International development minister Gareth Thomas today announced £10 million to support flood-affected people in Bangladesh. The funds, available to organisations involved in relief work, will be channelled...

UK Secretary of State for International Development Hilary Benn today (Tuesday 27 July) challenged world trade negotiators meeting in Geneva to reach an agreement delivering real benefits to the world's poorest ...

DFID has launched a new programme to help generate employment in southern Iraq. The £6m Southern Iraq Employment and Services Programme (SIESP) aims to provide 1.75 million days of employment throughout...

An airlift of vehicles from the UK this week will boost the African Union mission in its bid to resolve the crisis in Darfur, Sudan.   

The UK government is to give at least £15m to help the victims of the Asian earthquake that struck on Boxing Day.   

Hilary Benn, Secretary of State for International Development, today offered to assist the Disasters Emergency Committee (DEC) in transporting any items purchased from the Tsunami Earthquake Appeal to affected people...

A further 45 tonnes of bottled water and collapsible jerry cans are to be sent to the Maldives where there remains a pressing need for clean drinking water. The UK Department for International Development has booked...

Hilary Benn, UK International Development Secretary, who is in Nairobi today to attend the signing of the historic Peace Agreement between the Government of Sudan and the Sudan People's Liberation Movement, has ...

Check against Delivery   

Chancellor Gordon Brown today instructed the Bank of England, as agent for Her Majesty's Treasury, to direct financial institutions that any funds which they hold for or on behalf of Sulayman DARWISH must be frozen...

The Financial Secretary today announced the appointment of the members of the Financial Inclusion Taskforce under the Chairmanship of Brian Pomeroy.   

Chancellor Gordon Brown today called for a step change in the participation of young people in volunteering, encouraging young people to do voluntary work as part of their normal lives and enabling them to do voluntary...

Check against Delivery   

SPEECH BY THE RT HON GORDON BROWN MP, CHANCELLOR OF THE EXCHEQUER AT THE SUSTAINABLE COMMUNITIES SUMMIT IN MANCHESTER   

Part I: UK Government Foreign Currency Assets and Liabilities - January 2005   

SPEECH BY THE RT HON GORDON BROWN MP, CHANCELLOR OF THE EXCHEQUER AT ADVANCING ENTERPRISE 2005   

The Chancellor of the Exchequer, Gordon Brown, and Indian Finance Minister Shri Chidambaram today officially launched the Indo-UK Economic and Financial Dialogue.   

G7 Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors met in London. We are conscious of our responsibility to respond positively to the challenges and opportunities of the global economy. Recognising the need for greater...

Chief Secretary to the Treasury, Paul Boateng, today presented a full signature Memorandum of Understanding in Mali with Minister for Investment Promotion Ousame Thiam in Bamako. This will provide $45.4 million ...

Today the Office for National Statistics (ONS) publishes an article entitled "Methodological improvements in the Retail Prices Index and Consumer Prices Index from February 2005". Methodological improvements are...

The British Government is to pay $79.9 million of Ghana multilateral debt between 2005 and 2015. Chief Secretary to the Treasury, Paul Boateng, today confirmed the signing off of the UK share of multilateral debt...

Andrew Rose, a senior investment banker with expertise in infrastructure investment is to join the Board of Partnerships UK.   

Because of my visit to China, I am sorry not to be able to be with you in person today at this hugely important conference to celebrate British science.   

SPEECH BY THE RT HON GORDON BROWN MP, CHANCELLOR OF THE EXCHEQUER AT THE ACADEMY OF SOCIAL SCIENCE, BEIJING, CHINA   

The Spring Supplementary Estimates, presented to the House of Commons today, seek £7,067 million in resources and £6,074 million in cash. The Estimates seek increased resources and cash for existing...

Chief Secretary to the Treasury, Rt. Hon Paul Boateng and Home Office Minister for Race Equality and Community Cohesion, Fiona Mactaggart today hosted a "Third Sector Summit" at Number 11 Downing Street to conclude...

REMARKS BY THE RT HON GORDON BROWN MP, CHANCELLOR OF THE EXCHEQUER AT THE OPENING OF THE WOLVERHAMPTON LEARNING QUARTER   

Part I: UK Government Foreign Currency Assets and Liabilities - February 2005   

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) is today publishing its report on the UK economy, along with the UK's statement to the IMF Executive Board, which sets out the Government's response to the report.   

Partnerships UK today launched the first phase of its new database, bringing together for the first time a freely available central database of statistical, operational and financial data of over 600 PFI projects...

Check against delivery   

The Chief Secretary to the Treasury, Paul Boateng today announced his intention to accept the position of High Commissioner to Pretoria, South Africa, following the next general election.   

CORRECTED VERSION   

HM Treasury is today publishing a new analysis: Long-term global economic challenges and opportunities for Europe. The paper sets out the global economic challenges that Europe must meet to deliver high employment...

CHECK AGAINST DELIVERY   

Sir Derek Morris has today published his final report on the actuarial profession in the UK. The review focused on three broad areas: the regulatory framework for the actuarial profession; the level of choice and...

Updates for 2003-04 and earlier years for key series   

CHECK AGAINST DELIVERY   

The Chancellor of the Exchequer, Gordon Brown, today set out measures to deliver the Government's objective of building a strong economy and fair society, where there is opportunity and security for all.   

Budget 2005   

A package of measures to tackle tax fraud and avoidance was announced by the Chancellor today. The reforms will protect revenue for investment in public services and ensure that an unfair burden does not fall on...

Philip Hampton today published his final report 'Reducing administrative burdens: effective inspection and enforcement'. His review considers how to reduce administrative burdens on business without compromising...

HM Treasury is today publishing an analysis of the critical role that the financial sector must play in helping the UK respond to long-term economic changes: The UK financial services sector: rising to the challenges...

Measures to deliver the Government's objective of building a strong economy and fair society with opportunity and security for all, were set out by the Chancellor in his Budget Statement last week.   

Assalaamu alaikum   

More people will have the opportunity to own an affordable well-designed home, the Deputy Prime Minister John Prescott and Chancellor Gordon Brown announced today.   

SPEECH BY THE RT HON GORDON BROWN MP, CHANCELLOR OF THE EXCHEQUER AT THE LAUNCH OF THE GOVERNMENT'S CONSULTATION DOCUMENT ON HOUSING -'HOMEBUY: EXPANDING THE OPPORTUNITY TO OWN'   

The Treasury today announces two new non-executive appointments to the Treasury Board. The appointments have been approved by the Chancellor of the Exchequer following an open competition involving the independent...

Improved energy efficiency in the public sector, and increased access to the arts and culture sector, will be priority areas for the allocation of £40 million from the Invest to Save - Inclusive Communities...

The Queen been pleased to approve the appointment to the Court of Directors of: - Paul Myners, Chairman, Marks and Spencers; and - Arun Sarin, Chief Executive, Vodafone Group Plc   

Part I: UK Government Foreign Currency Assets and Liabilities - March 2005   

Finance (no.2) Bill is published today. Chief Secretary Paul Boateng outlined the measures included in Finance (no.2) Bill in the Second Reading debate in the House of Commons earlier today.   

Regulations for a new suite of financial products came into force yesterday. Known as the Stakeholder suite, and an outcome of the 2002 Sandler Review, the new regulations are a welcome step forward for consumers...

The 2005 edition of Public Expenditure Statistical Analyses (PESA) is published today as a Command Paper (Cm 6521). PESA is a compendium of statistical data on public expenditure, covering both outturns and spending...

SPEECH BY THE RT HON GORDON BROWN MP, CHANCELLOR OF THE EXCHEQUER, AT THE BRITISH CHAMBERS OF COMMERCE ANNUAL CONFERENCE 25 APRIL 2005   

Part I: UK Government Foreign Currency Assets and Liabilities - April 2005   

The Chancellor of the Exchequer Gordon Brown has appointed Spencer Livermore and Damian McBride as his Special Advisers. Spencer will be the Chief Political and Strategy Adviser.   

The Government today welcomed the publication of the National Employment Panel report on Increasing the Employment and Business Growth of Ethnic Minority and Faith groups.   

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

Sir Andrew Turnbull wrote to Sir Nigel Wicks on November 20th 2003 about a proposed amendment to the Code of Conduct for Special Advisers set out in the Government's Response to the Committee's Ninth Report (Cm ...

  

Inquiry into Processes for Maintaining High Standards of Conduct in Public Bodies, Local Government and the National Health Service Continues: Witnesses for Tuesday 15 June   

The Committee on Standards in Public Life, chaired by Sir Alistair Graham, has started a series of public hearings in its inquiry to help establish whether current arrangements for promoting high standards of conduct...

Witnesses for Thursday 17 June in Edinburgh   

The Committee on Standards in Public Life, chaired by Sir Alistair Graham, has started a series of public hearings in its inquiry to help establish whether current arrangements for promoting high standards of conduct...

Witnesses for Tuesday 29 June in Belfast   

Witnesses for Wednesday 7 July in Cardiff   

The sixth public hearing of the Committee's Tenth inquiry 'Getting the Balance Right: Implementing Standards of Conduct in Public Life' will take place on Tuesday 13 July at One Great George Street, Westminster, ...

The seventh public hearing of the Committee's Tenth inquiry 'Getting the Balance Right: Implementing Standards of Conduct in Public Life' will take place on Thursday 15 July at One Great George Street, Westminster...

WITNESSES FOR THURSDAY 9 SEPTEMBER IN LONDON   

Inquiry into Processes for Maintaining High Standards of Conduct in Public Bodies, Local Government and the National Health Service Continues: Witnesses for Tuesday 14 September in London   

The first results of a long-term research project into public attitudes towards conduct in public life were published today by the Committee on Standards in Public Life.   

Inquiry into Processes for Maintaining High Standards of Conduct in Public Bodies, Local Government and the National Health Service Continues: Updated Witnesses for Tuesday 14 September in London   

Inquiry into Processes for Maintaining High Standards of Conduct in Public Bodies, Local Government and the National Health Service Continues:   

The Rt Hon Baroness Jay of Paddington and Mr Lloyd Clarke QPM have been appointed to the Committee on Standards in Public Life. Both appointments, announced by the Prime Minister are effective from today 1 November...

The Committee on Standards in Public Life, which was established by the then Prime Minister in 1994, has no mandate to investigate allegations against individuals. The Committee does not comment on individual allegations...

The Committee on Standards in Public Life, which was established by the then Prime Minister in 1994, has no mandate to investigate allegations against individuals. The Committee has however previously inquired into...

Proposals to counter perceived cronyism in the public appointments system, and improve the investigation of complaints against local government councillors, are put forward in a radical report published by the Committee...

1. After the publication of the Budd Report, Sir Alistair Graham, Chairman of the Committee on Standards in Public Life gave notice [PN 165, 22 December 2004] that the Committee would reflect on the Report and ...

The Committee on Standards in Public Life welcomed today the publication of new research, produced by MORI for the Public Appointments Commissioner. This shows that in addition to a low level of public awareness...

The Committee published its 2004 Annual Report today, Tuesday 22 March.   

The OFT will join forces with government agencies around the world for the next 48 hours in a co-ordinated assault upon scammers and spammers. The OFT will join its partners in the International Consumer Protection...

The OFT has today announced its provisional conclusions on the compatibility with competition law of exclusive distribution arrangements between newspaper and magazine publishers and wholesalers.   

The OFT welcomes the judgments given today by the Competition Appeal Tribunal (CAT) on the appeals brought by Apex Ashphalt and Paving Co Ltd and Richard W Price (Roofing Contractors) Ltd.   

Shoppers in Powys are being targeted by the OFT with hot shopping tips and advice as part of a major consumer awareness campaign.   

The Direct Selling Association's consumer code of practice was launched to consumers today by the OFT.   

The OFT welcomes that J Sainsbury plc is writing to suppliers in dispute over new payment terms about flexibility in their implementation. Where suppliers and supermarkets cannot resolve disputes by negotiation, ...

The OFT has today varied the terms of reference of the Competition Commission investigation into store cards.   

Advanced Windows (Scotland) Ltd has given undertakings to the OFT following numerous complaints about its products and services.   

The OFT has decided today to accept the undertakings offered by Capital Radio plc to divest its Century 106 radio station. It has decided that the undertakings offered address the competition concerns which arose...

Sport Newspapers Ltd has given undertakings to the OFT that it will not mislead consumers about the price of some of its newspapers.   

A national high street clothing retailer has given undertakings to the OFT that it will no longer publish advertisements which give the misleading impression that prices have been reduced as part of a closing down...

UK consumers are being targeted by phishers, spammers and scammers from overseas, announced the OFT today as it released initial results of the first global internet sweep of spam at a meeting of the International...

The proprietor of an estate agency and lettings business has undertaken to comply with the law and deal fairly with consumers following action by the OFT. Darren Russell, who carried on a business under the name...

Bart Smith, currently Director of Performance Improvement Consulting at PricewaterhouseCoopers, has been appointed as OFT's first Chief Operating Officer (COO), bringing together management of finance, human resources...

The OFT has refused the application for a consumer credit licence from an Aylesbury plumber.   

Ten roofing contractors have been found by the OFT to have agreed to fix the prices of, and in some cases to share markets for, flat roofing services in the North East of England and in Scotland through collusive...

A trader selling fireplace surrounds has had its application for a consumer credit licence refused by the OFT.   

Residents and their families at over 800 care homes will in future receive fairer and clearer contracts after OFT action led to ten care home operators changing their contracts.   

Supermarkets are, by and large, complying with the Supermarkets Code of Practice but the Code is not being used to resolve disputes, says the OFT in a report published today. The OFT is inviting comments and evidence...

The OFT today referred the completed acquisition by Francisco Partners L.P. of G International Inc. to the Competition Commission (CC).   

The OFT today referred the acquisition by Somerfield plc of 114 stores from Wm Morrison Supermarkets plc to the Competition Commission (CC).   

The OFT today referred to the Competition Commission (CC) the anticipated acquisitions of the London Stock Exchange plc (LSE) by Deutsche Borse AG (DBAG) and by Euronext N.V. (Euronext) respectively.   

The promoters of a premium rate prize competition called Jackpot Promotions have given undertakings that they will not use misleading advertising to promote such competitions, following action by the OFT.   

Five priority areas will be the focus of the OFT's work over the next financial year.   

Prospective members of a leading supplier of holiday clubs have clearer and better consumer rights following action by the OFT.   

The OFT is to conduct a review of undertakings given in the animal waste rendering industry.   

The OFT is beginning a review of undertakings given to prevent restrictions on competition in the supply of condoms in the UK.   

The OFT has launched a consultation on proposed changes to widen and extend the duration of the Public Transport Ticketing Schemes Block Exemption.   

A business that carries advertising for public houses on its website has given undertakings to the OFT that it will not make misleading claims about the benefits of signing up to the site.   

The classified directory advertising services market is not working effectively according to the OFT and has been referred to the Competition Commission (CC) for investigation.   

Two more businesses have stopped distributing misleading advertisements following action by the OFT.   

The OFT today referred the acquisition by Bucher Industries AG of Johnston Sweepers Ltd to the Competition Commission (CC).   

The way has been cleared for a new afternoon or evening newspaper to be distributed to London commuters, following an OFT investigation.   

A series of quick guides to competition law have today been published by the OFT to give businesses an introduction into how the OFT enforces competition law in the UK. The series of five guides, aimed at small ...

Following action by the OFT, Spanish timeshare company One World Holiday Club, has pledged to give British sun-seekers a better deal.   

The OFT has refused an application for a consumer credit licence from a commercial vehicle dealer.   

A caravan dealer from Washington in Tyne and Wear has had his application for a consumer credit licence refused.   

A car parts and fuel retailer based in Jersey has had its application for a consumer credit licence refused by the OFT.   

A hearing aid consultant from Dudley has had an application for a consumer credit licence refused by the OFT.   

The OFT today referred the anticipated acquisition by Future plc of Highbury House plc to the Competition Commission (CC).   

The directors of a company promoting holiday club memberships have given binding undertakings not to mislead consumers after the OFT received complaints about their marketing practices.   

A trader in home improvements goods from Cardiff has had his application for a consumer credit licence refused.   

A financial broker from Stockport has been refused a consumer credit licence by the OFT.   

A prospective mortgage broker from Birmingham has had an application for a consumer credit licence refused by the OFT.   

The OFT has decided today not to refer to the Competition Commission the completed acquisition by the Blackstone Group of UGC Cinemas Holdings Limited provided that satisfactory divestment undertakings to address...

CAT determines penalties on appeal   

337 licensing actions carried out by OFT   

The OFT has decided today to accept the undertakings offered by Terra Firma Investments (GP) 2 Ltd (and UK subsidiary, Corleone Capital Limited) in relation to its acquisition of the UCI cinema chain. The OFT has...

Updated guidance for the home improvements sector has been published by the OFT to help businesses use fair terms in their standard contracts with consumers.   

A credit broker from Northampton has his consumer credit licence revoked by the OFT, preventing him from providing credit to consumers.