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Comprehensive Spending Review 2007 covering the period 2008-2011

Review of the data systems for Public Service Agreement 5: ‘Deliver reliable and efficient transport networks that support economic growth’

Review of a sample of the data systems underpinning the input and impact indicators in the Department for Transport’s Business Plan, Common Areas of Spend and wider management information.

In the three years since the Royal Household took over responsibility for managing its own air and rail travel, the cost of such travel has reduced by two thirds. However, as a result of the National Audit Office’s enquiries, the basis of charging by the Ministry of Defence for royal use of the RAF’s 32 … Read more

“The Maritime and Coastguard Agency has a vital job to do in ensuring the high safety standards of UK-registered vessels and an often difficult job in seeking to raise the standards of foreign vessels visiting the UK. My report shows that the Agency generally carries out its role very well, but that there are steps it could take to make its surveys and inspections of vessels more effective.”

“I have considered the revised basis of valuing the railway network in the context of my audit of the SRA’s accounts. The approach adopted by the Directors of Network Rail to value the railway infrastructure assets is acceptable under financial reporting standards. It is also consistent with the accounting policies of the SRA and the latter’s requirement to prepare accounts in line with the Accounts Direction issued by the Secretary of State for Transport, including the requirement for the accounts to comply with ‘Executive Non-Departmental Public Bodies: Annual Reports and Accounts Guidance’ issued by HM Treasury.

“The policy is in addition consistent with International Accounting Standards which are planned to be adopted from 2005, whereas the previous basis of valuing the railway network was not consistent with these Standards.”

“Road traffic congestion on our motorways and trunk roads is an enduring problem. I welcome the Highways Agency’s efforts to attack the problem by making better use of our existing roads. In particular, it is aiming to improve roadside information to motorists and to deal more effectively with incidents and accidents.

“I am looking, however, for the Agency to adopt a less risk averse approach. It must not only carry out more effective trials of proposed congestion-reducing measures; but also, if the trials are successful, follow the lead of its overseas counterparts in implementing these technologies more widely on the network.”