A new report has pulled together the guidance available to policy makers on when and how to carry out environmental assessments of policies and programmes. It has also highlighted two main gaps in the information available.The independent report, ‘Review of Technical Guidance on Environmental Appraisal’ concludes that whilst considerable guidance is available internationally, there are gaps in technical information. 

Better-performing schools can be excused the homework of in-depth inspections from Ofsted.The Government’s school inspection unit has announced that a more focussed inspection regime in the future will allow concentration on schools which are ‘coasting’ or under-performing.
School Standards Minister Estelle Morris said: ‘Ofsted is now a clearly established part of the educational landscape in England and has a vital role in helping us to raise school standards. 

Ward SPublic Finance, (UK), 6-12 Mar 98. Start page: 22 . No of pages: 3
Warns that the Internet can be dangerous because of viruses that can be downloaded innocently, and of stolen website information. Reports Audit Commission statistics showing a rise in computer misuse by public sector staff, detected mostly by accident, and gives examples of a fraudulent payroll clerk and a virus imported through a home-based PC. Focuses on the need for standard disciplinary action against offenders.