“Extra resources have gone into Sites of Special Scientific Interest – a key part of the natural environment in England – and results are starting to show. But many will take time to regenerate fully, so a sustained management effort and clear conservation objectives will be needed for long-term success.”
“There are encouraging signs that the long-term growth in household energy consumption is reversing. But most of us still forget to turn off the lights in empty rooms, and building regulations to save energy in homes are not always followed. If targets are to be met, departments need to improve their understanding of how programmes are working in real homes, and how householders are responding to them.”
This briefing has been prepared by the National Audit Office (NAO) to assist the Environmental Audit Committee’s (EAC) inquiry into the Export Credit Guarantee Department (ECGD).
This review of renewable energy has been prepared in response to a request from the Environmental Audit Committee.
Review on Transport and the environment: options for scrutiny, prepared in response to a request from the Environmental Audit Committee.
“It is good news that the Department has recognised and is addressing its poor past performance on financial management. But there is still some way to go before we can feel confident that public money is being spent effectively and efficiently. The Department needs to maintain these first steps, if it is to cope in the tough financial environment reflected in the 2007 Comprehensive Spending Review.”
Review by the National Audit Office for the Environmental Audit Committee on UK greenhouse gas emissions and their measurement and reporting.
“My report recognises the considerable achievement that has been made delivering over 800 centres to a high quality standard, under budget. The project team controlled costs effectively and achieved savings against the budget – for example by introducing better procurement arrangements. There are lessons here for other Government departments undertaking major procurement projects.”
“Some progress has been made in tackling unemployment rates within ethnic minority groups, but the reality is that over recent years, while there has been a slow but steady improvement, the overall reduction in the employment gap has been modest.
“The Department for Work and Pension’s strategy has been fragmented but is being refocused on those living in deprived areas. While this provides opportunities to help those most disadvantaged, it carries the risk that some ethnic minorities may not receive the help they need to get a job. Unless the Department is prepared to do more to reach out to the ethnic minority communities, prospects for increasing their employment rate remain bleak”
