News round-up: July 18

17 Jul 08
The Public Accounts Committee has again lambasted the Rural Payments Agency for its poor implementation of the Single Payment Scheme for farmers. A report published on July 15 found that almost 20,000 farmers' entitlements were calculated incorrectly during 2005 and 2006, with overpayments totalling £37m. PAC chair Edward Leigh said the agency's failings could lead the European Commission to fine the government hundreds of millions of pounds. 'Restoring farmers' confidence will depend on the agency improvin

18 July 2008

The Public Accounts Committee has again lambasted the Rural Payments Agency for its poor implementation of the Single Payment Scheme for farmers. A report published on July 15 found that almost 20,000 farmers' entitlements were calculated incorrectly during 2005 and 2006, with overpayments totalling £37m. PAC chair Edward Leigh said the agency's failings could lead the European Commission to fine the government hundreds of millions of pounds. 'Restoring farmers' confidence will depend on the agency improving its business processes and IT systems to the point where it can process claims efficiently and promptly and tell farmers when they are likely to be paid.'

Proposed changes to planning regulations will give councils more scope to refuse out-of-town developments that threaten the survival of high streets and small shops, Communities Secretary Hazel Blears has said. The changes to Planning Policy Statement 6, which governs town centre planning, encourage planners to prioritise high-street developments. A tougher impact test is being developed to help councils prevent developments that would detract from town centre investment. Blears said: 'I want to see our town centres and independent shops busy and thriving, and I'm committed to helping defend their future.'

Ministers and the Association of British Insurers have reached an agreement to ensure that flood insurance remains widely available. The deal also outlines actions both the government and the industry will take over the long term, including better understanding of flood risk and a government-led flood prevention strategy. Floods minister Phil Woolas said it was vital that people were able to insure their homes and businesses against flood risk. Stephen Haddrill, the ABI's director general, added: 'We are pleased that the government recognises that a long-term investment strategy, adequately funded, is the best way to manage the growing flood threat.'

Skills minister David Lammy has launched a task force to boost the number of apprenticeships on offer in London. There are currently fewer apprenticeship opportunities per head in the capital than in any other part of England, with particular problems of under-representation among ethnic minority communities. Lammy will head the task force, supported by employers, local government representatives, college principals and training providers. Lammy said there was a demand for skills in London that needed to be met. 'Sectors like construction and retail, as well as our public services, are crying out for high-quality staff.'

Equality minister Harriet Harman and Cabinet Office minister Ed Miliband have announced measures to increase the number of women, disabled people and people from black and ethnic minority communities holding public appointments. The government wants to increase the number of women appointees to 40%, up from the current level of 34%. It also intends to set new targets on race and disability. As part of the move, the commissioner for public appointments will be given a stronger diversity remit.

Children born in the summer are less likely to go to university at the age of 18 or 19 than those born earlier in the school year, the Institute for Fiscal Studies has found. IFS research last year found that summer-born children performed less well than their peers in National Curriculum tests and GCSEs, and the new findings show that these attainment gaps persist into higher education. While 37% of September-born girls and 30% of September-born boys have started university by the age of 19, only 35% and 28% of their August-born counterparts had.

 

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