Showing 761 - 780 of 2725 results

  3. Reaping the Rewards of Agricultural Research

    Report Value for money

    Published on:

    The successful commercialisation of intellectual property in agricultural research requires identifying the best opportunities for commercial exploitation of publicly financed research; obtaining further funds to develop and protect ideas; and managing risks when making deals and establishing spin-out companies. These points are brought out in a National Audit Office report today on the performance of […]

  4. Realising the benefits of the St Helena Airport project

    Report Value for money

    Published on:

    The St Helena airport’s planned opening date in May 2016 has been postponed as outstanding safety concerns are addressed, potentially adding to the project’s cost and delaying its benefits.

  7. Re-opening the post: Postcomm and the quality of mail services

    Report Value for money

    Published on:

    Sir John Bourn, head of the National Audit Office, reported today on the effectiveness of Postcomm’s regulation of quality of service. His report, which follows up on his 2002 report Opening the Post, finds that the overall value for money of regulation will be improved as it reduces burdens on Royal Mail while enhancing consumer […]

  8. Rail reform: the rail transformation programme

    Report Value for money

    Published on:

    The reforms set out in government’s rail transformation plans are facing delays, and there remain long-standing issues with the rail sector that need to be addressed, such as its financial sustainability and service to passengers.

  9. Radiocommunications Agency : The Auction of Radio Spectrum for the Third Generation of Mobile Telephones

    Report Value for money

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    The £22.5 billion auction of radio spectrum for the third generation of mobile telephones was well designed and efficient, Sir John Bourn, head of the National Audit Office, told Parliament today. Key success factors were that the Radiocommunications Agency marketed the opportunity and consulted the Industry extensively before the auction, rehearsed it, managed the bidding […]

  16. Purchasing Professional Services

    Report Value for money

    Published on:

    How government departments can get better value for money from the £600 million they spend each year on professional services from suppliers of specialist expertise advice and assistance is highlighted today in a National Audit Office report. It concludes that value for money improvements of at least 10 per cent (£60 million) are achievable.   […]

  17. Purchasing and Managing Software Licences

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    The Office of Government Commerce has done well to negotiate software licensing agreements with IT suppliers that has secured savings for the taxpayer, Sir John Bourn, the Head of the National Audit Office, reported today. However, it needs to publicise the benefits of the agreement more widely. Software is vital for delivering services to the […]

  19. Public Service Pensions

    Report Value for money

    Published on:

    This report outlines how the public service pensions landscape has changed since the Hutton Review and highlights future challenges.

  20. Public service markets: Putting things right when they go wrong

    Report Value for money

    Published on:

    Over 10 million people who used public services (about 1 in 5) in the UK last year faced problems with the services. Detriment can and does occur. But users find the complaints and redress systems confusing.