Almost one in 10 people earning more than £10m a year are paying an effective tax rate of less than 20%, the Treasury has revealed. The figures were released to support Government plans to limit tax relief, including on charitable donations. From 2013, previously uncapped tax reliefs, including charitable donations, will be... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/Cap-needed-to-prevent-wealthy-paying-less-tax 436 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/Cap-needed-to-prevent-wealthy-paying-less-tax Mon, 16 Apr 2012 00:00:00 GMT Drought extends to Midlands Drought in England may last until Christmas, the Environment Agency has warned, as official drought zones are declared in a further 17 counties. Dry weather over the past few months has left some rivers exceptionally low, and the ‘drought map’ has been extended into theMidlandsand South West. Over the past winter some parts of... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/Drought-extends-to-Midlands 437,455 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/Drought-extends-to-Midlands Mon, 16 Apr 2012 00:00:00 GMT Free schools without secure sites Half of free schools have not yet secured a site for construction, despite being approved to open in 2012, it has emerged. Schools minister Nick Gibb admitted that only 35 of 79 free schools have found premises in his answer to a parliamentary question from Labour’s Stephen Twigg. The Government said that negotiations for free... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/Free-schools-without-secure-sites 453 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/Free-schools-without-secure-sites Mon, 16 Apr 2012 00:00:00 GMT £23m funding for Bristol schools Bristol is to receive £23m for primary school places, as the Government announces the exact amounts that local authorities will receive from the share of £600m. The Government hopes to fund 40,000 extra school places. The Department for Education has allocated Bristol City Council £23m, as the area has had one of the... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/£23m-funding-for-Bristol-schools 453 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/£23m-funding-for-Bristol-schools Thu, 12 Apr 2012 00:00:00 GMT Pensions 'bombshell' looming for Britain - IMF Britain could face a £800bn pensions ‘bombshell’ by 2050 as a result of its ageing population, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) has warned. Analysis from the institution suggests that world economies could be underestimating future longevity growth by up to three years in age. For the UK, the additional bill... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/Pensions-bombshell-looming-for-Britain---IMF 434 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/Pensions-bombshell-looming-for-Britain---IMF Thu, 12 Apr 2012 00:00:00 GMT UK and Iceland discuss energy link Icelandic volcanoes could power the UK, as the Government discusses plans to connect to the abundant geothermal energy resources via miles of high-voltage cables across the ocean floor. The energy minister Charles Hendry is set to visit Icelandin May. He told the Guardian: “We are in active discussions with the Icelandic government... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/UK-and-Iceland-discuss-energy-link 437 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/UK-and-Iceland-discuss-energy-link Thu, 12 Apr 2012 00:00:00 GMT £1.1m partnership to share police intelligence Police in the south west of England have launched a new system to share intelligence resources in the first initiative of its kind. The online software will combine intelligence and act as a national pilot for other police forces. The forces covering Devon and Cornwall, Avon and Somerset, Dorset, Wiltshire and Gloucestershire are taking... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/£11m-partnership-to-share-police-intelligence 440 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/£11m-partnership-to-share-police-intelligence Wed, 04 Apr 2012 00:00:00 GMT £600m Big Society fund launched Prime Minister David Cameron is to launch a £600m ‘big society’ fund, to help local groups take control of their post office and to provide capital for charities bidding for Government contracts. The fund will support grassroots social projects and will focus on helping the long term unemployed into work. It will run... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/£600m-Big-Society-fund-launched 436 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/£600m-Big-Society-fund-launched Wed, 04 Apr 2012 00:00:00 GMT Universities could set A-level content Proposals for universities to decide the content of A-level courses have received a mixed reception by teachers and universities. The education secretary Michael Gove raised concerns that A-levels don’t stretch pupils, leaving them unprepared for university. The exam regulator Ofqual agreed that more involvement from universities... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/Universities-could-set-A-level-content 453 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/Universities-could-set-A-level-content Wed, 04 Apr 2012 00:00:00 GMT Affordable Rent programme to deliver 987 new homes The first two local authorities have signed contracts with the Homes and Communities Agency (HCA) to deliver homes under the Government’s £1.8bn Affordable Rent programme. The London boroughs of Barking and Dagenham will deliver 762 homes through a grant of £18.3m and Hillingdon will provide 225 homes with a grant of... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/Affordable-Rent-programme-to-deliver-987-new-homes 441 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/Affordable-Rent-programme-to-deliver-987-new-homes Mon, 02 Apr 2012 00:00:00 GMT Miliband to 'govern for the whole country' Ed Miliband is to focus on crime, the NHS and jobs as he launches Labour’s local election campaign. This includes prioritising action against vandalism and anti-social behaviour, he will announce. Local elections take place on May 3, along with elections for the Mayor of London and the London Assembly, and referendums in some... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/Miliband-to-govern-for-the-whole-country 436 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/Miliband-to-govern-for-the-whole-country Mon, 02 Apr 2012 00:00:00 GMT Scottish independence referendum 'rigged' - Labour The Scottish Government’s process for holding a referendum on independence has been criticised as it emerged the public can submit multiple anonymous responses to its consultation. Labour has claimed the whole process is ‘rigged’. The Scottish Government has stated that it will carry out an external analysis of its... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/Scottish-independence-referendum-rigged---Labour 436 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/Scottish-independence-referendum-rigged---Labour Mon, 02 Apr 2012 00:00:00 GMT Talks to resolve petrol dispute Talks between the union Unite and fuel tanker companies are expected this week, aimed at resolving the dispute and threatened strike by tanker drivers. This follows criticism of Government for sparking widespread panic-buying of petrol and diesel. The representatives of fuel tanker companies are holding discussions over an agenda for the... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/Talks-to-resolve-petrol-dispute 434 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/Talks-to-resolve-petrol-dispute Mon, 02 Apr 2012 00:00:00 GMT A creative approach to housing Doncaster council has had many problems over the years, not least in its housing function, which was heavily criticised by the Audit Commission in its 2009 Comprehensive Area Assessment. But a recent re-inspection has shown progress in virtually every area thanks to creative new approaches and sector partnerships, as assistant director of... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/A-creative-approach-to-housing 451,441 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/A-creative-approach-to-housing Sun, 01 Apr 2012 00:00:00 GMT A rising risk Paul Cobbing, chief executive of the National Flood Forum, discusses the lessons learnt from the organisation’s recent conference and the future for flood risk management. Flooding is a risk that is set to rise in the future, and with the Government’s agreement on flood risk insurance about to expire, there are potentially... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/A-rising-risk 433,451 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/A-rising-risk Sun, 01 Apr 2012 00:00:00 GMT All under one roof For local authorities and local public services, relocation does not mean upping sticks and finding new premises halfway across the country, but instead better ways of providing services in new venues in the same locality. Cllr Graham Chapman, deputy leader of Nottingham City Council, spoke to PSE about the new Bulwell Riverside centre... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/All-under-one-roof 451,440 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/All-under-one-roof Sun, 01 Apr 2012 00:00:00 GMT Baby boom puts new schools back on the agenda Matt Pennell, ex-editor of Building Schools Journal and conference programmer for the Building Future Education event, discusses funding for new schools. No-one working in local government has had it easy in the past two years, but officers responsible for school building projects really deserved your pity. Capital budgets were cut... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/Baby-boom-puts-new-schools-back-on-the-agenda 447,443 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/Baby-boom-puts-new-schools-back-on-the-agenda Sun, 01 Apr 2012 00:00:00 GMT Changing perceptions IOSH 2012 considered how perceptions of health and safety can be challenged and improved; Kate Ashley reports. The Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (IOSH) 2012 conference held in Manchester in early March included detailed discussed on the need for – and limits of – regulation, and the contentious issue of whether... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/Changing-perceptions 435,446 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/Changing-perceptions Sun, 01 Apr 2012 00:00:00 GMT Cheaper, faster, and in the cloud Adam Hewitt reports on the efforts to ensure that local public services, as well as central Government, can benefit from the new G-Cloud framework. Following the successful launch of the CloudStore and the Government’s G-Cloud framework, IT organisations are looking to how it can be used most effectively by local public services... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/Cheaper-faster-and-in-the-cloud 439,446 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/Cheaper-faster-and-in-the-cloud Sun, 01 Apr 2012 00:00:00 GMT Come one, come all PSE speaks to the Isle of Anglesey council’s new principal tourism development officer, Iwan Huws, about its new public-private partnerships. Tourism is worth over £200m to the Isle of Anglesey economy, and is a major local employer, which is why the island’s council has decided to launch a new effort to work more... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/Come-one-come-all 451,440 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/Come-one-come-all Sun, 01 Apr 2012 00:00:00 GMT Flooding: The role of public sector bodies and local authorities in mitigating flood risk Mary Dhonau, chief executive of the Know Your Flood Risk Campaign, explains what can and should be done about flooding. Flooding represents the biggest natural catastrophe risk in the UK. The floods of 2007, which cost the country £3.2bn* with the average insurance claim totalling £30,000**, demonstrated the devastating... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/Flooding-The-role-of-public-sector-bodies-and-local-authorities-in-mitigating-flood-risk 447,433 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/Flooding-The-role-of-public-sector-bodies-and-local-authorities-in-mitigating-flood-risk Sun, 01 Apr 2012 00:00:00 GMT For whose eyes only? The EU has published proposals to overhaul the data protection framework, which could impact compliance and risk management for UK public sector organisations and businesses. Adam Hewitt reports on the Information Commissioner’s Office analysis of the proposals, and gets an industry view from Christian Toon, head of information security... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/For-whose-eyes-only 439,446 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/For-whose-eyes-only Sun, 01 Apr 2012 00:00:00 GMT Having a lot in store Phil Corrin, deputy chief information officer at St Helens & Knowsley Health Informatics, talks to PSE about spiralling digital storage requirements at NHS trusts and what’s being done about it. Every patient consultation at St Helens & Knowsley Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust in Merseyside is now made without any medical... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/Having-a-lot-in-store 451,439 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/Having-a-lot-in-store Sun, 01 Apr 2012 00:00:00 GMT Health & Safety: Business as usual The public sector is being pulled in two directions; maintaining safety whilst reducing regulation. Richard Evens, commercial training director at St John Ambulance, explores the issues. Without a doubt the public sector is experiencing some of the toughest operating conditions in history. Budget cuts combined with a need to increase... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/Health-Safety-Business-as-usual 435,447 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/Health-Safety-Business-as-usual Sun, 01 Apr 2012 00:00:00 GMT Improving improvements A recent Leasehold Valuation Tribunal case has highlighted the huge potential costs to councils which don’t consult properly and fail to plan the maintenance of their leaseheld housing stock for the long term. PSE discusses the implications with James Butler, director of Landmark Leasehold Advisory Services, who also explains the... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/Improving-improvements 451,441 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/Improving-improvements Sun, 01 Apr 2012 00:00:00 GMT iTrent hosting promotes shared HR service success at Tandridge District Council Stuart Mitchenall, head of business support at Tandridge District Council, explains the work done as part of a shared service project in East Surrey in collaboration with MidlandHR. Tandridge District Council began their shared service journey as part of the East Surrey Improvement Partnership (ESIP), which was designed to bring together... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/iTrent-hosting-promotes-shared-HR-service-success-at-Tandridge-District-Council 451,440 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/iTrent-hosting-promotes-shared-HR-service-success-at-Tandridge-District-Council Sun, 01 Apr 2012 00:00:00 GMT Keeping people out of debt Lesley Robinson, debt advice programme director at the Money Advice Service, discusses the progress the organisation has made so far. High quality debt advice can transform the lives of people in financial crisis. It can also result in economic benefits for creditors. It makes sense then, particularly so in tough economic times, to bring... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/Keeping-people-out-of-debt 450,442 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/Keeping-people-out-of-debt Sun, 01 Apr 2012 00:00:00 GMT Local growth for local areas Lesley Kirkpatrick, head of regeneration and development at Powys County Council, makes the case for local growth zones in rural Wales. For rural areas, the rigid structure of enterprise zones may not be the best option to drive growth and employment. This is the idea behind Local Growth Zones, first recommended in a report by policy... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/Local-growth-for-local-areas 433,451 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/Local-growth-for-local-areas Sun, 01 Apr 2012 00:00:00 GMT Managing the move Helen Wakefield, co-director of personal and professional development company Windmills, discusses the staff motivation issues that can arise from the upheaval caused by departmental relocations. With both public and private sector falling victim to decreasing budgets and increasing expenditure over recent years, it’s no surprise... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/Managing-the-move 451,434 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/Managing-the-move Sun, 01 Apr 2012 00:00:00 GMT Missing the target Kate Ashley reports on a new piece of research that has drawn brickbats from the renewables industry. 'Powerful Targets’ is a controversial report that aims to demonstrate how the UK could achieve EU carbon emission reduction targets without investing in renewable energy sources. The report, produced by AF Consult alone after... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/Missing-the-target 437,446 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/Missing-the-target Sun, 01 Apr 2012 00:00:00 GMT Number-crunching Despite the difficulty that some public sector organisations have been having realising the predicted benefits of shared services, Network Rail has proven that it can be a success. While not officially part of the public sector, its experiences still contain relevant lessons for other organisations. Steve Swientozielskyj, head of finance... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/Number-crunching 451,440 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/Number-crunching Sun, 01 Apr 2012 00:00:00 GMT Planning for renewables The new National Planning Policy Framework seeks to simplify complex guidance with a view to promote ‘sustainable development’. But how does this affect planning for renewable energy technologies? Kate Ashley reports. Planning minister Greg Clark says policy changes will support the implementation of renewable energy in the UK... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/Planning-for-renewables 437,446 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/Planning-for-renewables Sun, 01 Apr 2012 00:00:00 GMT Playing pass the parcel Hugh Robertson, senior policy officer for health and safety at the TUC, spoke at IOSH 2012 on the Government’s misplaced priorities. Although the HSE has implemented government strategy in a “responsible and structured way”, the TUC believes there are serious issues with what this approach to health and safety actually... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/Playing-pass-the-parcel 435,446 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/Playing-pass-the-parcel Sun, 01 Apr 2012 00:00:00 GMT Public sector should be at the heart of renewable energy delivery Leonie Greene, head of external affairs at the Renewable Energy Association (REA), discusses UK policy on the issue Twelve years ago Germany produced just 3% of its total energy from renewables. In just over a decade that has increased nearly four-fold. Billions of euros have been invested in renewable heat, power and transport. What is... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/Public-sector-should-be-at-the-heart-of-renewable-energy-delivery 447,437 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/Public-sector-should-be-at-the-heart-of-renewable-energy-delivery Sun, 01 Apr 2012 00:00:00 GMT Public service reform - Coalition 2 years on The Coalition’s reforms present a chequered picture two years into its term of office. Coherence is not always apparent, but where patterns can be discerned there are justifiable grounds for concern about the direction of travel says Chris Painter, Emeritus Professor of Public Policy and Management at Birmingham City University. To... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/public-service-reform-coalition-2-years-on 447,436 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/public-service-reform-coalition-2-years-on Sun, 01 Apr 2012 00:00:00 GMT Q&A on shared services Mark Wynniatt of the National Audit Office talks to PSE about the recent report into failures across government shared services centres. The NAO report ‘Efficiency and reform in government corporate functions through shared service centres’, released in early March, was critical of the implementation and operation of... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/Q-A-on-shared-services 451,440 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/Q-A-on-shared-services Sun, 01 Apr 2012 00:00:00 GMT Relocation, Relocation, Relocation John Mann MP wants eight major departments of state to be relocated out of London to other UK cities to revive areas affected by recession and eliminate pressure on the London economy. His eight Presentation Bills have provoked debate and highlighted new options that could benefit the UK economy. Daniella McCarron reports. John Mann, MP... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/relocation-relocation-relocation 451,440 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/relocation-relocation-relocation Sun, 01 Apr 2012 00:00:00 GMT The risks of reduction Research programme director at IOSH, Professor Robert Dingwall, talks to PSE about the importance of research before restructuring. The Government is implementing changes to health and safety legislation, and aims to ‘scrap or improve’ 84% of regulations. IOSH is currently investigating the impacts this would have on workers... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/The-risks-of-reduction 435,451 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/The-risks-of-reduction Sun, 01 Apr 2012 00:00:00 GMT Trust me A new Chartered Institute of Personnel & Development (CIPD) report into declining levels of trust in the workplace highlights particular problems for the public sector. PSE talks trust, and its impact on innovation, growth and efficiency, with report co-author Vanessa Robinson, head of HR practice development at CIPD A new report by... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/Trust-me 438,451 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/Trust-me Sun, 01 Apr 2012 00:00:00 GMT Value evolution Social Enterprise UK’s chief executive Peter Holbrook talks to PSE about the ways in which the Social Value Act will change the face of procurement. It’s rare for a private member’s bill to be afforded debate, let alone make it to the statute book, but this is exactly what happened when Chris White MP (pictured below)... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/Value-evolution 451,436 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/Value-evolution Sun, 01 Apr 2012 00:00:00 GMT Wave energy from community to utility scale Michele Grassi, chairman and CEO of 40south Energy Ltd, analyses issues and solutions related to this new renewable source. Wave energy seems the perfect choice for distributed generation of electricity on a community scale. After all, a large majority of the world’s population lives near reasonably energetic seas. The... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/Wave-energy-from-community-to-utility-scale 447,437 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/Wave-energy-from-community-to-utility-scale Sun, 01 Apr 2012 00:00:00 GMT Welsh wages and regional variation Plaid Cymru’s Lindsay Whittle AM explains why implementing regional pay in the public sector would have serious consequences for Wales. Chancellor George Osborne’s recent proposal to introduce regional variation in public sector pay to better reflect local private sector wages has been criticised by unions and businesses alike... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/Welsh-wages-and-regional-variation 433,451 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/Welsh-wages-and-regional-variation Sun, 01 Apr 2012 00:00:00 GMT Cameron plans to introduce choice to public services More choice could be made available on schools and hospitals, Prime Minister David Cameron has announced. Probation services, children’s centres and fire and rescue services could also be provided outside of ‘big state structures’, he wrote in the Daily Telegraph. This could end “once and for all the closed, state... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/Cameron-plans-to-introduce-choice-to-public-services 440 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/Cameron-plans-to-introduce-choice-to-public-services Fri, 30 Mar 2012 00:00:00 GMT Lack of nature harming children - National Trust Children in the UK are losing touch with nature, and this is affecting their health and education, the National Trust argues in a new report. Traffic, computer games and the internet and parental anxiety all keep children indoors, yet this is impairing children’s capacity to learn through experience, the Trust suggests. The... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/Lack-of-nature-harming-children---National-Trust 437 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/Lack-of-nature-harming-children---National-Trust Fri, 30 Mar 2012 00:00:00 GMT Police performance targets for Leicestershire Leicestershire Policing Authority has published plans for 2012, setting out new performance targets to reduce crime and tackle priorities highlighted by local residents. Several consultation events have identified the needs and priorities of local communities, and the force will now focus on dealing with those who cause the most harm... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/Police-performance-targets-for-Leicestershire 440 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/Police-performance-targets-for-Leicestershire Fri, 30 Mar 2012 00:00:00 GMT Almost one in two adults has poor work-life balance New research from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) highlights the importance of obtaining a good work-life balance. The Measuring the National Well-being Programme found that 48.4% of adults over the age of 16 inGreat Britainreported a relatively low satisfaction with their work-life balance. Other statistics showed that... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/Almost-one-in-two-adults-has-poor-work-life-balance 442 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/Almost-one-in-two-adults-has-poor-work-life-balance Thu, 29 Mar 2012 00:00:00 GMT Raising public awareness for PCCs in Lancashire Lancashire Police Authority has launched a new website to inform public about the new Police and Crime Commissioners (PCCs), ahead of their elections in November. The website will include latest news on the transition to the new structure, information about the duties of PCCs and Police Crime Panels, who will hold them to account... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/Raising-public-awareness-for-PCCs-in-Lancashire 440 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/Raising-public-awareness-for-PCCs-in-Lancashire Thu, 29 Mar 2012 00:00:00 GMT Work Programme not covering upfront costs Charities are leaving the Government’s Work Programme for the long-term unemployed, as they argue the upfront payments they receive are inadequate. The Single Homeless Project (SHP) in London has left the £5bn scheme as the initial cost of helping long-term jobseekers find work is not covered by the upfront fees of up to... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/Work-Programme-not-covering-upfront-costs 434 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/Work-Programme-not-covering-upfront-costs Thu, 29 Mar 2012 00:00:00 GMT Economy shrank by 0.3% at end of 2011 Economic growth in the UK has been revised down to a contraction of 0.3% for the last three months of 2011, figures from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) show. The first two estimates from the ONS showed a contraction of only 0.2%, and the amendment reflects the difficult conditions faced by businesses and consumers, the ONS... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/Economy-shrank-by-03-at-end-of-2011 433 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/Economy-shrank-by-03-at-end-of-2011 Wed, 28 Mar 2012 00:00:00 GMT Riot factors revealed in new report Poor parenting, confidence in policing and materialism were all major factors that led to the riots last summer, a new report from the Riots, Communities and Victims panel has suggested. Commissioned last summer, the report recommends offering offenders leaving prison more support and creating a jobs guarantee for young people who have... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/Riot-factors-revealed-in-new-report 442 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/Riot-factors-revealed-in-new-report Wed, 28 Mar 2012 00:00:00 GMT Teachers strike against pension changes Teachers and lecturers are staging a 24-hour strike today over pension reforms. The first stage of an increase in pension contributions comes into force next week. Members of the National Union of Teachers (NUT) and University and College Union (UCU) will march through centralLondonand hold a rally outside of the Education Department... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/Teachers-strike-against-pension-changes 434 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/Teachers-strike-against-pension-changes Wed, 28 Mar 2012 00:00:00 GMT Kinship carers lacking vital support Local authorities are failing to provide adequate support for family and friends carers, research from the charity Family Rights Group suggests. When children are unable to live with their parents, they should be enabled to live with a member of their extended family or social network, yet research has highlighted a lack of support for... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/Kinship-carers-lacking-vital-support 442 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/Kinship-carers-lacking-vital-support Tue, 27 Mar 2012 00:00:00 GMT Planning reforms implemented immediately The Government’s planning reforms are set to be published today, and will come into immediate effect, ahead of the previous date in April. Although there will still be a presumption in favour of sustainable development, specific protections will be outlined for certain green areas. Following months of opposition from environmental... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/planning-reforms-implemented-immediately 441 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/planning-reforms-implemented-immediately Tue, 27 Mar 2012 00:00:00 GMT PSN suppliers announced The Cabinet Office has revealed the Public Sector Network (PSN) suppliers list, where 12 out of 16 bidders have joined the framework. PSN is an agreement made up of managed telecoms services, to “ease collaboration and communication” between various public sector departments. Services covered in the £500m-£3bn... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/PSN-suppliers-announced 439 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/PSN-suppliers-announced Tue, 27 Mar 2012 00:00:00 GMT Dementia research funding to double Annual funding for dementia research is set to rise to £66m by 2015 to try to make theUKa world leader in the field, Prime Minister David Cameron will announce. Dementia is thought to affect around 800,000 people in theUK, and costs society an estimated £23bn. The number of people with the condition is expected to top one... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/Dementia-research-funding-to-double 436 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/Dementia-research-funding-to-double Mon, 26 Mar 2012 00:00:00 GMT Government loses solar power appeal The Government has lost its third bid to cut subsidies for solar panels on homes as the Supreme Court refused permission to appeal on Friday. Following the unexpected success of Feed-in Tariffs (FiTs), the Government wanted to reduce the subsidies on any solar installations completed after December 12 last year. However, the High Court... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/Government-loses-solar-power-appeal 437,455 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/Government-loses-solar-power-appeal Mon, 26 Mar 2012 00:00:00 GMT New initiative to allow EU citizens to change legislation The European Commission is set to launch a ‘Citizens’ initiative’ to allow the population to make legislative proposals from April 1. This will offer the opportunity for employers to repeal or modify EU Directives. To make a legislative proposal, a committee must be formed by at least seven citizens from seven different... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/New-initiative-to-allow-EU-citizens-to-change-legislation 436 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/New-initiative-to-allow-EU-citizens-to-change-legislation Mon, 26 Mar 2012 00:00:00 GMT Public sector employment could fall to lowest ever level The number of people working in the public sector could be cut to the lowest level since the creation of the welfare state, new analysis shows. The Office for Budget Responsibility has published projections suggesting 880,000 jobs will be cut by 2017. The Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) says that as a proportion of... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/Public-sector-employment-could-fall-to-lowest-ever-level 434 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/Public-sector-employment-could-fall-to-lowest-ever-level Mon, 26 Mar 2012 00:00:00 GMT Academy construction awarded in Plymouth Plymouth City Council has appointed a contractor to build its new Academy school in an 18-month, £11.5m programme. All Saints Academy Plymouth was one of 71 academies awarded a capital funding grant in December 2010. BAM Construction Ltd will take on 4,200 sq. m of new build and complete remodelling, with a refurbishment of the east... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/Academy-construction-awarded-in-Plymouth 433 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/Academy-construction-awarded-in-Plymouth Fri, 23 Mar 2012 00:00:00 GMT Academy construction awarded in Plymouth Plymouth City Council has appointed a contractor to build its new Academy school in an 18-month, £11.5m programme. All Saints Academy Plymouth was one of 71 academies awarded a capital funding grant in December 2010. BAM Construction Ltd will take on 4,200 sq. m of new build and complete remodelling, with a refurbishment of the east... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/Academy-construction-awarded-in-Plymouth 433 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/Academy-construction-awarded-in-Plymouth Fri, 23 Mar 2012 00:00:00 GMT Dispute over pensioner tax allowances Pensioners will be better off in this Budget, Chancellor George Osborne has maintained, despite ending age-related tax allowances. The tax allowance for pensioners aged 65-74 is currently £10,500, which rises to £10,660 after this age. Osborne announced that this will be frozen from April 5, 2013, to save £3.25bn over... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/Dispute-over-pensioner-tax-allowances 436 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/Dispute-over-pensioner-tax-allowances Fri, 23 Mar 2012 00:00:00 GMT Minimum pricing considered for England The Government is proposing to introduce minimum pricing on alcohol for England and Wales, at a suggested 40p per unit. Ministers argue that this will not affect responsible pubs or drinkers but will make it more expensive to get drunk and cause problems for hospitals and police. Similar proposals are currently being considered by the... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/Minimum-pricing-considered-for-England 433 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/Minimum-pricing-considered-for-England Fri, 23 Mar 2012 00:00:00 GMT Minimum pricing considered for England The Government is proposing to introduce minimum pricing on alcohol for England and Wales, at a suggested 40p per unit. Ministers argue that this will not affect responsible pubs or drinkers but will make it more expensive to get drunk and cause problems for hospitals and police. Similar proposals are currently being considered by the... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/Minimum-pricing-considered-for-England 433 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/Minimum-pricing-considered-for-England Fri, 23 Mar 2012 00:00:00 GMT Police to be balloted on the right to strike The Police Federation has declared that police officers in England and Wales are to be balloted on whether they want to be given the right to strike. Currently, police officers are legally banned from taking industrial action, yet after 20% budget cuts and suggestions for the most extensive reform of pay and conditions in over 30 years... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/Police-to-be-balloted-on-the-right-to-strike 434 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/Police-to-be-balloted-on-the-right-to-strike Fri, 23 Mar 2012 00:00:00 GMT Budget outlines fall in spending for 2015 Chancellor George Osborne announced his Budget yesterday, setting out changes to taxation and public sector spending. His new figures have set out a 0.9% fall in public sector spending in the two years after the current spending review period ends in 2014-15. In 2015-16 the total public sector expenditure will be £744bn, including... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/Budget-outlines-fall-in-spending-for-2015 433 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/Budget-outlines-fall-in-spending-for-2015 Thu, 22 Mar 2012 00:00:00 GMT 50p rate of income tax on highest earners to be cut The introduction of regional pay for public sector workers and changes to income tax are set to be announced by Chancellor George Osborne in his Budget this afternoon. The announcement comes after ONS statistics show a rise in borrowing in February to £15.2bn, up from £8.8bn for the previous year. Osborne is expected to cut... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/50p-rate-of-income-tax-on-highest-earners-to-be-cut 433 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/50p-rate-of-income-tax-on-highest-earners-to-be-cut Wed, 21 Mar 2012 00:00:00 GMT Re-using empty housing in Gloucester Gloucester council is launching a campaign to bring empty homes back into use, to help people struggling to find housing. The council will work closely with registered social landlords, such as Chapter 1, to carry out repairs, renovations and conversions on suitable properties to provide extra homes. The council will also be able to... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/Re-using-empty-housing-in-Gloucester 441 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/Re-using-empty-housing-in-Gloucester Wed, 21 Mar 2012 00:00:00 GMT Unions defeated in pensions dispute Trade unions have lost their battle with the Government over the changes in the way public sector pensions are altered to account for inflation. Three appeal judges refused to overturn the high court case decision made against the unions in December. The Government is changing the measure for calculating pension rises from the Retail... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/Unions-defeated-in-pensions-dispute 434 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/Unions-defeated-in-pensions-dispute Wed, 21 Mar 2012 00:00:00 GMT Clearer data needed for government procurement cards - NAO Government procurement cards can be cost-effective, although there is no up-to-date value for money case quantifying these benefits, a new report from the NAO suggests. Central government spent £322m using government procurement cards in 2010-11, and £149m in the first half of 2011-12. There were 1.75 million transactions in... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/Clearer-data-needed-for-government-procurement-cards---NAO 438 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/Clearer-data-needed-for-government-procurement-cards---NAO Tue, 20 Mar 2012 00:00:00 GMT MoJ owed £2bn through uncollected fines Almost £2bn is owed to the Ministry of Justice in uncollected confiscation orders and fines, a Commons Public Accounts Committee report states. This includes £1.3bn owed from criminal assets targeted for seizure and £600m in fines. At least £750m of this is unrecoverable, as the money is either too well hidden or... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/MoJ-owed-£2bn-through-uncollected-fines 436 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/MoJ-owed-£2bn-through-uncollected-fines Tue, 20 Mar 2012 00:00:00 GMT Strategy board to increase access to Government data A new independent Data Strategy Board is to advise Government on what data should be released to the public and how this should be published. At least a third of the members will come from outside Government. The Department for Business, Innovation and Skills said the board “will advise ministers on what data should be released and... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/Strategy-board-to-increase-access-to-Government-data 439 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/Strategy-board-to-increase-access-to-Government-data Tue, 20 Mar 2012 00:00:00 GMT £9m for Scottish youth employment Six Scottish local authorities will share £9m funding to create work opportunities for youth unemployment. Glasgow, Renfrewshire, North and South Lanarkshire and North and East Ayrshire will use money from the Scottish Government’s youth employment strategy fund. The councils will have flexibility on how to direct this... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/£9m-for-Scottish-youth-employment 434 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/£9m-for-Scottish-youth-employment Mon, 19 Mar 2012 00:00:00 GMT Public sector workers could see local pay rates Introducing local pay rates for some public sector workers in theUKcould ‘insitutionalise’ regional poverty, unions have argued. Chancellor George Osborne is expected to seek more flexibility in pay rates in the Budget on Wednesday. This could affect up to six million public sector workers from as soon as next month as the... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/Public-sector-workers-could-see-local-pay-rates 434 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/Public-sector-workers-could-see-local-pay-rates Mon, 19 Mar 2012 00:00:00 GMT Road 'privatisation' plan floated Prime Minister David Cameron is set to announce plans that could hand regional road networks over to private companies in much the same way as happened with water supplies, by leasing out trunk roads and motorways to sovereign wealth funds. This would increase investment and reduce congestion, he will argue. The Treasury and the DfT could... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/Road-privatisation-plan-floated 433 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/Road-privatisation-plan-floated Mon, 19 Mar 2012 00:00:00 GMT Teachers plan pensions strike Teachers are planning to strike against pension changes, with the National Union of Teachers (NUT) announcing further industrial action to be held for one day on March 28. The union argues that the changes would mean teachers would work longer, pay more and receive less when they retired. Last November 18,342 schools were closed across... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/Teachers-plan-pensions-strike 434 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/Teachers-plan-pensions-strike Mon, 19 Mar 2012 00:00:00 GMT Digital divide threatens police elections Millions of people who do not regularly use the internet could be denied information about the candidates for police commissioner elections, the Electoral Commission has warned. The Home Office has ruled out posting out details of the elections to households, meaning 7 million people could be disadvantaged, the Commission suggests. The... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/Digital-divide-threatens-police-elections 436 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/Digital-divide-threatens-police-elections Thu, 15 Mar 2012 00:00:00 GMT Labour guarantees work for unemployed under-24s Ed Miliband is to launch a ‘guarantee’ to offer work to unemployed young people. The party would pay firms to employ up to 100,000 18-24 year olds, with money raised by a bank bonus tax. The scheme would cost £600m for 25 hours per week at minimum wage for each person. This would cover the employee’s training and... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/Labour-guarantees-work-for-unemployed-under-24s 434 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/Labour-guarantees-work-for-unemployed-under-24s Thu, 15 Mar 2012 00:00:00 GMT No-fault dismissal proposals criticised Government plans to enable microfirms to dismiss employees without good reason risks creating demotivated workforces and a perverse incentive for firms not to expand, the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) suggests. This warning comes in response to the BIS call for evidence on the proposals to introduce compensated... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/No-fault-dismissal-proposals-criticised 434 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/No-fault-dismissal-proposals-criticised Thu, 15 Mar 2012 00:00:00 GMT Jobs recession costs employers £28.6bn The impact of the jobs recession has cost UK employers £28.6bn, a new report published by the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) suggests. Based on official statistics and survey evidence, the report found that almost 2.7 million people were made redundant in the past four years, with manufacturing and... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/Jobs-recession-costs-employers-£286bn 434 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/Jobs-recession-costs-employers-£286bn Wed, 14 Mar 2012 00:00:00 GMT Police riot review could introduce water cannon The Metropolitan police force is developing more “assertive tactics” to tackle disorder, as the Scotland Yard review into last summer’s riots ‘Four Days in August’ is published. This includes the potential to buy water cannon, costing around £1m, and making baton rounds more readily available. CS smoke... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/Police-riot-review-could-introduce-water-cannon 454 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/Police-riot-review-could-introduce-water-cannon Wed, 14 Mar 2012 00:00:00 GMT Unemployment at 2.67 million Employment statistics show that unemployment has increased by 28,000 in the period from November 2011 to January 2012 compared to the previous quarter. The total number of unemployed people is 2.67 million, the highest since 1995. Additionally, the unemployment rate is 8.4% of the economically active population, up 0.1% on the... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/Unemployment-at-267-million 434 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/Unemployment-at-267-million Wed, 14 Mar 2012 00:00:00 GMT Overseas students numbers to rise by 10% in UK The number of overseas students studying in theUKis set to increase by 10% this decade – a rise of 30,000 – according to a new study for the British Council. Only Australia is set to have a larger increase. The British Council suggested that this is a “decade of opportunity” for theUKto benefit from international... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/Overseas-students-numbers-to-rise-by-10-in-UK 453 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/Overseas-students-numbers-to-rise-by-10-in-UK Tue, 13 Mar 2012 00:00:00 GMT PAC slams road maintenance cuts Cuts in road maintenance spending could cost taxpayers more in the long term, and are likely to increase repair bills for motorists, the Public Accounts Committee has stated. The committee argues that the Department for Transport does not have a “full understanding of the likely impact of reducing road maintenance budgets” and... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/PAC-slams-road-maintenance-cuts 433 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/PAC-slams-road-maintenance-cuts Tue, 13 Mar 2012 00:00:00 GMT 'Final' set of pension proposals for public sector Public sector pension talks have been concluded, and the Government has now published its final set of proposals for union executives to consider. The plans seek to increase employee contributions between April this year and April 2015 as well as a switch to career average pension schemes and the raising of the age of retirement to... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/Final-set-of-pension-proposals-for-public-sector 434 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/Final-set-of-pension-proposals-for-public-sector Mon, 12 Mar 2012 00:00:00 GMT 14% increase in homelessness in England Homelessness has increased by 14% in the past year, with almost 500,000 households accepted as homeless as repossession rates and unemployment rise. According to figures released by the Department for Communities and Local Government, this is the highest increase for nine years. Homelessness had previously been falling, but 48,510... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/14-increase-in-homelessness-in-England 445 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/14-increase-in-homelessness-in-England Mon, 12 Mar 2012 00:00:00 GMT Municipal bonds could unlock billions in investment - LGA The Local Government Association (LGA) has called for the removal of regulatory barriers to funding for new homes, roads and infrastructure projects through the use of municipal bonds. The LGA has written a letter to the chancellor, George Osborne, urging him to consider allowing more private investment in local government to help boost... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/Municipal-bonds-could-unlock-billions-in-investment---LGA 436 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/Municipal-bonds-could-unlock-billions-in-investment---LGA Mon, 12 Mar 2012 00:00:00 GMT NewBuy scheme to help home buyers The Government is launching a new mortgage indemnity scheme to help buyers climb up the property ladder. NewBuy involves the construction industry and taxpayers acting as co-guarantors on new homes bought by existing or first-time buyers, enabling people to borrow up to 95% of the value of new homes. Under NewBuy, the builder pays 3.5% of... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/NewBuy-scheme-to-help-home-buyers- 441 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/NewBuy-scheme-to-help-home-buyers- Mon, 12 Mar 2012 00:00:00 GMT Adoption process to be speeded up David Cameron has announced more reforms to the adoption process to ensure children spend less time in care and the whole process is “fairer and faster”. The changes involve allowing children to be fostered with potential adoptive parents before the formal adoption process is completed, and reducing the priority that local... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/adoption-process-to-be-speeded-up 442 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/adoption-process-to-be-speeded-up Fri, 09 Mar 2012 00:00:00 GMT Olympics could go £1.7bn over budget - MPs Parliament’s Public Accounts Committee has said that unaccounted-for costs will mean the Olympics overruns its £9.3bn budget – perhaps by as much as £1.7bn. Security costs have doubled, the MPs on the committee say, and they blame weak Government negotiations with main private contractor G4S. The Government... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/Olympics-could-go-£17bn-over-budget---MPs 433 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/Olympics-could-go-£17bn-over-budget---MPs Fri, 09 Mar 2012 00:00:00 GMT Scotland welcomes Green Investment Bank to Edinburgh The Green Investment Bank is to be sited in Edinburgh, with a contingent of staff in London. The news has disappointed the many other towns and cities that were bidding hard to be named as the home for the new institution. Business Secretary Vince Cable said many of the bank’s staff would be based inLondon, to begin with... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/Scotland-welcomes-Green-Investment-Bank-to-Edinburgh 437 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/Scotland-welcomes-Green-Investment-Bank-to-Edinburgh Fri, 09 Mar 2012 00:00:00 GMT Minimum pricing supported despite concerns The Health Committee report on the Alcohol (Minimum Pricing) (Scotland) Bill highlighted a difference of opinion from members. The majority were persuaded that the measure will help to reduce alcohol consumption, recognising a ‘clear link’ between price and the amount of alcohol consumed. The report reads: “A majority of... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/Minimum-pricing-supported-despite-concerns 445 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/Minimum-pricing-supported-despite-concerns Thu, 08 Mar 2012 00:00:00 GMT Nuclear site flooding risk highlighted UK nuclear sites are at risk of flooding due to rising sea levels caused by climate change, according to a full analysis compiled by Defra. Out of 19 existing and planned nuclear sites in theUK, 12 are at risk of flooding or coastal erosion, the Guardian reported. Nine of these have been assessed by Defra as vulnerable now, with the... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/Nuclear-site-flooding-risk-highlighted 437 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/Nuclear-site-flooding-risk-highlighted Thu, 08 Mar 2012 00:00:00 GMT Referral units should become academies - behavioural review Referral units for disruptive pupils should be turned into academies, a review by the Government’s behavioural expert Charlie Taylor suggests. Additional recommendations include teacher training taking place in these units and for schools to have greater powers over funding and commissioning of services. The review argues that... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/Referral-units-should-become-academies---behavioural-review 453 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/Referral-units-should-become-academies---behavioural-review Thu, 08 Mar 2012 00:00:00 GMT Government shared services fail to provide savings - NAO The increased use of shared services across Government has failed to deliver value for money, the National Audit Office (NAO) stated. Of the eight new shared service centres set up, the NAO examined five; the DWP, MoJ, DfT, Research Councils UK and Defra. The investigation found that the cost of building and operating the centres ran... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/Government-shared-services-fail-to-provide-savings---NAO 439 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/Government-shared-services-fail-to-provide-savings---NAO Wed, 07 Mar 2012 00:00:00 GMT Housing scheme launched to aid employment Westminster Council is introducing new shorter tenancies, aimed at people who would not normally be eligible for social housing, to help tackle youth unemployment, supporting young people into training or jobs. The move follows an Acevo report which suggested that 1 in 5 young people in theUKare Neet. The pilot scheme will offer... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/Housing-scheme-launched-to-aid-employment 441 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/Housing-scheme-launched-to-aid-employment Wed, 07 Mar 2012 00:00:00 GMT Lack of aviation investment could cost UK billions - report Unions and industry bodies have joined forces to campaign for a third runway at Heathrow, stating that the UK could lose out on jobs and foreign investment without a hub airport. A new report by Oxford Economics, sponsored by BAA, suggests that capacity constraints will cost the UK £4.5bn in GDP from foreign investment and... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/Lack-of-aviation-investment-could-cost-UK-billions---report 433 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/Lack-of-aviation-investment-could-cost-UK-billions---report Tue, 06 Mar 2012 00:00:00 GMT Prisoners straight into work programme Ex-offenders who claim jobseekers allowance will be immediately referred to the Government’s Work Programme, and employers will be paid for the number of criminals they employ, it has been announced. These measures are aimed at reducing reoffending rates and helping integrate people with criminal records back into work, employment... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/Prisoners-straight-into-work-programme 434 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/Prisoners-straight-into-work-programme Tue, 06 Mar 2012 00:00:00 GMT Sure Start refocus to improve outcomes for children Councils will be paid for improving parenting skills and encouraging more mothers to breastfeed in a new trial. The scheme aims to improve outcomes for children through services offered by children’s centres against a range of central Government targets. Councils are urged to increase children’s readiness for school and... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/Sure-Start-refocus-to-improve-outcomes-for-children 445 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/Sure-Start-refocus-to-improve-outcomes-for-children Tue, 06 Mar 2012 00:00:00 GMT £5.5bn cuts for charities The charity sector could be facing cuts of up to £5.5bn in the current financial year, according to a report compiled by the Association of Chief Executives of Voluntary Organisations (Acevo) based on applications to the Government’s transition fund for charities facing financial hardship. The report also suggests the... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/£55bn-cuts-for-charities 440 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/£55bn-cuts-for-charities Mon, 05 Mar 2012 00:00:00 GMT 40% reduction in audit fees as contracts awarded The Audit Commission is set to reduce audit fees by 40% over the next five years, as it proposes to award contracts to four private sector firms. Public bodies are expected to save over £30m a year for the length of these contracts, and with additional internal efficiency savings of £19m per year, audit fees are predicted to... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/40-reduction-in-audit-fees-as-contracts-awarded 438 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/40-reduction-in-audit-fees-as-contracts-awarded Mon, 05 Mar 2012 00:00:00 GMT Private sector bids for police roles Police will invite private security firms to bid for roles in West Midlands and Surrey forces, it has been announced. The private sector officers would respond to and investigate some crimes, patrol neighbourhoods and support witnesses and victims, but would not carry out any arrests. The Police Federation, which represents... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/Private-sector-bids-for-police-roles 440 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/Private-sector-bids-for-police-roles Mon, 05 Mar 2012 00:00:00 GMT Scottish independence campaign planned for May The ‘Yes’ campaign for Scottish independence is to launch officially from May, following the end of the Government’s consultation and the local elections. Plans are to hold a referendum on independence in autumn 2014. The SNP Government has proposed the referendum question: “Do you agree that Scotland should be an... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/Scottish-independence-campaign-planned-for-May 436 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/Scottish-independence-campaign-planned-for-May Mon, 05 Mar 2012 00:00:00 GMT 71% of public sector posts lost were from local government Local government jobs account for the largest drop in public sector employment, according to new figures from the Office for National Statistics. The largest falls were in the South West, the West Midlands and the North East. Over the last year, the public sector lost 269,000 jobs – a fall of 4.4%. The amount of posts lost by local... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/71-of-public-sector-posts-lost-were-from-local-government 434 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/71-of-public-sector-posts-lost-were-from-local-government Fri, 02 Mar 2012 00:00:00 GMT Charity launched to tackle poor numeracy Millions of people in Britain are struggling with numeracy, damaging our economic performance, according to a new charity ‘National Numeracy’, set up to improve maths skills. Government figures show that almost half of the working population inEnglandhave only primary school level numeracy, leading to difficulty understanding... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/Charity-launched-to-tackle-poor-numeracy 453 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/Charity-launched-to-tackle-poor-numeracy Fri, 02 Mar 2012 00:00:00 GMT Collective responsibility needed to build trust - CIPD Reciprocal trust is necessary for organisations in the public sector to survive restructuring, redundancies and pay cuts, according to research from the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD). Case studies of organisations including Sunderland,Norfolkand Hampshire councils, HMRC, the Department of Business, Innovation and... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/Collective-responsibility-needed-to-build-trust---CIPD 434 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/Collective-responsibility-needed-to-build-trust---CIPD Thu, 01 Mar 2012 00:00:00 GMT Conflict of interests leads to prison 'lock-out' A prison governor has ‘locked out’ probation staff after it emerged that the local probation trust had formed an alliance with private security company G4s to take over management of three prisons in South Yorkshire. Bob Mullen, in charge of Lindholme, Moorlands and Hatfield prisons, told the probation trust last Friday... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/Conflict-of-interests-leads-to-prison-lock-out 440 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/Conflict-of-interests-leads-to-prison-lock-out Thu, 01 Mar 2012 00:00:00 GMT Welfare Reform Bill passed The Welfare Reform Bill has passed through the House of Lords, despite criticisms that it would negatively affect disabled people’s independence. The Bill will introduce an annual cap on benefits for any family at £26,000, the median average income. Prime Minister David Cameron said: “These reforms will change lives... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/Welfare-Reform-Bill-passed 445 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/Welfare-Reform-Bill-passed Thu, 01 Mar 2012 00:00:00 GMT Barker outlines sustainable growth through Green Deal The Green Deal will create sustainable growth through investment in the economy and could support up to 65,000 jobs by 2015, climate change minister Greg Barker is set to announce today. Speaking at the British Property Federation conference today, Barker will outline the important role landlords have to play in driving demand and... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/Barker-outlines-sustainable-growth-through-Green-Deal 437 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/Barker-outlines-sustainable-growth-through-Green-Deal Wed, 29 Feb 2012 00:00:00 GMT Benefits concern for work experience scheme The employment minister is meeting firms taking part in the Government’s controversial unpaid work experience programme today, after ongoing criticism from protestors who have branded it ‘forced labour’ and decisions by some companies to quit the scheme. The work experience programme is aimed at 16 to 24-year-olds... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/Benefits-concern-for-work-experience-scheme 434 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/Benefits-concern-for-work-experience-scheme Wed, 29 Feb 2012 00:00:00 GMT Child maintenance spending reduction 'too risky' - NAO The Child Maintenance and Enforcement Commission’s plans to reduce its spending are too high risk, according to the National Audit Office (NAO). The commission has already fallen £44m short of its plans to save £161m by 2014/15, and is reliant on fee income from parents to raise £71m. Cost savings are expected... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/Child-maintenance-spending-reduction-too-risky---NAO 435 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/Child-maintenance-spending-reduction-too-risky---NAO Wed, 29 Feb 2012 00:00:00 GMT 'Devo plus' campaign launched Regardless of a referendum on Scottish independence, ‘devo plus’ is the best way forward for the country, a new campaign group suggests. The proposal is deliberately set up to contrast with the SNP proposal for ‘devo max’, which is a potential ‘third option’ on the referendum ballot paper, for those... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/devo-plus-campaign-launched 436 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/devo-plus-campaign-launched Tue, 28 Feb 2012 00:00:00 GMT Final reading for 'social value' bill The Public Services (Social Value) Bill is to receive its final reading today. If passed, it would require public bodies to consider social value when commissioning services. This would include the economic, social and environmental wellbeing of an area. The private member’s bill could allow charities and social enterprises to... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/Final-reading-for-social-value-bill 438 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/Final-reading-for-social-value-bill Tue, 28 Feb 2012 00:00:00 GMT PSN drives efficiency but lacks awareness The Public Services Network (PSN) is vital to the public sector efficiency drive, but there is still a lack of clarity on where some organisations stand in relation to its adoption, new research suggests. BT conducted a survey of 1,300 public servants from a range of sectors to investigate attitudes to PSN. Results showed there was a... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/PSN-drives-efficiency-but-lacks-awareness 439 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/PSN-drives-efficiency-but-lacks-awareness Tue, 28 Feb 2012 00:00:00 GMT Families struggle with rising childcare costs Rises in childcare costs could force parents to quit their jobs, according to the charity Daycare Trust. A new survey showed that the average cost of nursery care inBritainfor children under the age of two increased by nearly 6% in the last year. Average wages rose by just 0.3%. The average cost of nursery care for this age group is over... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/Families-struggle-with-rising-childcare-costs 445 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/Families-struggle-with-rising-childcare-costs Mon, 27 Feb 2012 00:00:00 GMT Flooding risk causes insurance challenge Insurance is soon to expire for around 200,000 homes at risk of flooding, unless the Flood Insurance Statement of Principles is replaced. The Local Government Association (LGA) wants the commitment of this ‘safety net’ to be renewed to protect houses at risk. The Statement means insurers are required to offer insurance to... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/Flooding-risk-causes-insurance-challenge 437 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/Flooding-risk-causes-insurance-challenge Mon, 27 Feb 2012 00:00:00 GMT Further amendments for Health and Social Care Bill Liberal Democrats in the House of Lords are launching a new attempt to rewrite the Government’s reforms for the NHS. Tim Farron MP, the party’s president, has urged that all new elements of competition within the NHS should be stripped out of the legislation. The peers – with at least the tacit backing of the party... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/Further-amendments-for-Health-and-Social-Care-Bill 436 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/Further-amendments-for-Health-and-Social-Care-Bill Mon, 27 Feb 2012 00:00:00 GMT Ofsted tightens adoption rules Adoption rules are set to be made more stringent, with a greater emphasis on speed and whether siblings are kept together, Ofsted has announced. From April, local authorities inEnglandwill only be awarded an ‘outstanding’ rating if they manage to place children within 12 months. Recent research suggests the average wait is 2... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/Ofsted-tightens-adoption-rules 445 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/Ofsted-tightens-adoption-rules Mon, 27 Feb 2012 00:00:00 GMT Children given 'no notice' for care moves Children in care often get moved from placement to placement without adequate notice, without choice and without their siblings, the Children’s Care Monitor reveals. Ofsted will use this evidence to monitor the level of care provided and take advice to improve the service. Published today, the report includes experiences from 1,870... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/Children-given-no-notice-for-care-moves 445 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/Children-given-no-notice-for-care-moves Fri, 24 Feb 2012 00:00:00 GMT Community Investment for Camden Camdenis launching a Community Investment Programme to improve and invest in its council homes, schools and neighbourhoods. Over 850 new council and shared ownership homes will be built, £117m will be used to improve 57 of the borough’s schools and children’s centres and £119m will provide Better Homes repairs to... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/Community-Investment-for-Camden 442 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/Community-Investment-for-Camden Fri, 24 Feb 2012 00:00:00 GMT Pay freeze for local government employees Council workers in England, Wales and Northern Ireland will have their pay frozen for the third year in a row, the Local Government Association (LGA) has confirmed. 1.6 million local government employees will have their pay frozen for 2012/13 due to rising costs and shrinking funding, the association said. Spokeswoman Sarah Messenger... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/Pay-freeze-for-local-government-employees 436 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/Pay-freeze-for-local-government-employees Fri, 24 Feb 2012 00:00:00 GMT Effective management better than new infrastructure for drought Knee-jerk calls for new infrastructure may not be the best way to manage drought, the Chartered Institute of Water and Environmental management (CIWEM) has warned. Following the drought summit held by the Environment Secretary, Caroline Spelman, on Monday, the CIWEM suggests that effective management, widespread use of metering, water... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/Effective-management-better-than-new-infrastructure-for-drought 437 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/Effective-management-better-than-new-infrastructure-for-drought Thu, 23 Feb 2012 00:00:00 GMT Plain packaging could discourage young smokers Every year, 157,000 children aged 11-15 start smoking, according to latest research by Cancer Research UK. The charity is petitioning the Government for sustained action to discourage young people from taking up smoking, including the introduction of plain packaging for cigarettes. In the UK, almost 1 million under-15s, around 27%, have... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/Plain-packaging-could-discourage-young-smokers 442 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/Plain-packaging-could-discourage-young-smokers Thu, 23 Feb 2012 00:00:00 GMT 'Pay-per-Neet' scheme aims to help teenagers find work A project launched by Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg will allow firms and charities to bid for a payment-by-results scheme to try to get ‘Neet’ teenagers into work or training. The £126m scheme will target 55,000 teenagers inEnglandwith poor qualifications who are currently not in education, employment or... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/Pay-per-Neet-scheme-aims-to-help-teenagers-find-work 434 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/Pay-per-Neet-scheme-aims-to-help-teenagers-find-work Tue, 21 Feb 2012 00:00:00 GMT New free school in Bradford A new science-specialised free school, the Kings Science Academy, is to be built in Bradford through the Partnerships for Schools academies framework. BAM Construction has been awarded the £9m design and construction contract, and the school will be run by the Kings Free Schools and Academies Trust. Steve Wheller, BAM Construct... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/New-free-school-in-Bradford 453 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/New-free-school-in-Bradford Tue, 21 Feb 2012 00:00:00 GMT UK Border Force to be run independently from the UK Border Agency Home Secretary Theresa May has told MPs that the UK Border Force is to be run independently from the UK Border Agency (UKBA). This follows revelations that hundreds of thousands of people were let into the country without appropriate checks last year. May made a Commons Statement yesterday as the Government published a report into the... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/UK-Border-Force-to-be-run-independently-from-the-UK-Border-Agency 436 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/UK-Border-Force-to-be-run-independently-from-the-UK-Border-Agency Tue, 21 Feb 2012 00:00:00 GMT Drought summit to discuss preventative measures A drought summit is being held today, as parts of England suffer with groundwater levels lower than in 1976. Environment secretary Caroline Spelman is meeting with water companies, farmers and wildlife groups to discuss the situation in south east England, East Anglia and the East Midlands. Many rivers are already drying up and while... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/Drought-summit-to-discuss-preventative-measures 437 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/Drought-summit-to-discuss-preventative-measures Mon, 20 Feb 2012 00:00:00 GMT Legal challenge to High Court pensions ruling Unions are set to launch an appeal after losing a legal challenge to the way public sector pensions are calculated. Last year, a High Court decision approved the switch for uprating pensions from Retail Price Index (RPI) to the usually lower Consumer Price Index (CPI). The Government implemented the switch to save money and thus cut the... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/legal-challenge-to-high-court-pensions-ruling 434 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/legal-challenge-to-high-court-pensions-ruling Mon, 20 Feb 2012 00:00:00 GMT Pay prospects up from previous quarter There has been a positive shift in pay prospects in 2012, according to data from a survey of employers by the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD). The expected mean basic pay settlement is 1.7% for the twelve months to December 2012, compared with 1.5% in the previous quarter and 1.3% at the same time last... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/Pay-prospects-up-from-previous-quarter 434 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/Pay-prospects-up-from-previous-quarter Mon, 20 Feb 2012 00:00:00 GMT Redundancy payments for civil servants costs £90m The Government has spent almost £90m in redundancy payments to civil servants at the same time as it spent £30m on employment agency fees to fill vacant posts, according to figures obtained by Jon Trickett MP, shadow minister for the Cabinet Office. Trickett said: “In its casual approach to managing public sector reforms... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/Redundancy-payments-for-civil-servants-costs-£90m 436 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/Redundancy-payments-for-civil-servants-costs-£90m Mon, 20 Feb 2012 00:00:00 GMT £6m fine for university's over-recruitment London Metropolitan University is facing a £6m fine for over-recruitment. The university accepted 1,500 more students than it should have done in the rush for places ahead of tuition fee increases this year. The higher education funding body (Hefce) sent a letter to the university, with a fine of £5.9m. Universities have to... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/£6m-fine-for-universitys-over-recruitment 453 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/£6m-fine-for-universitys-over-recruitment Fri, 17 Feb 2012 00:00:00 GMT Government saves £5bn in past year Cutting 43,000 civil service jobs has contributed to Government savings of £5bn in the past 12 months, according to the Cabinet Office minister Francis Maude. Other savings were generated by reducing travel expenses and securing better deals withWhitehallcontractors. £130m was saved in renegotiating or scrapping property... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/Government-saves-£5bn-in-past-year 436 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/Government-saves-£5bn-in-past-year Fri, 17 Feb 2012 00:00:00 GMT Higher social class could add three years to your life Inequalities between social classes could result in a gap in life expectancy of over three years, figures from the Office of National Statistics (ONS) suggest. Statistics also show that average age of retirement has risen as people work longer. Between 2004 and 2010, the average age of retirement for men rose from 63.8 to 64.6 and from 61... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/Higher-social-class-could-add-three-years-to-your-life 445 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/Higher-social-class-could-add-three-years-to-your-life Thu, 16 Feb 2012 00:00:00 GMT Manchester's 'Super connected city' bid Manchester City Council has submitted a bid for up to £12m of Government funding to become a ‘super connected city’. The Department for Culture, Media and Sport is providing up to 10 cities the chance to share a £100m Urban Broadband Fund to spread the advantages of ultra fast broadband. The Manchester bid could... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/Manchesters-Super-connected-city-bid 439 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/Manchesters-Super-connected-city-bid Thu, 16 Feb 2012 00:00:00 GMT Scotland 'stronger, safer and richer' in UK The UK is “better off” together, Prime Minister David Cameron is set to announce at a speech in Edinburgh today. Cameron will use the opportunity to launch his positive vision for a union between Scotland and the rest of the UK, arguing it makes the countries involved stronger, safer and richer. Scotland is to hold a... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/Scotland-stronger-safer-and-richer-in-UK 436 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/Scotland-stronger-safer-and-richer-in-UK Thu, 16 Feb 2012 00:00:00 GMT Fees recommended for FOI requests The Ministry of Justice has highlighted the flaws it perceives in the Freedom of Information (FOI) Act, in its evidence to the Commons Justice Select Committee. The Committee is currently considering whether the Act should be amended, due to rising concerns among public sector bodies over the number of requests received, the cost of... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/Fees-recommended-for-FOI-requests 439 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/Fees-recommended-for-FOI-requests Wed, 15 Feb 2012 00:00:00 GMT Ordnance Survey launches neighbourhood innovation challenge A neighbourhood innovation challenge has been launched with £115,000 funding available to develop the best ideas. Ordnance Survey has created the ‘GeoVation Challenge’, looking for geography, technology and design-based ideas to deliver solutions to a variety of problems experienced in neighbourhoods and communities... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/Ordnance-Survey-launches-neighbourhood-innovation-challenge 442 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/Ordnance-Survey-launches-neighbourhood-innovation-challenge Wed, 15 Feb 2012 00:00:00 GMT Unemployment at 2.67m UK unemployment is now at 2.67 million, after rising by 48,000 in the three months to December, statistics from the Office for National Statistics show. The unemployment rate is currently at 8.4% and the number of people claiming Jobseeker’s Allowance last month increased by 6,900 to 1.6 million. The number of job vacancies rose to... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/Unemployment-at-267m 434 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/Unemployment-at-267m Wed, 15 Feb 2012 00:00:00 GMT Hidden unemployment means 'true' figure is 6.3m Official unemployment figures hide the millions of people not actively seeking work or those who are ‘underemployed’, the TUC suggests. Currently an adult is defined as ‘unemployed’ only if they are out of work and actively seeking a new post within the past month. The TUC, the umbrella body for the UK trade union... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/Hidden-unemployment-means-true-figure-is-63m 434 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/Hidden-unemployment-means-true-figure-is-63m Tue, 14 Feb 2012 00:00:00 GMT Number of Welsh speakers declines The number of Welsh speakers in Wales is falling by around 3,000 people per year, according to a new report by the Welsh Language Board (WLB). The number increased between the 1991 and 2001 censuses, and got larger again by 2004 according to research, but now the WLB suggests that deaths and people moving away fromWaleshave had a large... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/Number-of-Welsh-speakers-declines 442 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/Number-of-Welsh-speakers-declines Tue, 14 Feb 2012 00:00:00 GMT Scottish tidal energy gets £6m investment Wave and tidal energy projects in Scotland are set to benefit from £6m in investment from the Waters fund, aimed at new technology and improving the operation of marine renewables devices. The second round of the remaining competitive funding is being launched by Scottish Enterprise. £13m was initially provided for the... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/Scottish-tidal-energy-gets-£6m-investment 437 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/Scottish-tidal-energy-gets-£6m-investment Tue, 14 Feb 2012 00:00:00 GMT Anti-terrorist campaign launched The Metropolitan Police are launching an anti-terrorist campaign, urging people to report suspicious behaviour to its new confidential hotline. ‘It’s Probably Nothing, But…’ will run for four weeks on radio adverts and on leaflets delivered to 1.4 million homes in London. The police stated that they would rather... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/Anti-terrorist-campaign-launched 454 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/Anti-terrorist-campaign-launched Mon, 13 Feb 2012 00:00:00 GMT Private sector cuts see rise in unemployment Unemployment is likely to worsen as the private sector resorts to redundancies, the CIPD suggests. Its researchers predict that unemployment could reach 2.85 million by the end of the year and the number of claims for jobless benefits will rise. The CIPD surveyed 1,000 employers and found that more were intending to cut jobs than were... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/Private-sector-cuts-see-rise-in-unemployment 434 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/Private-sector-cuts-see-rise-in-unemployment Mon, 13 Feb 2012 00:00:00 GMT Review of public sector bonuses underway Public sector bonuses are under review, the Government has announced, following public anger over huge bonuses for chief executives. Stephen Hester, chief executive of Royal Bank of Scotland, recently waived his bonus, worth £963,000, but many other senior bankers will still receive large payments. Chief secretary to the... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/Review-of-public-sector-bonuses-underway 438 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/Review-of-public-sector-bonuses-underway Mon, 13 Feb 2012 00:00:00 GMT Welsh criminals more likely to re-offend Re-offending rates in Wales are higher than in England, statistics from the Ministry of Justice show, with nearly half of Welsh council areas in the top 20% of areas with the highest re-offending rates in the UK. Swansea has the highest rate of re-offending for adults at 31%. Figures also showed that, inWales, thieves and burglars... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/welsh-criminals-more-likely-to-re-offend 436 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/welsh-criminals-more-likely-to-re-offend Sun, 12 Feb 2012 00:00:00 GMT Data protection breaches by five councils Five councils have breached the Data Protection Act by failing to keep people’s personal information secure, the Information Commissioner, Christopher Graham has announced. Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council breached the act on four separate occasions during a two month period last year. They have now signed a commitment to... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/Data-protection-breaches-by-five-councils 439 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/Data-protection-breaches-by-five-councils Fri, 10 Feb 2012 00:00:00 GMT Trials show 'nudge' working Nudge theory trials are working to deliver significant behavioural change and savings for local councils, officials report. Behaviour insights and slight changes to the way information is presented to the public could play a key role in reducing fraud, error and debt. The approaches trialled included using simpler language in letters... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/Trials-show-nudge-working 436 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/Trials-show-nudge-working Fri, 10 Feb 2012 00:00:00 GMT FITs cuts defended The cost of solar panel installations has dropped, new data suggests, as ministers defend the cuts to feed-in tariffs (FITs). Energy minister Greg Barker is expected to announce a change in the way FITs are administered and additional funding for the scheme on Thursday. The average installation cost for solar panels was £15,000 in... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/FITs-cuts-defended 440 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/FITs-cuts-defended Wed, 08 Feb 2012 00:00:00 GMT Liverpool agrees City Deal Liverpool City Council has become the first in Britain to accept the Government’s ‘City Deal’ in an initiative to devolve powers, create a new enterprise zone and a single investment fund of new and existing public and private money, initially worth £130m. The deals are being negotiated with a number of English... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/Liverpool-agrees-City-Deal 436 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/Liverpool-agrees-City-Deal Wed, 08 Feb 2012 00:00:00 GMT Police crackdown on gangs The Metropolitan Police is set to crack down on gang crime by conducting a series of operations today across London. With the new Trident gang command, they will find and arrest suspected gang members believed to be involved in crimes including assault, robbery and drugs supply. Scotland Yard has committed 1,000 officers to fight the... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/Police-crackdown-on-gangs 436 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/Police-crackdown-on-gangs Wed, 08 Feb 2012 00:00:00 GMT £6,600 for voluntary organisations in Mid Sussex The Mid Sussex District Council Cabinet Grants Panel has agreed to issue grant money to eight voluntary, non-profit organisations acrossSussex. The £6,600 funding will allow the delivery of community support for vulnerable people to continue. Many organisations applied for grants to improve sporting facilities in Mid Sussex and... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/£6600-for-voluntary-organisations-in-Mid-Sussex 440 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/£6600-for-voluntary-organisations-in-Mid-Sussex Tue, 07 Feb 2012 00:00:00 GMT Mortality rate means expensive pensions Actuaries have suggested that the improvement in the mortality rate in England and Wales in 2011 could have a knock-on effect on pensions. The Actuarial Profession organisation said the death rate fell by 4% last year, a bigger fall than the average annual drop of 2.4% over the 10 years to 2010. The figures from the Office for National... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/Mortality-rate-means-expensive-pensions 434 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/Mortality-rate-means-expensive-pensions Tue, 07 Feb 2012 00:00:00 GMT MPs call for new stalking laws MPs have made a parliamentary inquiry proposing a new law to make stalking a specific criminal offence in England and Wales, to prevent harassment often ending in physical attacks. The inquiry also proposed restrictions on offenders, including on things such as phone and computer use. Currently stalking is dealt with under harassment... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/MPs-call-for-new-stalking-laws 436 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/MPs-call-for-new-stalking-laws Tue, 07 Feb 2012 00:00:00 GMT Disabled people 'portrayed as scroungers' by Government The focus on fraud as a reason to cut benefits and make the application process more stringent has caused more resentment and abuse targeted at disabled people, six major charities suggest. The charities – Scope, Mencap, Leonard Cheshire Disability, National Autistic Society, RNIB and the Disability Allowance – have cited an... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/Disabled-people-portrayed-as-scroungers-by-Government 445 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/Disabled-people-portrayed-as-scroungers-by-Government Mon, 06 Feb 2012 00:00:00 GMT Funding for weekly rubbish collections A Government scheme to encourage councils to maintain or bring back weekly bin collections is now open to bidding, with £250m funding available. The scheme will fund regular waste collections but also initiatives offering residents rewards for recycling, for example through Nectar points. It will also fund facilities with the... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/Funding-for-weekly-rubbish-collections 444 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/Funding-for-weekly-rubbish-collections Mon, 06 Feb 2012 00:00:00 GMT Chris Huhne resigns over speeding charges Energy secretary Chris Huhne has resigned from the cabinet, following a speeding points charge. Huhne is to be charged with “perverting the course of justice” over a 2003 speeding case, where his then-wife Vicky Pryce is accused of accepting his penalty points. Huhne has maintained his innocence but announced his resignation... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/Chris-Huhne-resigns-over-speeding-charges 436 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/Chris-Huhne-resigns-over-speeding-charges Fri, 03 Feb 2012 00:00:00 GMT Council volunteering scheme for staff Liverpool City Council has launched a scheme to help staff to volunteer and improve their community. The Employee Volunteering Scheme provides up to five extra days paid leave per year for voluntary work, to increase involvement and boost staff skills. The work could involve community clean-up, assisting elderly or disabled people or... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/Council-volunteering-scheme-for-staff 442 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/Council-volunteering-scheme-for-staff Fri, 03 Feb 2012 00:00:00 GMT Campaign could cut cyber crime A major publicity campaign is needed to help people understand how to protect themselves from online crime, MPs urge. The Commons science and technology committee has called for Government to provide clear information about security online. They estimate that around 80% of cyber attacks could be stopped through simple safety precautions... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/Campaign-could-cut-cyber-crime 439 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/Campaign-could-cut-cyber-crime Thu, 02 Feb 2012 00:00:00 GMT Government changes needed to achieve cuts Changes will be needed for Government to hit its savings targets by 2015, a report from the National Audit Office (NAO) states. A detailed plan is needed for cutting costs, and departments need a better understanding of future costs to deliver services with fewer resources. Departments spent £7.9bn less in 2010/11 than in the... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/Government-changes-needed-to-achieve-cuts 436 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/Government-changes-needed-to-achieve-cuts Thu, 02 Feb 2012 00:00:00 GMT Welsh road funding boost Local authorities in Wales are set to benefit from additional funding for investment in highway improvement schemes. The Local Government Borrowing Initiative will provide up to £170m extra over the next three financial years. The scheme will act to address pressures on road maintenance budgets, improve the condition of Welsh roads... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/Welsh-road-funding-boost 433 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/Welsh-road-funding-boost Thu, 02 Feb 2012 00:00:00 GMT £1m housing help fund unspent by councils Local authorities failed to spend almost £1m earmarked for poor families who cannot afford rent and other housing costs, a freedom of information request has revealed. The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) allocated a total of £20m for discretionary housing payments (DHPs) in 2010/11, but six authorities spent less than... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/£1m-housing-help-fund-unspent-by-councils 441 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/£1m-housing-help-fund-unspent-by-councils Wed, 01 Feb 2012 00:00:00 GMT Asset transfer A council-owned outdoor activity site sitting vacant since 2004 is being revitalised after private sector investment, showing that there can be value to others in unsustainable local authority assets, say mayor of Doncaster Peter Davies and Paul Gilbert, deputy chief executive of Kingswood. The former Earth Centre in South Yorkshire, a... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/Asset-transfer 446,443 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/Asset-transfer Wed, 01 Feb 2012 00:00:00 GMT Central government's procurement lessons for local government James Mitchell, bid manager at public sector IT providers WTG and the former business development manager at the Forum of Private Business, discusses the progress – and lack of it – in getting more small businesses involved in public sector procurement. In the last few months much has changed around Government procurement for... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/central-governments-procurement-lessons-for-local-government 447,438 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/central-governments-procurement-lessons-for-local-government Wed, 01 Feb 2012 00:00:00 GMT Discrimination pitfalls in redundancy situations Employment lawyer Paul Menham, associate at DWF, explains what public sector employers need to look out for when making redundancies. The public sector is facing unprecedented funding cuts due to the new age of austerity. Cuts across public sector services have affected most, if not all, public services within the UK. Inevitably, this has... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/discrimination-pitfalls-in-redundancy-situations 447,434 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/discrimination-pitfalls-in-redundancy-situations Wed, 01 Feb 2012 00:00:00 GMT Diving into the talent pool A Health & Safety Executive-backed umbrella organisation – the SSIP Forum – is aiming to engage with more public sector organisations looking to broaden the scope of their construction procurement channels, explains Simon Mantle, chairman of the Safety Schemes in Procurement (SSIP) forum. When managing project risk, there... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/diving-into-the-talent-pool 435,447 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/diving-into-the-talent-pool Wed, 01 Feb 2012 00:00:00 GMT Doing what works Providing public sector type services with private sector business sense and voluntary sector social principles is possible. Anne Ibrahim, who runs social enterprise Big Society Works, talks to PSE about bringing a closed community centre back to life without grants or going begging for donations. In eight weeks, a closed-down... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/doing-what-works 451,440 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/doing-what-works Wed, 01 Feb 2012 00:00:00 GMT Efficient marketing, not just short-term gain Mark Blayney Stuart, head of research at The Chartered Institute of Marketing, discusses creative approaches to funding and marketing. As public sector cuts have bitten over the last two years, ‘efficiency’ has become the buzz word. In principle, this means that efforts are well-used for the intended task; surely a practice... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/efficient-marketing-not-just-short-term-gain 447,438 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/efficient-marketing-not-just-short-term-gain Wed, 01 Feb 2012 00:00:00 GMT Exporting and inward investment brings increased prosperity to the Thames Valley Paul Briggs, chief executive of Thames Valley Chamber of Commerce Group, discusses the economic development of the region and how public bodies have a key part to play. Working closely with UKTI South East, we are the UK’s 2nd biggest export documentation issuing body, with more than 70,000 international trade documents processed... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/exporting-and-inward-investment-brings-increased-prosperity-to-the-thames-valley 447,433 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/exporting-and-inward-investment-brings-increased-prosperity-to-the-thames-valley Wed, 01 Feb 2012 00:00:00 GMT Feed-in tariff debacle a 'spectacular own goal' Adam Hewitt reports on the latest in the saga over feed-in tariff payments for solar power generation. The Government lost its appeal to overturn a High Court ruling that its plans to cut subsidies for solar panels are unlawful – but says it will try to appeal again, this time to the Supreme Court. Opponents to the cuts have... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/feed-in-tariff-debacle-a-spectacular-own-goal 437,446 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/feed-in-tariff-debacle-a-spectacular-own-goal Wed, 01 Feb 2012 00:00:00 GMT Getting the message In the world of both internal and external communications in the public sector, there has been a longterm trend away from paper and towards digital and internet-based methods. But Andrew Pearce, chief executive of the Independent Print Industries Association (IPIA), here explores better uses for print. The paperless office is an ideal... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/getting-the-message 451,439 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/getting-the-message Wed, 01 Feb 2012 00:00:00 GMT Influence and impact Financial professionals need to have more of a role in strategy and decision-making in the upper echelons of public service, argues Noel Tagoe, head of research and development at CIMA, the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants. A report released at the end of 2011 suggested that public sector managers are not making decisions... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/Influence-and-impact 438,451 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/Influence-and-impact Wed, 01 Feb 2012 00:00:00 GMT Innovation ecosystem PSE talks to researcher Lizzie Crowley of The Work Foundation about her new report investigating why some cities are doing better than others, how innovation can be nurtured, and over-centralisation in growth policy. What makes a city home to innovation and innovative business, and how much impact can policy-makers have on spurring it... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/innovation-ecosystem 438,451 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/innovation-ecosystem Wed, 01 Feb 2012 00:00:00 GMT It's not all doom and gloom for the public sector - we have social media! Daryl Willcox, chairman of media and communications company DWPub, discusses its new white paper on the public sector’s use of social media, written by Brighton & Hove City Council’s communications chief, John Shewell. Public sector organisations are feeling the pinch and with more budgets being squeezed, the Government... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/its-not-all-doom-and-gloom-for-the-public-sector-we-have-social-media 447,438 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/its-not-all-doom-and-gloom-for-the-public-sector-we-have-social-media Wed, 01 Feb 2012 00:00:00 GMT Making the right choices Insights from behavioural economics are being adapted into policy by the so-called ‘nudge unit’ at Number 10 – but is it time for more local authorities to take the lessons on board? Adam Hewitt reports. Using the findings of behavioural economics to change policy and encourage people to act in different ways has been a... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/Making-the-right-choices 438,446 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/Making-the-right-choices Wed, 01 Feb 2012 00:00:00 GMT No long-term savings for pension reform Public sector pension reforms won’t make long-term savings, analysis from the Institute of Fiscal Studies (IFS) suggests. While savings will be made in the short-term, its report says reform to the structure of public sector pensions will make little difference in the long term. The reforms include a switch from final salary... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/No-long-term-savings-for-pension-reform 434 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/No-long-term-savings-for-pension-reform Wed, 01 Feb 2012 00:00:00 GMT Not just where - but what and how and when More than 2,000 public sector bodies are now freely sharing digital geographic data with each other as signatories to the Public Sector Mapping Agreement. Marc Hobell, head of public sector and utilities at Ordnance Survey, speaks to PSE. From April 2011, the Public Sector Mapping Agreement (PSMA) replaced the previous hodge-podge of... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/Not-just-where---but-what-and-how-and-when 451,439 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/Not-just-where---but-what-and-how-and-when Wed, 01 Feb 2012 00:00:00 GMT Record-breaking records Thames Valley Police could teach other forces a thing or two about record keeping, cutting costs and connecting with the public. Deputy Chief Constable Francis Habgood tells us how. Thames Valley Police (TVP) has “one of the highest levels of crime recording accuracy in the country”, according to a new HMIC report. The... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/record-breaking-records 454,451 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/record-breaking-records Wed, 01 Feb 2012 00:00:00 GMT Spread the word Local government communications is changing, as the impact of the local press declines, social media grows, and budget cuts bite. PSE speaks to Jenny Tozer, assistant director of communications at Derbyshire County Council. Derbyshire County Council won the Local Authority of the Year category in 2011’s Good Communication Awards... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/spread-the-word 438,451 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/spread-the-word Wed, 01 Feb 2012 00:00:00 GMT The EU Public Procurement Directive Mark Robinson, the EU representative in Brussels on UK public sector procurement and enterprise matters, says the new directive on the issue has big implications. 2012 has got off to a cautious start with predictions of yet more economic hardship arising as a result of the continuing Eurozone debt crisis. One fruitless high level... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/the-eu-public-procurement-directive 447,438 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/the-eu-public-procurement-directive Wed, 01 Feb 2012 00:00:00 GMT Unfair competition Many public sector organisations are trying to deal with budget cuts by beefing up their income generation. But acting like private businesses means being regulated like private businesses, including the full rigours of competition law, and the Office of Fair Trading is taking an interest. PSE talks to the OFT’s Deborah Jones, director... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/unfair-competition 435,451 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/unfair-competition Wed, 01 Feb 2012 00:00:00 GMT What public sector leaders really think about outsourcing The Hay Group’s director of public sector consulting, Phil Kenmore, talks to PSE about public sector fears of private partnerships. Many public sector leaders speak in nothing but positive terms about increasing their involvement with the private sector, noting the potential savings, expertise and service improvements promised by... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/what-public-sector-leaders-really-think-about-outsourcing 451,440 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/what-public-sector-leaders-really-think-about-outsourcing Wed, 01 Feb 2012 00:00:00 GMT When planning counts: managing the 2011 Census helpline bss managed and implemented the helpline for the 2011 Census. During its 10 week operation the helpline successfully handled nearly one million phone calls from the public. Dani Muir, sales and marketing director at bss, explains how the not-for-profit organisation worked closely with the Office for National Statistics (ONS) and Northern... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/when-planning-counts-managing-the-2011-census-helpline 447,439 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/when-planning-counts-managing-the-2011-census-helpline Wed, 01 Feb 2012 00:00:00 GMT Who cares for the carers? West Berkshire’s Cllr Joe Mooney discusses a new project to improve services for ‘hidden carers’. A joint initiative between West Berkshire, Reading and Wokingham councils and NHS Berkshire aims to streamline a process that recognises carers in the community and offer services for those in desperate need of... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/who-cares-for-the-carers 451,445 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/who-cares-for-the-carers Wed, 01 Feb 2012 00:00:00 GMT Apprenticeship starts up 63.5% The number of apprenticeships started and completed has increased in the past year, with growth taking place at all levels, across all ages, sectors and regions of England. Statistics from BIS show that 457,200 apprenticeship starts were delivered in the 2010/11, a 63.5% increase on 2009/10. Of these apprenticeships, 301,100 were at... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/Apprenticeship-starts-up-635 434 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/Apprenticeship-starts-up-635 Tue, 31 Jan 2012 00:00:00 GMT Flood-risk homes could become uninsurable MPs have raised concerns over the funding to maintain and improve flood defences in the face of growing risk from extreme weather and climate change. The Public Accounts Committee (PAC) further stated that responsibility for flood risk management was unclear. The annual cost of flood damage is £1.1bn, with 5.2 million homes at... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/Flood-risk-homes-could-become-uninsurable 437 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/Flood-risk-homes-could-become-uninsurable Tue, 31 Jan 2012 00:00:00 GMT League table recognition axed for vocational courses Vocational GCSE equivalents are to be ‘downgraded’ from school league tables to weed out less valuable courses and prevent schools encouraging pupils to take up less rigorous subjects to boost their own figures. Education Secretary Michael Gove said: “For too long the system has been devalued by attempts to pretend that... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/League-table-recognition-axed-for-vocational-courses 453 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/League-table-recognition-axed-for-vocational-courses Tue, 31 Jan 2012 00:00:00 GMT Mobile police devices provide 'minor' cash savings The Mobile Information Programme, to equip frontline police officers with mobile devices has achieved a basic level of benefits, but not significant cashable savings, a report from the National Audit Office (NAO) suggests. The roll-out cost £80m, which provided around 41,000 mobile devices by March 2011 aimed at letting officers... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/Mobile-police-devices-provide-minor-cash-savings 439 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/Mobile-police-devices-provide-minor-cash-savings Mon, 30 Jan 2012 00:00:00 GMT Social care funding falls as inflation bites Spending on social care for the elderly in England is falling, according to an Age UK report. The charity states that £7.3bn is being budgeted this year for social care, the same amount as last year, but with inflation, represents an amount 4.5% lower. The report and analysis is based on official data, showing how reductions in... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/Social-care-funding-falls-as-inflation-bites 445 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/Social-care-funding-falls-as-inflation-bites Mon, 30 Jan 2012 00:00:00 GMT Unions plan ongoing strike action over pensions The Government may face further strikes from public sector workers opposed to pension reforms which would see them paying more and working for longer. In November last year, there was a mass walk-out of teachers, civil servants, NHS staff and council staff. The Government has given its final offer, but some unions remain... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/Unions-plan-ongoing-strike-action-over-pensions 455,434 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/Unions-plan-ongoing-strike-action-over-pensions Mon, 30 Jan 2012 00:00:00 GMT University fees commission launched An independent commission is being set up to examine the impact of increased university fees, especially on students from low income backgrounds. The panel will be led by Will Hutton, principal of Hertford College,Oxford, and will work with Ucas to analyse data from applications, offers and acceptances. Its first report is expected in... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/University-fees-commission-launched 453 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/University-fees-commission-launched Mon, 30 Jan 2012 00:00:00 GMT 'Insufficient' broadband progress for three areas Three groups of local authorities need to improve progress on their broadband plans, as the Government seeks urgent talks with councils in and around Newcastle, Liverpool and Bath. Of the 47 projects for broadband roll-out, 44 have either been approved or are likely to be approved shortly. But three have been categorised as making... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/Insufficient-broadband-progress-for-three-areas 436 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/Insufficient-broadband-progress-for-three-areas Fri, 27 Jan 2012 00:00:00 GMT More awareness needed for public access to data Too many consumers are denied access to their information, Information Commissioner Christopher Graham announced ahead of the 6th annual European Data Protection Day. The ICO stated that complaints about mishandled subject access requests in the last financial year accounted for over a third of the ICO’s total data protection... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/More-awareness-needed-for-public-access-to-data 439 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/More-awareness-needed-for-public-access-to-data Fri, 27 Jan 2012 00:00:00 GMT Climate Change risks published The first Climate Change Risk Assessment has been published today, detailing the consequences of climate change as part of the Government strategy for coping with global warming. The assessment aims to raise awareness about the consequences of climate change and to encourage organisations to plan ahead. Produced by Defra, the report... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/Climate-Change-risks-published 437 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/Climate-Change-risks-published Thu, 26 Jan 2012 00:00:00 GMT IT strategy needs improvement The Government’s IT procurement strategy is still lacking in its commitment to independent benchmarking of contracts with transparent data, is failing to understand the risks of legacy systems, and is unclear on how to address the IT skills gap, the Public Administration Select Committee (PASC) claims. PASC has highlighted these... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/IT-strategy-needs-improvement 438 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/IT-strategy-needs-improvement Thu, 26 Jan 2012 00:00:00 GMT New ideas to clamp down on cable theft MPs are calling on the Government to act with more urgency in tackling metal theft, as the crime has cost the railway industry over £16m in the last year, as well as disrupting passenger journeys. The Transport Select Committee suggests that scrap dealers should be legally required to show proof of identity at the sale of scrap... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/New-ideas-to-clamp-down-on-cable-theft 436 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/New-ideas-to-clamp-down-on-cable-theft Thu, 26 Jan 2012 00:00:00 GMT Alcohol strategy needs improvement - NAO There has been no tangible success achieved in working with the alcohol industry to deal with fraud relating to alcohol duty, the National Audit Office (NAO) suggests. HM Revenue and Customs’ Renewal Alcohol Strategy has no explicit objective to increase the number and impact of criminal investigations and prosecutions and the NAO... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/Alcohol-strategy-needs-improvement---NAO 436 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/Alcohol-strategy-needs-improvement---NAO Wed, 25 Jan 2012 00:00:00 GMT Councils awarded funding for fuel poverty programme Councils in West Sussex have successfully bid for £617,800 funding to tackle fuel poverty and increase emergency response capacity during cold weather. The Warmer West Sussex programme, funded by the Department of Health, will see energy assessors carrying out surveys of property, and subject to criteria and availability, may offer... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/councils-awarded-funding-for-fuel-poverty-programme 445 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/councils-awarded-funding-for-fuel-poverty-programme Wed, 25 Jan 2012 00:00:00 GMT Government tariff reductions 'unlawful' The Government has lost its appeal to overturn a High Court ruling that its plans to cut subsidies for solar panels are unlawful. Opponents to the cuts have stated that reducing the tariff would put 29,000 jobs in the industry at risk. Energy Secretary Chris Huhne is seeking to reduce feed-in tariffs (FITs) on any solar installations... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/Government-tariff-reductions-unlawful 436 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/Government-tariff-reductions-unlawful Wed, 25 Jan 2012 00:00:00 GMT IT professionals urged to lead broadband services Heads of IT are best placed to bring broadband to areas of theUKcurrently without it, the association of ICT professionals in local public services, Socitm, urges. A new report suggests that councils need to use the national broadband programme to build upon by developing their own initiatives. Additionally, the public sector must work... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/IT-professionals-urged-to-lead-broadband-services 439 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/IT-professionals-urged-to-lead-broadband-services Tue, 24 Jan 2012 00:00:00 GMT Regional Growth Fund boosts four businesses Four more businesses have secured £7.9m in Government support through the Regional Growth Fund to create new jobs and boost growth in their local communities. Nifco UK in Stocktonon Tees, e2v Technologies Ltd in Chelmsford, Bentley Motors in Crewe and Halifax Rack and Screw Cutting Co. Ltd,Halifax, have been approved... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/Regional-Growth-Fund-boosts-four-businesses 434 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/Regional-Growth-Fund-boosts-four-businesses Tue, 24 Jan 2012 00:00:00 GMT Work Programme includes risks - NAO The introduction of the Work Programme carries increased risks, the NAO suggests. This is due to overestimates of the number of people it can help back to work, and the delay in providing automatic checks to confirm people who find work stop claiming benefits. The NAO analysis suggested that only 26% of the largest group of jobseekers in... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/Work-Programme-includes-risks---NAO 434 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/Work-Programme-includes-risks---NAO Tue, 24 Jan 2012 00:00:00 GMT Councils and housing associations test direct payments Demonstration projects at local authorities and housing association partnerships will see claimants in the social rented sector directly receiving monthly housing benefit payments and paying rent to landlords themselves for the first time. Minister for Welfare Reform Lord Freud said: “Direct monthly benefits payments are a key part... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/Councils-and-housing-associations-test-direct-payments 445 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/Councils-and-housing-associations-test-direct-payments Mon, 23 Jan 2012 00:00:00 GMT Entrepreneurs to benefit from cheap access to government buildings Empty government buildings will be offered to small businesses, the Prime Minister is set to announce. Three hundred premises will be available at low rates for one year, David Cameron will say during a visit to the north east today. According to early releases reported this morning, he will say: “The first priority for the... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/entrepreneurs-to-benefit-from-cheap-access-to-government-buildings 434 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/entrepreneurs-to-benefit-from-cheap-access-to-government-buildings Mon, 23 Jan 2012 00:00:00 GMT Equality gap widens across cities The equality gap has widened between cities as economic performance varies across the country, according to research by the Centre for Cities think tank. The gap in the jobseekers’ claimant count rate between Hulland Cambridg eis 6.1%, for example, with the gap nearly doubling since 2008. The highest number of claimants was in... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/Equality-gap-widens-across-cities 433 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/Equality-gap-widens-across-cities Mon, 23 Jan 2012 00:00:00 GMT Lords anger at benefits cap The House of Lords is preparing to debate the Welfare Bill today, with senior figures including former Lib Dem leader Lord Ashdown threatening to vote down provisions on imposing a cap on the total amount of benefits one family can receive. Figures out today from the Department for Work & Pensions estimate that 67,000 households... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/Lords-anger-at-benefits-cap 455,434 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/Lords-anger-at-benefits-cap Mon, 23 Jan 2012 00:00:00 GMT PASC warns against dividing roles The decision to split up the roles of cabinet secretary and head of the civil service could weaken leadership, the House of Commons Public Administration Committee (PASC) has warned Government. PASC suggests the two must have equal power and status, as well as equal access to the Prime Minister, attendance at Cabinet and the same... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/PASC-warns-against-dividing-roles 436 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/PASC-warns-against-dividing-roles Fri, 20 Jan 2012 00:00:00 GMT Quango bonfire could cost more than expected - NAO The National Audit Office (NAO) has questioned the value for money of the Government’s ongoing cut in the number of quangos, and suggested that ministers had underestimated the cost of transferring functions from axed public bodies to other parts of Whitehall. The NAO estimates the costs to be at least £830m, almost double the... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/quango-bonfire-could-cost-more-than-expected-nao 436 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/quango-bonfire-could-cost-more-than-expected-nao Fri, 20 Jan 2012 00:00:00 GMT 'Moral capitalism' ideas set out Prime Minister David Cameron is to set out ideas for ‘moral capitalism’ in the economy in a speech today. He aims to achieve greater transparency in pay and bonuses, as well as suggesting measures to make it easier for businesses to become co-operatives. Labour leader Ed Miliband is also speaking about the issue today... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/Moral-capitalism-ideas-set-out 433 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/Moral-capitalism-ideas-set-out Thu, 19 Jan 2012 00:00:00 GMT Councils no longer prevented from enhanced CRB checks The Government has reconsidered its position on enhanced CRB check requests for councils licensing drivers of taxis and minicabs. The Local Government Association (LGA) and Transport forLondonhave been lobbying for Government to change its position on the issue. In London, 10% of all licence applications were refused as a result of... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/Councils-no-longer-prevented-from-enhanced-CRB-checks 438 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/Councils-no-longer-prevented-from-enhanced-CRB-checks Thu, 19 Jan 2012 00:00:00 GMT Labour faces criticism over pay freeze support Unite leader Len McClusky has attacked Ed Miliband for his decision to support the Government pay freeze for public sector workers, and warns that he is leading the party to “destruction”. Unite is the single biggest funder of the Labour party. Miliband has argued that Labour needs to demonstrate it can be economically... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/Labour-faces-criticism-over-pay-freeze-support 436 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/Labour-faces-criticism-over-pay-freeze-support Tue, 17 Jan 2012 00:00:00 GMT New standard for sustainable development The British Standards Institution (BSI) has launched a new standard to improve sustainable development and quality of life within local communities. BS 8904 aims to improve the cost efficiency and effectiveness of sustainable activities within communities through the engagement, identification, prioritisation and implementing... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/New-standard-for-sustainable-development 445 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/New-standard-for-sustainable-development Tue, 17 Jan 2012 00:00:00 GMT Northern Ireland hit hardest by public sector cuts Public sector cuts will hit Northern Ireland the hardest, according to new analysis by the TUC. Scotland will also lose a high proportion of its workforce over the next few years. Northern Ireland is set to lose 26,000 public sector jobs by 2017, and the Irish Congress of Trade Unions (ICTU) called for strong action to avoid this fate.... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/Northern-Ireland-hit-hardest-by-public-sector-cuts 434 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/Northern-Ireland-hit-hardest-by-public-sector-cuts Tue, 17 Jan 2012 00:00:00 GMT Call for new approach to poverty A major rethink of how to tackle poverty and inequality is needed, the Smith Institute suggests. The think tank, which is independent but has historic links with Labour, has published a report which concludes that action is needed to stop the rise of poverty and inequality in theUK. The report states that social policy and labour... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/Call-for-new-approach-to-poverty 442 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/Call-for-new-approach-to-poverty Mon, 16 Jan 2012 00:00:00 GMT Employee ownership will 'unlock growth' Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg plans to propose more employee ownership and will urge companies to offer shares to their employees, in order to improve productivity and growth. Clegg will state that Government is looking to cut red tape and reform the tax system in order to make it easier to move to a ‘John Lewis economy’... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/Employee-ownership-will-unlock-growth 455,434 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/Employee-ownership-will-unlock-growth Mon, 16 Jan 2012 00:00:00 GMT Proposals to cut bin fines The Government is to publish plans today to prevent councils in England from fining householders who break minor bin collection rules, such as putting waste in the wrong bins, or putting bins out on the wrong day. At the moment, fixed penalty notices of up to £110 can be issued, or local authorities can seek criminal convictions and... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/Proposals-to-cut-bin-fines 444 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/Proposals-to-cut-bin-fines Mon, 16 Jan 2012 00:00:00 GMT UK 'in recession' - ITEM Club The UK could already be back in recession, according to economic forecasters the ITEM Club, which has warned that in the final quarter of last year, GDP shrank and is set to contract again in the current three month period. Unemployment is predicted to rise by a further 300,000, and the Chartered Institute of Personnel Development has... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/UK-in-recession---ITEM-Club 433 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/UK-in-recession---ITEM-Club Mon, 16 Jan 2012 00:00:00 GMT Recruitment practice support partnership A new partnership has been created to support improved recruitment practice forUKemployers. The Clear Company and Diversity Jobs.co.uk have joined forces to help remove barriers to diversity to ensure employers, in the public, private and voluntary sectors, can recruit inclusively. They will provide continual assessment throughout the... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/Recruitment-practice-support-partnership 434 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/Recruitment-practice-support-partnership Fri, 13 Jan 2012 00:00:00 GMT Scottish independence consequences investigated A debate has been called for over the issues concerning potential Scottish independence, and whether or not this would benefit the country. First Minister Alex Salmond wants to hold a referendum in autumn 2014. UK Government ministers have made clear that there needs to be clarity on four main questions: what currency Scotland would... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/Scottish-independence-consequences-investigated 436 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/Scottish-independence-consequences-investigated Fri, 13 Jan 2012 00:00:00 GMT Underperforming teachers face faster dismissal Underperforming teachers face a tougher system, which will simplify the process of sacking and provide a shorter timeframe for this procedure, from this September. Government plans therefore mean that a teacher could be removed within a term, instead of the process taking as long as a year. The changes, first proposed last May, also... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/Underperforming-teachers-face-faster-dismissal 434 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/Underperforming-teachers-face-faster-dismissal Fri, 13 Jan 2012 00:00:00 GMT Clegg's social mobility campaign secures 100 big companies Over 100 big companies have joined Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg’s campaign to boost social mobility by fighting the existing internship culture. The campaign seeks to end the ‘who you know’ culture, where useful contacts and higher incomes allow certain families to help their children into work. Over a third of all... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/Cleggs-social-mobility-campaign-secures-100-big-companies 434 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/Cleggs-social-mobility-campaign-secures-100-big-companies Thu, 12 Jan 2012 00:00:00 GMT Huge savings potential of 'nudge' tactics Behaviour change could save local authorities in England between £3bn and £5bn per year, new research suggests. Consultants modelled the potential financial impact of the ‘nudge’ principle, which claims that people can be encouraged to alter their behaviour in order to reduce the demand for public... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/Huge-savings-potential-of-nudge-tactics 433 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/Huge-savings-potential-of-nudge-tactics Thu, 12 Jan 2012 00:00:00 GMT Welfare changes to continue despite Lords defeat The Government will continue with changes to the Welfare Bill, despite defeats in the House of Lords, ministers suggest. Labour peers and independent crossbenches rejected proposals to means-test benefits for young disabled people and cancer patients on Wednesday. Peers voted 260 to 216 to protect young disabled people from cuts to... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/Welfare-changes-to-continue-despite-Lords-defeat 445 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/Welfare-changes-to-continue-despite-Lords-defeat Thu, 12 Jan 2012 00:00:00 GMT Medical report inaccuracies hinder benefit claims The medical assessment process for incapacity benefits has widespread inaccuracies, a new year-long study by Citizens Advice shows. The work capability assessments (WCAs) determine whether individuals are eligible for sickness benefits. The charity followed a group of people through the process of claiming benefits. The... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/Medical-report-inaccuracies-hinder-benefit-claims 438 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/Medical-report-inaccuracies-hinder-benefit-claims Wed, 11 Jan 2012 00:00:00 GMT Welfare to work firms appointed An extra £200m funding will help support troubled families to find work and deal with problems, including drugs and debt, ministers are expected to announce. The plan will be backed by the European Social Fund. The initiative includes eight specialist Welfare to Work firms, appointed to help people with skills such as timekeeping... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/Welfare-to-work-firms-appointed 445 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/Welfare-to-work-firms-appointed Tue, 03 Jan 2012 00:00:00 GMT Calls to cut over-packaging The Government wants to cut waste produced at Christmas, and is holding talks with retailers, manufacturers and councils to encourage reduced packaging. They suggest that councils could be dealing with around 1.7m tonnes of household waste over the Christmas period. The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) and the... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/Calls-to-cut-over-packaging 444 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/Calls-to-cut-over-packaging Thu, 29 Dec 2011 00:00:00 GMT Adoptive parent checks reform Adoptive parent checks could be overhauled with new plans in England. A new panel is being set up to draw up proposals to speed up the process, although some are concerned this speed could jeopardise the strict controls needed to protect vulnerable children. The panel will consist of representatives from the British Association of... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/Adoptive-parent-checks-reform 442 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/Adoptive-parent-checks-reform Fri, 23 Dec 2011 00:00:00 GMT UK a 'worse place' for families Only 6% of new mothers surveyed believe that the Coalition Government has made the UK a better place for families. The survey, undertaken for the Family and Parenting Institute by Bounty, interviewed 2,000 women who are either pregnant or have children up to the age of two. Of those surveyed, 22% believed the Government has made the UK a... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/UK-a-worse-place-for-families 442 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/UK-a-worse-place-for-families Fri, 23 Dec 2011 00:00:00 GMT Radio cuts could endanger local areas - LGA Cuts to local BBC radio stations could cause “chaos”, the Local Government Association (LGA) has warned. Plans to turn off medium wave radio transmitters, replace local radio content with national programmes and cut regional staff levels could leave communities without relevant information in times of civil emergency or bad... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/Radio-cuts-could-endanger-local-areas---LGA 442 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/Radio-cuts-could-endanger-local-areas---LGA Thu, 22 Dec 2011 00:00:00 GMT Solar subsidies changes opposed The Government’s plans to slash feed-in tariffs for solar power have received a blow in the High Court. MPs on the Environmental Audit Committee and the Energy and Climate Change Committee say the plans could greatly reduce the amount of solar powered installations, and place thousands of jobs at risk, and have labelled the... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/solar-subsidies-changes-opposed 437 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/solar-subsidies-changes-opposed Thu, 22 Dec 2011 00:00:00 GMT Community Budget pilots announced New Community Budget pilots have been announced in four areas across England to share services and explore better use of public money. This will involve redesigning services and aligning funding, with a view to implement changes from December 2012. The tri-borough area of Westminster, Hammersmith & Fulham and Kensington & Chelsea... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/Community-Budget-pilots-announced 442 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/Community-Budget-pilots-announced Wed, 21 Dec 2011 00:00:00 GMT Government on course for deficit reduction Public borrowing fell by more than expected in November, leaving the Government on course to meet the full-year borrowing target of £127bn that the Office for Budget Responsibility set. Economists’ average forecast was £19.6bn, but public sector borrowing fell from £20.36bn to £18.09bn in November, according... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/Government-on-course-for-deficit-reduction 436 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/Government-on-course-for-deficit-reduction Wed, 21 Dec 2011 00:00:00 GMT New planning guidance 'unhelpfully vague' - MPs Further calls have been made to rewrite the controversial new planning rules that assume a ‘default yes’ to development. The Commons Communities Committee argues that the guidance is now too simplistic, and does not provide adequate guidance for planners. In a report, they suggest that this confusion could lead to longer... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/New-planning-guidance-unhelpfully-vague---MPs 433 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/New-planning-guidance-unhelpfully-vague---MPs Wed, 21 Dec 2011 00:00:00 GMT Human capital stock falling The UK’s ‘human capital’ stock fell by £130bn in 2010, according to new estimates from the Office for National Statistics (ONS). Human capital refers to the economic value of knowledge and skills of the UK’s working age population. In 2010, this stock was worth an estimated £17.12 trillion; two and... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/Human-capital-stock-falling 433 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/Human-capital-stock-falling Tue, 20 Dec 2011 00:00:00 GMT Unions consider final pension deals Chief Secretary to the Treasury Danny Alexander is expected to set out progress in resolving the public sector pensions dispute in Parliament later today. Most unions have agreed to consider outline deals for pension reform in their sectors, with initial agreements signed on Monday by those representing local government workers and most... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/Unions-consider-final-pension-deals 434 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/Unions-consider-final-pension-deals Tue, 20 Dec 2011 00:00:00 GMT Youth strategy published Young people will have more influence over national Government policies and council decisions which affect them under proposal in the new Government strategy, ‘Positive for Youth’. The report suggests: “We need to work together to create a society that is more positive for youth.” The strategy, published... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/Youth-strategy-published 436 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/Youth-strategy-published Tue, 20 Dec 2011 00:00:00 GMT 'Deadline' set for pension talks Pension talks will continue today, with a Government statement expected tomorrow as Parliament rises for Christmas. The Government is seeking agreements on reforms that include pensions being based on a career average rather than final salary, larger contributions, and a higher age of retirement. One trade union source told the... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/deadline-set-for-pension-talks 434 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/deadline-set-for-pension-talks Mon, 19 Dec 2011 00:00:00 GMT Police reaction to riots 'flawed' - Home Affairs Committee The police operation to tackle the riots was ‘flawed’, the Home Affairs Committee suggests in a new report. The MPs on the committee criticise the initially low numbers of police deployed and inadequate training as reasons for the spread of the violence. The report states: “If numbers could have been increased more... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/Police-reaction-to-riots-flawed---Home-Affairs-Committee 442 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/Police-reaction-to-riots-flawed---Home-Affairs-Committee Mon, 19 Dec 2011 00:00:00 GMT Difficulties in simplifying further education funding The National Audit Office (NAO) reported today that the Department for Business, Innovation & Skills and the Skills Funding Agency, which are pursuing a range of initiatives to simplify funding in further education, do not know the scale of the problem faced by further education colleges and other providers. The Department and the... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/difficulties-in-simplifying-further-education-funding 453 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/difficulties-in-simplifying-further-education-funding Fri, 16 Dec 2011 00:00:00 GMT Family plan faces funding issues The problem families plan announced yesterday by Prime Minister David Cameron has been criticised for not providing enough funding, as well as too narrow a focus on payment by results. The 120,000 most troubled families will receive help and support from a team headed by Louise Casey, with £448m funding from Government. However... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/Family-plan-faces-funding-issues 433 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/Family-plan-faces-funding-issues Fri, 16 Dec 2011 00:00:00 GMT Police survey regional businesses A regional survey is being piloted in the East Midlands to measure the impact of crime on trade. Police authorities from Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire, Leicestershire, Lincolnshire and Northamptonshire collaborated to address the needs of the business community and their policing priorities. The project, supported by East Midland Business... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/Police-survey-regional-businesses 440 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/Police-survey-regional-businesses Fri, 16 Dec 2011 00:00:00 GMT Troubled families plan announced Prime Minister David Cameron is set to announce a £448m plan to identify and help problem families, with the aim to improve 120,000 families’ lives by 2015. A network hired by councils and reporting to the head of the Troubled Families Team will be responsible for ensuring appropriate action is taken and liaise with national... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/Troubled-families-plan-announced 436 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/Troubled-families-plan-announced Thu, 15 Dec 2011 00:00:00 GMT Welfare reform cuts defeated in the Lords Social housing benefit cuts have been defeated by the House of Lords in a welfare reform vote. The Government’s proposal was that people with one spare bedroom should lose £12 per week, while those with two or more spare rooms should lose £22 a week. But peers voted 258 to 190 to limit the penalties to only people... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/Welfare-reform-cuts-defeated-in-the-Lords 445 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/Welfare-reform-cuts-defeated-in-the-Lords Thu, 15 Dec 2011 00:00:00 GMT Big Society 'lacks clarity' - PAC David Cameron’s Big Society idea has worthy aims, but lacks clarity, according to MPs on the cross-party Public Administration Committee. They say that the idea must be explained clearly in practical terms, with a focused, centrally-driven plan for implementing the programme. The committee recommends appointing a minister for... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/Big-Society-lacks-clarity---PAC 436 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/Big-Society-lacks-clarity---PAC Wed, 14 Dec 2011 00:00:00 GMT Private firm bid for free school A new free school in Suffolk could be managed by Swedish company IES UK. Free schools cannot be run for profit, but trusts can buy in services from private firms. The group setting up Breckland free school is the Sabres Educational Trust, which wants to open the school for 300 pupils by September 2012. Some are concerned that... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/Private-firm-bid-for-free-school 453 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/Private-firm-bid-for-free-school Wed, 14 Dec 2011 00:00:00 GMT Unemployment reaches 2.64 million UK unemployment has hit a 17-year high, with the total number of unemployed at 2.64 million over the three months to October, according to the Office for National Statistics (ONS). The unemployment rate is now 8.3%, the highest since 1996. Youth unemployment is stuck above 1 million. The number of people jobseekers claiming unemployment... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/Unemployment-reaches-264-million 434 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/Unemployment-reaches-264-million Wed, 14 Dec 2011 00:00:00 GMT Welsh councils lose sensitive data Welsh councils have experienced “serious” confidential data losses, including laptops and memory sticks being lost or stolen, a freedom of information request has revealed. The Information Commissioner’s Office (IOC) reported concerns over sensitive information being lost or mislaid. Eight out of 22 Welsh councils have... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/Welsh-councils-lose-sensitive-data- 439 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/Welsh-councils-lose-sensitive-data- Tue, 13 Dec 2011 00:00:00 GMT 'Civic contract' proposals published New proposals from Westminster City Council would require unemployed people to prove they are actively volunteering in the community to qualify for some welfare benefits. The ‘civic contract’ also suggests that people who make positive contributions to the community should get priority for social housing. The consultation... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/Civic-contract-proposals-published 442 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/Civic-contract-proposals-published Mon, 12 Dec 2011 00:00:00 GMT Cameron to explain veto to MPs Prime Minister David Cameron will face MPs in the Commons today to explain his decision to veto the EU treaty set to address the Eurozone crisis and implement stricter budget rules. Cameron has defended his decision in the media, stating that it was in Britain’s best interests to refuse to join in. He has said it will protect the... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/Cameron-to-explain-veto-to-MPs 436 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/Cameron-to-explain-veto-to-MPs Mon, 12 Dec 2011 00:00:00 GMT Pupil premium to rise Pupil premium funding is set to benefit up to half a million more children from disadvantaged backgrounds, the Government is expected to announce today. The premium is £488 per child, which goes to schools on top of their main funding. It has traditionally only been available to those receiving free school dinners, but will change... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/Pupil-premium-to-rise 453 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/Pupil-premium-to-rise Mon, 12 Dec 2011 00:00:00 GMT UK high standard of living - ONS The UK standard of living was the second highest in the EU in 2010, according to the measure of Actual Individual Consumption (AIC) per head. The Office for National Statistics reported the figures, released by Eurostat, that show only Luxembourg had a higher AIC per head than the UK. In comparison to the rest of the EU, the... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/UK-high-standard-of-living---ONS 442 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/UK-high-standard-of-living---ONS Mon, 12 Dec 2011 00:00:00 GMT Council's Christmas closure to save £100,000 Harlow District Council buildings are set to close for Christmas to save taxpayers £100,000. The shutdown from December 23 to January 3 has been achieved by an agreed reduction in staff pay earlier in the year. For the council budget for 2011/12, staff agreed to a 1.33% pay cut by reducing their working week by half an hour... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/Councils-Christmas-closure-to-save-£100000 433 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/Councils-Christmas-closure-to-save-£100000 Fri, 09 Dec 2011 00:00:00 GMT Referendum required for council tax increase Any council planning to increase council tax by 3.5% or more will be required to hold a referendum, Communities Secretary Eric Pickles has announced. Local people will have to be consulted to endorse the move, as stated in the Localism Act. It is thought that few councils would risk a public vote on tax rises, meaning the rule could act... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/Referendum-required-for-council-tax-increase 433 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/Referendum-required-for-council-tax-increase Fri, 09 Dec 2011 00:00:00 GMT UK vetoes EU treaty Prime Minister David Cameron has vetoed an EU-wide treaty change to tackle the Eurozone crisis, stating that it was “not in the UK’s interest”. Now a new ‘accord’ will be drawn up for at least 23 of the 27 member states, countries in the Eurozone and others who want to join, setting out tougher budget... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/UK-vetoes-EU-treaty 433 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/UK-vetoes-EU-treaty Fri, 09 Dec 2011 00:00:00 GMT Inquiry into exam tips An inquiry has been ordered following the claim that examiners have been giving teachers specific advice on GCSE and A-level questions. The Telegraph reported that it had secretly filmed a chief examiner telling teachers which questions were going to come up on future exams at a seminar that cost £200 to attend. The paper also... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/inquiry-into-exam-tips 453 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/inquiry-into-exam-tips Thu, 08 Dec 2011 00:00:00 GMT More power for the core cities Major cities will be given greater power over public transport, their local labour market and funding in return for strong local leadership, improved efficiency and innovation. Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg is set to announce the new deal today, offering one consolidated capital pot each for Birmingham, Bristol, Leeds, Liverpool... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/more-power-for-the-core-cities 437 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/more-power-for-the-core-cities Thu, 08 Dec 2011 00:00:00 GMT Social attitudes focus on independence Over half of adults surveyed believe that unemployment benefits are too high, and can discourage people from seeking new jobs. Out of 3,297 people interviewed, 54% believed in this statement, up from 35% in 1983. NatCen Social Research published the annual British Social Attitudes report yesterday, demonstrating an increasing belief in... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/social-attitudes-focus-on-independence 434 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/social-attitudes-focus-on-independence Thu, 08 Dec 2011 00:00:00 GMT Council job cuts to continue Further job losses are expected in local government, the Audit Commission and Local Government Association warn in a joint report. In the past year, there have already been 145,000 staff cut in English councils, but further cuts are on the way, they suggest. Audit Commission chairman Michael O'Higgins said: “Each council must... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/Council-job-cuts-to-continue- 434 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/Council-job-cuts-to-continue- Wed, 07 Dec 2011 00:00:00 GMT First Coalition Commons defeat The Coalition Government has suffered its first Commons defeat over a ‘symbolic’ vote on the economy. The vote is non-binding, and occurred due to a surprise turnout of Labour MPs. After almost six hours of debate on the Chancellor’s Autumn statement and the state of the economy, the vote was 213 to 79 – a majority... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/First-Coalition-Commons-defeat 433 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/First-Coalition-Commons-defeat Wed, 07 Dec 2011 00:00:00 GMT Policing review launched A review of policing policy is set to be launched today by former Metropolitan Police Commissioner Lord Stevens. Commissioned by the Labour Party, the independent panel of advisors will review modern challenges the police force faces and how budget cuts can be dealt with. Lord Stevens told BBC Radio 4’s Today programme that the... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/Policing-review-launched 433 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/Policing-review-launched Tue, 06 Dec 2011 00:00:00 GMT Schools building programme funding announced The first section of funding has been announced for the 21st Century Schools building programme in Wales. The total funding amounts to £1.4bn, with half the money provided by the councils. The programme was originally expected to take three years to complete, with councils only contributing 30% of the funding. It will now be... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/Schools-building-programme-funding-announced 453 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/Schools-building-programme-funding-announced Tue, 06 Dec 2011 00:00:00 GMT Budget cuts hamper FIS Local authority Family Information Services (FIS) are suffering from budget cuts, with some failing to comply with the duties outlined in the Childcare Act 2006. FIS provide assistance and information for parents and children, including guidance for the provision of childcare and other services which may be of benefit for families in... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/Budget-cuts-hamper-FIS 433 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/Budget-cuts-hamper-FIS Mon, 05 Dec 2011 00:00:00 GMT Executive pay faces reform Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg has committed to a crackdown on executive pay, saying the cuts in the public sector must be balanced by a curbing of excessive pay rises in the private sector. Two consultations covering executive pay, which began in September, are now over, and the Government will publish its response, and proposals for... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/executive-pay-faces-reform 434 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/executive-pay-faces-reform Mon, 05 Dec 2011 00:00:00 GMT Stricter measures suggested for 'satisfactory' schools Schools ranked as ‘satisfactory’ need to be pushed harder to improve, a report by the Royal Society of Arts (RSA) suggests. In conjunction with Ofsted, the report found that half of the 40% of schools classed as ‘satisfactory’ failed to improve within two Ofsted inspections. These schools were also more likely to... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/Stricter-measures-suggested-for-satisfactory-schools- 453 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/Stricter-measures-suggested-for-satisfactory-schools- Mon, 05 Dec 2011 00:00:00 GMT Study reveals 'anti-police' riots Anger at police has been cited as a key cause for the riots this summer by a new study conducted by the Guardian and London School of Economics. The ‘Reading the Riots’ study team interviewed 270 rioters from London, Birmingham, Liverpool, Manchester, Nottingham and Salford and found that 88% considered policing practices as a... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/study-reveals-anti-police-riots 442 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/study-reveals-anti-police-riots Mon, 05 Dec 2011 00:00:00 GMT No deadline for pension talks Public sector pension negotiations are continuing, with no set deadline for the conclusion of talks between Government and the unions. The prime minister’s spokesman said yesterday: “We have not set a deadline.” Ministers have warned that there will be no more funding in the pension reform, but that certain... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/No-deadline-for-pension-talks 434 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/No-deadline-for-pension-talks Fri, 02 Dec 2011 00:00:00 GMT NPIA seeks partners to develop new crime scene technology The National Policing Improvement Agency (NPIA) is seeking private sector partners to help develop revolutionary technology that will enable crime scene investigators to identify quickly whether forensic evidence contains human DNA. The technology will enable forces to decide whether to send the sample to an approved forensic laboratory... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/NPIA-seeks-partners-to-develop-new-crime-scene-technology 435 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/NPIA-seeks-partners-to-develop-new-crime-scene-technology Fri, 02 Dec 2011 00:00:00 GMT UK on track for carbon targets - Chris Huhne The UK is on track to reach carbon targets by halving its emissions by 2025, Climate Change Secretary Chris Huhne stated before travelling to the Climate Change Conference in South Africa. He claimed that even without the recession, green policies would be delivering a 34% cut in emissions by the end of the decade. The launch of the new... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/UK-on-track-for-carbon-targets---Chris-Huhne 437 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/UK-on-track-for-carbon-targets---Chris-Huhne Fri, 02 Dec 2011 00:00:00 GMT Government disputes strike impact Pension talks between unions and the Government are set to take place to resolve the dispute that led to mass strikes yesterday across the country. Teachers’ unions will hold talks today and negotiation with the health service unions will take place on Friday. Ministers have stated that they are prepared to alter their current offer... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/Government-disputes-strike-impact 436 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/Government-disputes-strike-impact Thu, 01 Dec 2011 00:00:00 GMT Private firm to supply services to free schools The Department for Education has approved a private US education firm to supply services to help set up free schools and academies. Edison Learning will provide education contractual and legal services. There are 12 approved providers in two areas, ‘project management’ and ‘educational services’. Edison Learning... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/Private-firm-to-supply-services-to-free-schools 445 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/Private-firm-to-supply-services-to-free-schools Thu, 01 Dec 2011 00:00:00 GMT Gove criticises unions The Education Secretary Michael Gove has criticised unions for the strikes due tomorrow, warning that 90% of schools will close. Gove also suggested that the unions are being ‘unfair’ on taxpayers and other workers. Gove said of the unions: “They want mothers to give up a day's work, or pay for expensive childcare... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/Gove-criticises-unions- 434 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/Gove-criticises-unions- Tue, 29 Nov 2011 00:00:00 GMT Riots could reoccur - Riots Communities and Victims Panel The independent Riots Communities and Victims Panel has published its interim report, warning that the disturbances could happen again without Government intervention. Led by the former Ealing council chief Darra Singh, the panel visited areas affected by the riots and collected observations from people that the riots impacted... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/Riots-could-reoccur---Riots-Communities-and-Victims-Panel 434 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/Riots-could-reoccur---Riots-Communities-and-Victims-Panel Tue, 29 Nov 2011 00:00:00 GMT Commission seeks to improve Scottish education The Scottish education system is falling behind other countries, says Keir Bloomer, heading the Commission on School Reform. This inquiry into the education system aims to identify problem areas and scope for improvements. The Commission has been established by the independent think tanks Reform Scotland and the Centre for Scottish Public... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/Commission-seeks-to-improve-Scottish-education 453 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/Commission-seeks-to-improve-Scottish-education Mon, 28 Nov 2011 00:00:00 GMT Cuts to close EPUK The oldest NGO in the UK is set to close due to reduced funding. Government cuts to local authority budgets mean that Environmental Protection UK’s (EPUK) income has been reduced, leading to closure. EPUK provided analysis for air quality and contaminated land and waste issues. It is set to close in March 2012, and ten staff will... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/Cuts-to-close-EPUK 437 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/Cuts-to-close-EPUK Mon, 28 Nov 2011 00:00:00 GMT Public sector cuts underestimated Job cuts in the public sector are expected to be higher than originally predicted, the Ernst and Young ITEM club suggests. The Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR) is set to increase its prediction from 400,000 in March to 500,000 when it delivers its Economic and Fiscal Outlook report on Tuesday. The number of general Government jobs... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/Public-sector-cuts-underestimated 434 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/Public-sector-cuts-underestimated Mon, 28 Nov 2011 00:00:00 GMT New scheme for youth employment A new £1bn scheme has been announced to provide subsidised work and training placements for young people in the UK. The Government has stated that this is new money, not a reallocation of existing funds; although critics are concerned it could come from squeezing tax credits. The Youth Contract programme will give employers... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/New-scheme-for-youth-employment 434 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/New-scheme-for-youth-employment Fri, 25 Nov 2011 00:00:00 GMT Council concern over tax freeze offer A fifth of English councils could reject the Government’s tax freeze offer next year. Research by the Local Government Chronicle found that out of 146 respondents, six councils had already refused the deal and plan to institute higher rises, and 24 were still considering the offer. Some local authorites are concerned that if... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/Council-concern-over-tax-freeze-offer 433 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/Council-concern-over-tax-freeze-offer Thu, 24 Nov 2011 00:00:00 GMT Green Deal programme revealed The Government’s Green Deal has now been published by the Energy Secretary Chris Huhne, with the aim of cutting fuel bills and meeting climate targets. The initiative seeks to encourage private investors to offer cheap loans for households to install insulation, with repayments costing less than the savings that would be made... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/Green-Deal-programme-revealed- 436 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/Green-Deal-programme-revealed- Thu, 24 Nov 2011 00:00:00 GMT Councils losing sensitive data Councils have lost sensitive data more than 1,000 times in the past three years, research by the campaign group Big Brother Watch shows – but only 55 incidents were reported to the Information Commissioner. Laptops, memory sticks and mobile devices have gone missing or been stolen, with 132 councils admitting to 1,035 data losses of... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/Councils-losing-sensitive-data 439 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/Councils-losing-sensitive-data Wed, 23 Nov 2011 00:00:00 GMT Employment tribunal changes proposed New Government proposals could reduce the number of cases going to employment tribunals, by allowing employers to hold ‘protected’ conversations with staff concerning poor performance without these being used in future tribunal hearings. Business Secretary Vince Cable will announce the changes, which the Government suggests... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/Employment-tribunal-changes-proposed 434 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/Employment-tribunal-changes-proposed Wed, 23 Nov 2011 00:00:00 GMT Anglesey councillor numbers could be cut The number of councillors in Anglesey could be cut by a quarter, from 40 to 30, if recommendations from the Local Government Boundary Commission for Wales are accepted. The council could also be split into 11 new multi-member electoral divisions. Eight would be represented by three councillors and the other three by two, according to the... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/Anglesey-councillor-numbers-could-be-cut 436 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/Anglesey-councillor-numbers-could-be-cut Tue, 22 Nov 2011 00:00:00 GMT Clarity needed on police commissioner selection - IfG Urgent work must be done to clarify the selection process for new police & crime commissioners (PCCs), a new report from the Institute for Government (IfG) suggests. Elections for 41 PCCs will take place next November, but a recent poll commissioned by the LGA showed that nearly 75% of the public are unaware of this. This lack of... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/Clarity-needed-on-police-commissioner-selection---IfG 442 http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com:80/Public-Sector-News/Clarity-needed-on-police-commissioner-selection---IfG Tue, 22 Nov 2011 00:00:00 GMT Coalition housing plans to be revealed The Coalition Government has pledged to create more affordable housing and help first-time buyers to buy new homes by allowing them to borrow up to 95% of their value. The £400m plan aims to reverse the slow building rates and support up to 32,000 jobs. The ‘Get Britain Building’ fund will allow developers to compete for... http://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/Public-Sector-News/Coalition-housing-plans-to-be-revealed 438<