The pay of NHS Trust chief executives rose by 6.2% in 1995/96 . Nurses secured 3.0% and most doctors 2.5%. Some doctors secured higher rises. Income Data Services, an independent research group, surveyed the annual reports of 396 trusts. The survey found that the typical basic salary rose to £62,000, but total remuneration was about £68,000. The highest paid chief executive was paid £118,000. Fewer bonuses were paid in 1994/95. Typical payments were about £5000 extending up to £15000.

Read more on Chiefs’ top health pay rise league…

The culture of countries within the European Union differ widely. A prominent characteristic of the Greek culture is not paying taxes. They do this in a big way by paying just over half of their liabilities. Latest estimates show that one reason why Greece has one of the poorest economies in the EU is that some 40% of the gross domestic product falls through the tax net. The Socialist government, which is faced with a huge budget deficit called on advice from the US Internal Revenue Services.

Read more on Finance police to work on budget deficit…

Privatisation row – Blair moves boundaries

Privatisation of the National Air Traffic Control System could raise £500m. The Conservatives have included this amount in their sums for 1998/99. Labour were fiercely opposed to the sale at the start of this year and pledged to fight tooth and nail against it. Their case was based on safety and the military’s need to link up with the civilian radar systems. Gordon Brown has now made it clear that ‘the sale of the air’ cannot be ruled in or ruled out at this stage.

Read more on Privatisation row – Blair moves boundaries…

The Highways Agency, the Police and two local councils have worked together to produce an additional service for motorists in the south of England.

The partnership has enabled a network of motorway and main road signals to
carry travel information beyond that usually put up by Police to deal with the
conditions immediately in front of the motorist.

Read more on JOINT WORKING TAKES THE STRESS OUT OF MOTORING…

Health Minister Paul Boateng says new consultation with carers will see their
concerns voiced at the heart of Government.

He is leading preparations for the first National Carers’ Strategy.
Consultation will contribute to the shaping of the strategy, which should be
ready for a further review by interested parties in early 1999.

Read more on CARERS GIVEN VOICE AT THE HEART OF GOVERNMENT…