General Reports and Other Publications

PX: A new report, The Superfast and the Furious, from Policy Exchange says that politicians have become overly focused on broadband speeds.  The internet is central to modern life, and next generation fixed & mobile broadband are unquestionably vitally important for the economy.  
 
But the case for spending any more taxpayers' money to subsidise very fast connectivity is weak. Instead the government should focus on helping the 10.8m people not online - half of whom are over 65 - and do more to help small businesses make the most of the opportunities presented by the internet.
Press release ~ The Superfast and the Furious: Priorities for the future of UK broadband policy
 
FSA: The Food Standards Agency has published the findings of research looking at consumer attitudes to the labelling of genetically modified (GM) food and the use of 'GM-free' labelling. The Agency commissioned this research to inform discussions within Europe about GM labelling and to ensure the UK public’s views were understood and represented.
Press release & links
 
Socitm'Smart city' thinking, where effective use of information & technology informs policy & decision-making, could make all government smart, argues Socitm's latest briefing. Smart cities: how are they really different? points out that leaders in urban areas are not the only ones that should be looking to deliver better outcomes for their citizens based on 'smart thinking'.
 
While cities have specific problems, particularly congestion and social issues, all government can be made smarter by application of information to make the best use of the resources available.   Technology is giving government the opportunity to collect & analyse data from its records and real-time sources to produce information upon which it can act to make its operations more efficient, and its products and services more effective for communities.
Press release & links
 
ScotGov: A Report published by the Commons Scottish Affairs Committee calls on the SNP to ‘lay its current approach to the upcoming referendum on Separation aside and legislate for a referendum that all will agree is completely fair and neutral – and therefore unquestionably legitimate - as possible’.
 
The Committee is concerned that in a number of aspects of the process the Scottish Government appears to be pursuing partisan advantage, rather than seeking consensus.   The Committee says that despite the real difficulties caused by prolonged delay, ScotGov is insisting on holding the referendum as late as possible and, despite agreeing to the impartial oversight of the Electoral Commission, it has refused to commit to be bound by the decisions of this neutral referee.
Press release & links
 
PC&PE: Councillors have a vital role to play if communities are to make the most of the opportunities offered by localism, and people from all walks of life should be encouraged to stand at local elections, say MPs on the Communities and Local Government Committee, when launching their report of a recent inquiry that looked at the role of a modern councillor.
Press release & links ~ LGA responds to CLG select committee on the future role of councillors
Spotlight on women at Serco – Anita’s story