eGov monitor - The Information Daily

Video: The Case for Independent Local Government

Wed, 16 May 2012 20:32:45 +0100

The Information Daily explores whether local government is secure in its relationship with the centre so that it can deliver improved public services and local economic growth.

UK Health: NICE makes u-turn on late stage prostate cancer drug

Wed, 16 May 2012 16:05:06 +0100

The National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE), has reversed its decision on the prostate drug abiraterone. The drug was previously rejected as it was not deemed to be cost effective.

UK Governance: National Fraud Initiative pays back nearly �1 billion but Whitehall largely unengaged

Wed, 16 May 2012 13:57:45 +0100

The National Fraud Initiative (NFI) has helped to identify �939 million worth of fraud, overpayment or human error across UK public bodies over the last 16 years, The Audit Commission has announced, including �275 million in the two years from May 2010.

EU Debt Crisis: UN independent experts urge EU to lead on global financial transaction tax

Wed, 16 May 2012 13:22:44 +0100

A group of UN independent experts are urging the EU to take the lead on promoting adoption of a global financial transaction tax to offset the costs of the enduring economic, financial, fuel, climate and food crises.

UK Immigration: Home Office tightens up on visas for foreign nationals visiting the UK to meet with family

Wed, 16 May 2012 13:20:44 +0100

�Millions of pounds will be saved� from scrapping taxpayer-subsidised appeals from those foreign nationals refused a visa.

EU Debt Crisis: Caretaker government to be set up in Greece before elections in June

Wed, 16 May 2012 13:07:12 +0100

Greek President Karolos Papoulias is to set up a caretaker government ahead of new elections next month, which has once again through Greece�s economic future into uncertainty.

EU Bank Reforms: Ecofin agrees to UK proposals to make banks hold more capital

Wed, 16 May 2012 12:50:58 +0100

All 27 EU finance ministers have agreed new banking rules that will impose stricter financial regulation on the region�s banks.

International Technology: Accenture survery shows that Singapore government has the best digital services

Wed, 16 May 2012 12:02:51 +0100

A new survey by technology services company Accenture has revealed that there is broad support in Singapore for digital public services. Results show that more than half of those surveyed in Singapore found it easy to interact with their government online, whilst 80% found it easier to interact with the government than with the private sector.

UK Governance: PAC warns of risks attached to coalition�s work programme

Wed, 16 May 2012 11:30:59 +0100

Parliament�s spending watchdog has warned that private companies are being paid needlessly for the government�s welfare-to-work programme.

UK Health: Medicine shortage needs urgent action, say MPs

Wed, 16 May 2012 10:30:24 +0100

The results of a six-month investigation reveal that NHS patients are facing a drug shortage as wholesalers sell medicines abroad to make a profit.

UK Governance: New reforms to SEN give parents more control over their children's care budget

Wed, 16 May 2012 10:21:25 +0100

In the biggest reform to special education needs (SEN) budgets in 30 years, parents will be given more control over how their children are helped. The revamp will also force health, social, and educational services to plan services together.

Toll Roads: UK road charging a real possibility, says new study

Wed, 16 May 2012 10:12:31 +0100

A new report puts the case for a �radical overhaul� of road taxes and the introduction of road charging in the UK as more drivers turn to eco-friendly cars.

UK Governance: ICAEW report condemns the government on Child Benefit reforms

Tue, 15 May 2012 17:06:39 +0100

Leading accountants have attacked the government�s plans to revamp the child benefit system. The Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW) has warned that the changes could become an �operational disaster�.

Equality Review: Serious effort made to address equality impact of 2010 UK Spending Review says EHRC

Tue, 15 May 2012 15:25:13 +0100

The Equality and Human Rights Commission says that Ministers and officials made "serious" efforts to meet their legal obligations to consider the impact on equality when completing the government�s 2010 Spending Review.

Mobile Technology: O2 UK rolling out faster 3G

Tue, 15 May 2012 15:10:18 +0100

Mobile network O2 UK has started rolling out the current fastest variant of 3G, an incremental improvement ahead of the 4G spectrum auctions.