The government is being urged today to ‘grasp the nettle of roads policy’ and to invest more of the income it gets from motorists into the highways infrastructure. A new report – ‘The Road Fact File 2004′ – says British drivers are paying more than any others in Europe but get one of the least adequate road systems in return.The report comes from the Road Users’ Alliance. One of its member bodies, the RAC Foundation, is calling for greater investment in the country’s infrastructure, ‘before it grinds to a standstill.

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Schools are to get more time to respond to requests made under the Freedom of Information Act when it comes into force in the New Year. An order laid before Parliament will also give extensions to the armed forces in some circumstances.The Act comes into effect on January 1st and will impose on all Government departments and more than 100,000 other public authorities, including local councils, police forces and NHS Trusts, a duty to respond within 20 working days to requests made for information about their decisions and how they are reached.

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By Dr Graeme Hall, Acting Chief Executive, UK Skills Central and local government are setting an example to the private sector on closing the ‘skills gap’. Training awards are playing an increasing role in public sector training strategies. The author charts the growth of awards and shows the practical effects at the sharp end of delivery.