Patients in the NHS need to feel that they are being treated as individuals to "empower" them within the system, Tony Blair has said a special Number 10 reception.

Both risks and opportunities exist in liberalising trade for developing countries, the PM has said in an open letter to a new campaigning coalition.

Dealing with the challenges facing the environment should be at the top of the agenda for this generation of world leaders, Tony Blair has said.

Gritting of motorways and major roads will continue this week with the Met Office forecasting more wintry weather for the UK, the Highways Agency said today.

New service to reduce estimated £10 billion cost to UK economy

Asked if it was known when, or who, the new Cabinet Minister for Social Exclusion might be, the PMOS said that it would be decided at an appropriate time. Asked if there were plans to replace the junior Transport...

Asked that if the Prime Minister was committed to fair dealings with women in the workplace, why didn't he pay Meg Munn a salary, the PMOS replied that throughout the period in Government, since 1997, there had ...

Asked what the Prime Minister's view was about the Power Report, the PMOS said that there were many issues dealt within the Power Report. They were all matters that were debated as much within Parties as between...

Asked if the Prime Minister was involved in any way in the Education Bill's preparation, the PMOS said that he was involved today in the seminar today with the local authority leaders. It was an opportunity for ...

Asked if the suspension of the Mayor for four weeks meant that he was unnecessary to run London, the PMOS replied that in terms of the decision on Friday, he had nothing further to add. Put that there were reports...

Asked if the Prime Minister gave his full support to Tessa Jowell, the Prime Minister's Official Spokesman (PMOS) replied: yes. Put that as the Prime Minister was the sole arbiter of the Ministerial Code, had he...

Press briefing from the Prime Minister's Official Spokesman on: Tessa Jowell, Ken Livingstone, Education, Power Report, Women and Work and Reshuffle

Equality, accountability and professionalism are at the heart of a new Code of Professional Standards for the police service, Home Office Minister Hazel Blears announced today.

Air quality experts have today published new guidelines for halogens and hydrogen halides for protecting human health.

We need a thriving and profitable farming industry to produce our food, to deliver the landscapes we value and to help meet our future energy needs, Margaret Beckett, Secretary of State for Environment, Food and...

A review in to how patients were infected with Hepatitis C and HIV through contaminated blood in the 1970s and early 1980s, was published today.

Disabled people will have the chance to work directly with the Government as part of a new Advisory Group set up to help establish a national forum representing the interests of disabled people in policy and services...

Ending "gender segregation" in the workplace could benefit the economy by as much as £23 billion, a new report has found.

Local authorities in England issued an average of just 56 fines each for environmental crimes such as littering and dog fouling last year. What is more, only around half of them were paid.

Women and Work Commission say better use of women's skills key to economic prosperity

This report aims to provide SEERAD with a comprehensive review of the literature on conservation contract design and the use of auctions in agri-environmental policy and natural resource management.

"A year ago today a devastating earthquake and tsunami took the lives of over 300,000 people across South Asia and East Africa. The impact of this disaster is still felt today. Many people not only lost loved ones...

The PM today appointed Minister for Women Tessa Jowell as the Cabinet champion to produce an action plan after the publication of a wide ranging and important Women and Work Commission Report Shaping A Fairer Future...

With up to 76 onshore windfarms in the planning, Wales has the potential to meet up to 18 per cent of its electricity demand from renewables and will play a vital role in achieving the UK target of 10% electricity...

Chief Medical Officer Sir Liam Donaldson today launched a new website providing important information for people considering cosmetic surgery. Last year Sir Liam asked Harry Cayton, Director for Patients and the...

Health Minister Jane Kennedy and Science Minister Lord Sainsbury today announced the appointment of seven new members to the Human Genetics Commission.   

Based on an England-wide survey of visits to Walk-in Centres last Christmas Day and hits and calls to NHS Direct over the last festive period, over a quarter of a million people could be using NHS out-of-hours services...

Health minister Rosie Winterton today announced the seven organisations that have been chosen to pilot the new Independent Mental Capacity Advocacy (IMCA) role. From January 2006, pilot IMCA advocates will provide...

Health Minister Jane Kennedy today announced that Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT) will be available to more people than ever before, following a change in the guidance for its use.   

PREPARED BY THE GOVERNMENT STATISTICAL SERVICE   

Six month maximum wait target will be met: Lord Warner   

From the New Year, for the first time in the history of the NHS, all eligible patients across England will have the right to exercise choice over where and when they get hospital treatment.   

From the New Year, for the first time in the history of the NHS, all eligible patients across England will have the right to exercise choice over where and when they get hospital treatment.   

Over 6,000 test kits have been handed out in Boots stores across the capital in the first month of a pilot aimed to make chlamydia testing more accessible for 16-24 year old men and women.   

New technology helps provide support to let people live at home   

Almost a third (33%) of 16-24 year olds admit they have passed off a ready meal as their own creation when they wanted to impress someone according to a Department of Health Survey out today. The survey, conducted...

Health Secretary Patricia Hewitt will today set out the key challenges for the NHS for 2006.   

AMENDED VERSION   

Police and local authorities will have tough new powers to deal with families who blight communities with unacceptable behaviour, said Health Secretary Patricia Hewitt during a visit to Kings College Hospital in...

Health Secretary Patricia Hewitt today declared her support for 18 more NHS trusts wanting to apply for foundation status.   

UK Health Minister Rosie Winterton today met with her international counterparts at an International Pledging Conference in Beijing to pledge £20 million over the next three years to help poorer countries...

£1/4 billion wave of new NHS community services set to open this year   

Brand new roles in social care could be created as part of a government review of the social care workforce called Options for Excellence. A number of working groups will also explore increasing the supply and improving...

TRANSITIONAL ARRANGEMENTS IN THE NHS AND DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH   

Public Health Minister Caroline Flint said:   

First new centres for patients on the move improve access to GPs and nurses   

Health Minister, Jane Kennedy today announced a new health research strategy aimed at giving patients better access to ground-breaking new medicines and treatments, and supporting researchers carrying out health...

Teams of financial specialists are to be sent into 18 NHS organisations facing the greatest financial risks, a new report published today by Health Secretary Patricia Hewitt reveals.   

New guidance includes plans to get the NHS back in the black   

Health Secretary Patricia Hewitt today announced a fundamental shift in focus that will provide integrated health and social care services in local communities and closer to people's homes.   

NHS Trusts are set to benefit from the injection of £8million to develop innovative medical devices and procedures to improve NHS patient care.   

Ministers have today put forward alternative options on how far to extend the smoking ban in public places. This follows the decision to give MPs a free vote at Report Stage of the Health Bill, taking place later...

NHS hits key target on waiting   

Main Points This Month   

Support teams to be sent into 20 trusts   

Over 750,000 care workers looking after vulnerable older people, adults and children will be registered, trained and vetted for the first time, Liam Byrne, Care Services Minister announced today.   

SKILLS FOR CARE SPEECH - LIAM BYRNE, CARE SERVICES MINISTER (CHECK AGAINST DELIVERY)   

Improved childhood immunisation schedule to maximise protection against Meningitis C and Hib   

The Department of Health today published a booklet by professional leaders of top tips, practical ideas and case studies which GPs, practice staff, allied health professionals and other primary care staff can use...

Ministers and industry chiefs discuss pharmaceutical industry investment in the UK   

New campaign shows tragic consequences of smoking for one family   

The following statistics were released today by the Health and Social Care Information Centre:   

Minister launches NHS Good Corporate Citizenship Self-assessment Model   

Royal Colleges provide expertise to bring healthcare closer to home   

Concluding the PPI review   

National social work and social care recruitment drive launched today   

£2bn of funding includes a 50% cash boost for the mental health estate   

New report shows impact of programme as PM and Health Secretary welcome new network representing the sector   

STATISTICAL PRESS NOTICE   

Better support and information for patients and relatives, improved co-ordination between services and improved learning from errors   

Health Minister Rosie Winterton today announced the next step in helping the NHS deliver the fastest ever access to NHS hospital treatment.   

The Department of Health today published summaries of opinion polls and media evaluation on its website, as part of its commitment to listening to and engaging with the public, patients and staff about what they...

Health Minister, Rosie Winterton today announced the award of contracts to Baxter and Chiron for supplies of around 3.5 million doses of H5N1 vaccine. The announcement was made as EU Health Ministers attended a ...

NHS and social care organisations are being given extra support in helping millions of people with long term conditions manage their health better and stay out of hospital, in a new guide published today by the ...

To develop the optimum model for a Multi Agency First Stop Shop, including back office support, which would be transferable to all Authority areas

To creata a "Grampian Equipment and Adaptation Service".

To produce better outputs with better input in workforce training within Clyde Valley authorities.

To achieve effective, efficient and economic benefits across Personnel Services in the areas of training and development, recruitment and selection and occupational Health Provision.

The Downing Street website will be holding an exclusive online Q and A this week with Jacqui Smith, the minister responsible for schools. Make your voice heard!

The Committee on Standards in Public Life regrets the failure of Government to accept its recommendations on clarifying, simplifying, and making more transparent the rules on Ministerial involvement in senior public...

The Committee on Standards in Public Life is today publishing a consultation paper setting out the key issues and questions on which it intends to focus during its Eleventh Inquiry into the mandate, governance and...

The Government will this week introduce into the House of Commons new laws to prevent postal vote fraud.

Following Israel's historic disengagement from the Gaza Strip and Northern West Bank, there is a real opportunity for economic regeneration. The future economic development of the area is of critical importance ...

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

Following the unprecedented number of telephone donations to charity during and since the tsunami appeal, the Government will make it easier for charities to claim Gift Aid on those donations, the Chancellor of ...

Sir Nicholas Stern FBA, currently Second Permanent Secretary at HM Treasury, has been appointed by the Prime Minister as Adviser to the Government on the economics of climate change and development. In this role...

The Chancellor of the Exchequer, Gordon Brown, and Chinese Finance Minister, Jin Renqing, today launched a joint paper - Responding to Global Economic Challenges - setting out the opportunities and challenges presented...

Following today's announcement by the Bank of England that Sir Andrew Large is to retire as Deputy Governor (Financial Stability), the Queen has been pleased to appoint, under the Bank of England Act 1998, Sir John...

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

Following a Whitehall-wide competition, Mark Neale has been appointed Managing Director of the Treasury's Budget, Tax and Welfare Directorate. He will take up his appointment on Monday 12 December.   

To mark the launch of the first Social Enterprise Day, and as part of Enterprise Week, Financial Secretary to the Treasury, John Healey MP today hosted a Social Enterprise Coalition breakfast meeting at HM Treasury...

The Chancellor of the Exchequer, Gordon Brown, today set out plans for Britain's first ever Enterprise Summer School pathfinders. The schools will be set up in every region of England, and in Scotland and Northern...

The Chancellor of the Exchequer, Gordon Brown, today set out plans for Britain's first ever Enterprise Summer School pathfinders. The schools will be set up in every region of England, and in Scotland and Northern...

The Winter Supplementary Estimates, presented to the House of Commons today, seek £3,184 million in resources and £4,678 million in cash. The Estimates seek increased resources and cash for existing...

Check against Delivery   

The Government has launched a study into the feasibility of holding the FIFA World Cup in England in 2018, as the first stage in a potential bid by the Football Association to host the tournament.   

Check against delivery   

Check against delivery   

The Chancellor announced that Andrew Gowers, former Editor of the Financial Times, would lead an independent review into intellectual property rights in the UK.   

Treasury publications and information area available on the Treasury website at www.hm-treasury.gov.uk   

The Chancellor of the Exchequer, Gordon Brown, and the Health Secretary, Patricia Hewitt, today set out measures to improve the nation's health and increase the nation's wealth by making the UK a world-class environment...

Treasury publications and information area available on the Treasury website at www.hm-treasury.gov.uk   

Sir George Cox has today published his review of creativity and design in UK business. The Cox Review of Creativity in Business: building on the UK's strengths was concerned with ensuring that UK businesses - SMEs...

Launching their joint paper, A Vision for Common Agricultural Policy, Gordon Brown and Margaret Beckett made the following statement:   

Check against delivery   

The Chancellor of the Exchequer, Gordon Brown today met with US Treasury Secretary John Snow and European Commissioner Charlie McCreevy to discuss progress in the EU-US Financial Markets Regulatory Dialogue and ...

Issued on behalf of UKG72005   

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

The Government's economic objective is to build a strong economy and a fair society, where there is opportunity and security for all.   

Rates and allowances for the Working and Child Tax Credits, Child Benefit/Guardian's Allowance, Income Tax, National Insurance Contributions and fuel duties are set out below.   

A package of measures aimed at tackling tax fraud and avoidance was announced by the Chancellor today. These measures will protect the tax system from abuse and ensure that an unfair burden does not fall on the ...

THE GOVERNMENT'S RESPONSE TO KATE BARKER'S REVIEW OF HOUSING   

Skills in the UK: The long term challenge   

Check against delivery   

After three years as Managing Director of Finance, Regulation and Industry, James Sassoon has decided to leave HM Treasury in the New Year. However, he will retain links with the Treasury in a newly created part...

Chancellor of the Exchequer, Gordon Brown, today welcomed a Joint Declaration from Israeli and Palestinian business leaders urging private sector growth in the West Bank and Gaza.   

Check Against Delivery   

Check against delivery   

In the concluding statement to its Article IV examination of the UK economy, the IMF stated today:   

Following a Whitehall-wide competition, John Kingman has been appointed Managing Director of the Treasury's Finance and Industry Directorate. Currently Director of the Treasury's Enterprise and Growth Unit, John...

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

Police and local authorities will have tough new powers to deal with families who blight communities with unacceptable behaviour, according to the Government's Respect Action Plan, launched today.   

As of today, the Chief Executive and Deputy Master of the Royal Mint, Gerald Sheehan, is leaving after four years in order to pursue other interests. Gerald has been instrumental in introducing changes to enable...

The Chancellor of the Exchequer, Gordon Brown, met with pensioners in London today and set out the increased range of financial support and assistance from the Government to help older people keep warm, healthy ...

John Healey, Financial Secretary to the Treasury, has today appointed Mr Joly Dixon CMG and Dr Isabelle Low to the Statistics Commission. He has also re-appointed two existing members, Professor Sir Kenneth Calman...

The Treasury today announces that Dr Alan Greenspan KBE has agreed to be Honorary Adviser to the Chancellor of the Exchequer Gordon Brown.   

Paymaster General Dawn Primarolo today set out how, with the success of the tax credit system, the Government is responding to the challenge of the global economy: matching flexibility with fairness to achieve the...

Part I: UK Government Foreign Currency Assets and Liabilities - January 2006   

The Chancellor of the Exchequer, Gordon Brown, today set out new measures to strengthen further the financial system's ability to deny terrorists funds, identify and investigate terrorist networks and disrupt terrorist...

'SECURING OUR FUTURE' SPEECH BY THE RT. HON. GORDON BROWN MP, CHANCELLOR OF THE EXCHEQUER, AT THE ROYAL UNITED SERVICES INSTITUTE (RUSI), LONDON   

The Spring Supplementary Estimates, presented to the House of Commons today, seek £9,946 million in resources and £7,638 million in cash. The Estimates seek increased resources and cash for existing...

The Gowers Review of Intellectual Property today issued a call for evidence as part of its commitment to consult widely.