eGov monitor - A Policy Dialogue Platform - Latest United Kingdom Announcements

Three new rights to right local wrongs - New Community Empowerment Bill to harness petition power

Fri, 16 May 2008 12:47:19 +0100

Communities Secretary Hazel Blears today outlined plans to give every citizen in England three new rights to have a greater say to trigger action on local issues they care about. These could range from directing more money from councils to tackle anti-social behaviour and graffiti, to taking over the running of local assets like community or leisure centres, or forcing a public debate on local issues they are concerned about. The UK is one of the biggest petition signing countries in Europe and the World and Ministers are to harness this as a key way of giving local people more say.

Northern Ireland Minister Ritchie establishes task force to target fuel poverty

Fri, 16 May 2008 12:44:10 +0100

As a response to the recent significant price hikes in oil, gas and coal and in anticipation of a hike in electricity tariffs the Social Development Minister Margaret Ritchie has established a Task Force to identify how fuel poverty here can be addressed for the coming winter.

integrated transport strategy key for successful economy

Fri, 16 May 2008 12:42:41 +0100

Investment in an integrated transport strategy is key to underpinning a successful economy said Transport Minister, Conor Murphy in his address to a Transport Conference.

Chief Executive's report confirms the NHS is fighting fit in 60th year

Fri, 16 May 2008 12:38:39 +0100

The NHS is on course to deliver its key pledges to the public, and important reforms coupled with financial stability mean it is well placed to continue to improve services for patients, but there is more to do - David Nicholson, NHS Chief Executive said today.

Opportunities to champion patients’ rights in Wales

Fri, 16 May 2008 12:34:10 +0100

The organisations that represent patients’ rights in Wales have several vacancies and are seeking new members.

Welsh Assembly Government appoints new education chief

Fri, 16 May 2008 12:28:48 +0100

The Welsh Assembly Government today announced that David Hawker has been appointed Director of the Department for Children, Education, Lifelong Learning and Skills.

CIPD responds to draft legislative programme

Fri, 16 May 2008 11:55:20 +0100

Responding to the government's draft legislative programme, the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) has expressed concern about proposals to create an entitlement to apprenticeships; moves towards 'positive measures' to increase workplace diversity; and plans to introduce legislation on agency workers' rights. However, the CIPD has also welcomed proposals for simplification in both equality legislation and skills provision, together with plans to introduce a right to request time off for training.

The National Programme for IT in the NHS: Progress since 2006

Fri, 16 May 2008 11:53:30 +0100

Delivering the National Programme for IT in the NHS is proving to be an enormous challenge. All elements of the Programme are advancing and some are complete, but the original timescales for the electronic Care Records Service, one of the central elements of the Programme, turned out to be unachievable, raised unrealistic expectations and put confidence in the Programme at risk.

Balls – ‘A chance for transformation’ for disabled children

Fri, 16 May 2008 11:51:58 +0100

EDCM challenges all councils and health bodies to take chance to change lives for disabled children and families

Farming and climate change

Fri, 16 May 2008 11:50:39 +0100

Calls for greater awareness of the need for action on climate change by Scotland's agriculture sector were outlined by a new report published today.