“The Ministry of Defence has already disposed of much stock but more can be done. Too much stock is still kept because information systems are poor, or ‘just in case’. My recommendations and examples of good practice show how further improvements can be achieved.”
“The Maritime and Coastguard Agency has in recent years strengthened the UK’s ability to deal with marine pollution incidents. The Agency does, however, need to satisfy itself that ports, harbours and coastal local authorities remain capable of protecting the environment from marine pollution, and ensure that it has the ability to recover its costs, prosecute offenders and deter others from polluting.”
“My report draws attention to ongoing problems in the management of European funds in 2000. The United Kingdom Government has taken a leading role in supporting the reform process which is being put into effect by the European Commission and it is vital it continues to do all it can in this respect, through the Council of Ministers and its other links in the Community. The National Audit Office will continue to give a high priority to examining the way that United Kingdom departments manage Community funds.”
“I welcome the progress that the Ministry of Defence has made in improving its logistics support for helicopters. As a priority the Department should aim to develop a consistent regime for measuring outputs and performance and obtain better data in order to give more reliable support to the front line.”
“Television licence fee evasion affects all licence payers. Even on conservative estimates the cost of evasion represents approximately £141 million a year, or £6 for each licence payer, that would otherwise be available to the BBC. The BBC has already done much good work to reduce the evasion rate and continues to take steps to strengthen the collection and enforcement arrangements. My report highlights opportunities to make further progress”.
“The Commission’s decision to award the second licence to Camelot was soundly based. However there are constraints which may deter potential bidders and unless decisive steps are taken there may well be no competitive pressure next time. The Commission and the Department must do all they can to level the playing field and eliminate unnecessary demands on bidders.”
“I welcome the progress that the Ministry of Defence has made to date in improving its arrangements for the major repair and overhaul of its land equipment. As a priority the Department should address important unresolved issues for achieving its repair and overhaul requirements and the role and future of its in-house provider, the Army Base Repair Organisation.”
“A significant amount of taxpayers’ money is being spent in central and local government in introducing Internet-based services. I have found considerable progress since my previous report in 1999 but weaknesses in information across government on the usage of its web sites, performance indicators to measure progress and methodologies to assess the value added by e-government provision.”
“The NHS is continuing to improve financial control over its budget. I welcome this and the initiatives to measure and take action against fraud.
“The way forward is to continue with improvements to corporate and clinical governance and to ensure that accounting for these large sums presents fully and clearly the financial position of NHS organisations.”
Sir John Bourn, head of the National Audit Office, has published his report on the construction of Portcullis House, the new Parliamentary building. Portcullis House, which provides offices for 210 Members of Parliament and 400 staff together with committee rooms and other facilities, was completed in August 2000 at a cost of £234 million. The NAO … Read more
