In the Loop: 31/10/08

Disaster response scheme 'hit by bad management' 31/10/08
“England's biggest programme to handle catastrophes from terrorist attacks to widespread flooding is in danger of going awry because of sloppy management and woeful financial management, Edward Leigh, chairman of the Commons public accounts committee, warns today.

The £330m programme, run by the Fire and Rescue Service, was set up two days after the 9/11 attack on New York's twin towers. It involved the ordering of hi-tech equipment such as powerful water pumps and decontamination suits, setting up a national control centre and specialist training for firefighters.” [Guardian]

Regulator leaves Network Rail with £2.6bn spending gap 31/10/08
“Network Rail is under pressure to cut costs after the industry's financial regulator left it with a near £3bn spending gap. The Office of Rail Regulation said the owner of Britain's rail infrastructure should spend £28.5bn between next year and 2014, £2.6bn less than it requested.

The regulator added that there was no money for electrifying the remainder of the rail network, a day after the transport secretary, Geoff Hoon, said the industry should be "getting on with things like electrification".” [Guardian]

Biggest economies caught in 'storm of the century' 31/10/08
“Belt-tightening by American consumers on a scale unprecedented for almost three decades meant the world's biggest economy joined the list of countries in or close to recession, according to official figures released yesterday.” [Guardian]

Darling: tax may rise in downturn 30/10/08
“The Chancellor signalled last night that taxes might have to rise if the economic downturn is prolonged.

Alistair Darling warned that Government revenue has collapsed because of the recession. He said that ministers would attempt to stimulate the economy by accelerating spending projects even if it meant a sharp increase in Government borrowing.” [Guardian]

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