Archive: Public Services

Austerity will 'make history' of popular services

The report claimed drastic cuts to local services might be necessary

Action must be taken now to ensure austerity cuts do not cause local services to disappear, according to a report out today.

Just let go: Coalition's power obsession blocks England's revolution-in-waiting

Cameron eyes private sector future for public services

Austerity 'paints bleak picture' for future generations

Entrenching 'choice' in law: Cameron stands by private sector vision

'Users' deserve a choice, Cameron argues

'New providers' will be able to break through the "state monopoly" across Britain's public services, David Cameron has insisted.

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Comment: The big show (still) in town

Tom Gash is a Programme Director at the Institute for Government

If you thought Big Society ideas had disappeared, think again.

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Comment: Avoiding gimmicks helps public service reform white paper

Tom Gash is programme director (Public Service Innovations) at the Institute for Government.

The government's ambitious public services white paper contains little that's entirely new – but could this actually be its main strength?

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David Kelly inquest ruled out

David Kelly died near his Oxfordshire home in 2003

A further inquest will not be held into the death of weapons inspector David Kelly, the attorney-general has announced.

Catastrophe readiness 'hurt by localism'

The 2005 Buncefield fire was the biggest peacetime fire since the Second World War

Future responses to 'catastrophic' events may be undermined by the coalition's localism drive, a government adviser has told politics.co.uk.

'Big society' white paper pushed back

Pushed back again: The 'big society' white paper was originally due out last autumn

David Cameron's major public service reform white paper has hit a stumbling block, according to reports.

Tomlinson officer charged with manslaughter

The director of public prosecutions informed the family before making the statement

The officer involved in the death of Ian Tomlinson during the G20 demonstrations in 2009 has been charged with manslaughter.

Rail passengers face long wait for lower fares

Rail fares will rocket upwards in the next three years

Campaigners have called for swifter action on cutting rail fares, but a major report out today says passengers will have to wait.

Police: Conservatives want 'revenge' on us

Home secretary Theresa May has told the Police Federation the coalition is offering a "rescue mission", not "revenge", against police officers.

Maddie review a 'ludicrous' waste of money

The review could cost millions and take years

Scotland Yard's review of the Madeline McCann case is "inappropriate", a member of its governing body has argued.

No 10 distances itself from Maddie case

Scotland Yard will review the Maddie case

Downing Street has responded cautiously to claims that it is politicising the police by demanding the Met review the Madeleine McCann case.

Rebel peer defeats police commissioners

Another setback for elected police commissioners

Peers have inflicted a second defeat in as many days against the government, over plans for elected police commissioners.

End in sight for long-running BA strike

The 18-month dispute could be drawing to a close

An epic industrial dispute between British Airways and union Unite looks set to finally come to an end, with a deal reported to be on the table.

Londoners face travel chaos as six-day strike looms

Industrial action will disrupt London's transport network for two weeks if it goes ahead

Londoners are braced for travel chaos next month as a row over the sacking of two tube drivers threatened to prompt a six day strike.

Tomlinson 'unlawfully killed', jury finds

The Met faced significant criticism over the death of Ian Tomlinson

Ian Tomlinson was "unlawfully killed" by police during the G20 protests in 2009, a jury has found.

Police reform 'pause' possible

Nick Clegg outside No 10 - with the on-duty police officer. Photo: www.politicalpictures.co.uk

The coalition could look again at its proposals to introduce elected police commissioners.

Lib Dem peers threaten coalition's elected police commissioners

Police reforms could hit Lords stumbling block

Coalition plans to introduce directly elected police commissioners in England and Wales could hit a Liberal Democrat sticking point in the Lords.

Observers reveal Met's kettling obsession

Kettling was 'under constant consideration' during March 26th protest, Liberty says. Photo: Ian Dunt

Police officers managing last month's anti-spending cuts march had a "when, not if" approach to kettling, legal observers have said.

Police lose 'kettling' court fight

The judgment does not stop police using 'kettling' in the future but it limits its use.

The Metropolitan police have lost a pivotal high court battle over the controversial tactic of 'kettling', following complaints from protestors.

Met ignore 43% of incidents

Police forces face 20% cuts over the next three years.

The Metropolitan police routinely ignore reported incidents, a freedom of information request has revealed.

Phone-hacking: Starmer and Yates end public spat

Scotland Yard came into conflict with the director of public prosecutions following his letter to MPs

The director of public prosecutions and the acting deputy commissioner at the Metropolitan police have tried to draw a line under their public battle.

Livingstone backs down on congestion charge

Congestion charging was on e of Livingstone's flagship policies as Mayor

Plans for a western extension to the congestion charge zone will not go ahead even if Ken Livingstone returns to power, he has admitted.

Police in the dock: Yates evidence contradicted by legal letter

The development will raise questions about the Met's approach to phone-hacking

Evidence has been submitted to MPs which flatly contradicts statements from the acting deputy commissioner of the Metropolitan police to Commons committees.