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06/01/2011
Other UK News In Brief
Spend! Spend! Spend!
The man in charge of the Government department responsible for promoting British business abroad has been uncovered as asking officials to 'think of ways to spend up to £1 million' to avoid a budget underspend. Sir Andrew Cahn, until this week head of UK Trade & Investment, said in an email to senior colleagues that the Foreign Office was "heading for an underspend and wants to get money out of the door", the Daily Mail reported. He added: "If we can spend money in this financial year on a one-off basis, then we can have at least £1 million. Can you think what we might do with such money?" The newspaper said the email exchanges took place in November following the coalition's Comprehensive Spending Review, setting out cuts across the board to reduce the Government's budget deficit.
NI Water Boss Quits
As the man at the helm of Northern Ireland Water (NIW) resigned his post last night, attention has focused on the former Chief Executive's severance package - and the Minister responsible's own future. Laurence MacKenzie resigned on Wednesday following criticism of the handling of the water crisis with his pay-off being closely examined. The move came after NIW was criticised for failing to prepare properly for disruption following December's heavy snowfall and severe frosts that saw water imported from Scotland as supplies began to run out and after Stormont's top two ministers last week described the company's performance as "shambolic". There were complaints from the public about a lack of information from Northern Ireland Water as 40,000 homes and businesses were without supplies at one stage. It also emerged that phone lines were jammed and the company website lacked up-to-date information, with the man in charge now out. However, while calls continue over the future of the Regional Development Minister, Sinn Fein's Conor Murphy, he in contrast has said he is seeking legal advice over Mr MacKenzie's minimum entitlement terms. Meanwhile, unionists are lining up to put down a motion of no confidence in him in the Assembly, but the move is unlikely to have any impact, as only Sinn Fein President, Gerry Adams can sack Conor Murphy, as the party can block any such motion - given the need for cross-community support - and with an Assembly election only four months away, that is not likely to happen.
Liverpool Praised For Tackling Housing
The work Liverpool City Council is doing to improve housing in the city has been praised in a new report by the government's independent watchdog, the Audit Commission. The strategic housing service has been ranked as 'fair' with 'promising' prospects for improvement. The report concludes that housing is a priority for the city council, and progress is being made improving the choice available to local people. It singles out the progress made in clearing obsolete and poor quality housing stock and improving the choice of new homes, as well as a reduction in the level of empty properties.
(BMcC/GK)
The man in charge of the Government department responsible for promoting British business abroad has been uncovered as asking officials to 'think of ways to spend up to £1 million' to avoid a budget underspend. Sir Andrew Cahn, until this week head of UK Trade & Investment, said in an email to senior colleagues that the Foreign Office was "heading for an underspend and wants to get money out of the door", the Daily Mail reported. He added: "If we can spend money in this financial year on a one-off basis, then we can have at least £1 million. Can you think what we might do with such money?" The newspaper said the email exchanges took place in November following the coalition's Comprehensive Spending Review, setting out cuts across the board to reduce the Government's budget deficit.
NI Water Boss Quits
As the man at the helm of Northern Ireland Water (NIW) resigned his post last night, attention has focused on the former Chief Executive's severance package - and the Minister responsible's own future. Laurence MacKenzie resigned on Wednesday following criticism of the handling of the water crisis with his pay-off being closely examined. The move came after NIW was criticised for failing to prepare properly for disruption following December's heavy snowfall and severe frosts that saw water imported from Scotland as supplies began to run out and after Stormont's top two ministers last week described the company's performance as "shambolic". There were complaints from the public about a lack of information from Northern Ireland Water as 40,000 homes and businesses were without supplies at one stage. It also emerged that phone lines were jammed and the company website lacked up-to-date information, with the man in charge now out. However, while calls continue over the future of the Regional Development Minister, Sinn Fein's Conor Murphy, he in contrast has said he is seeking legal advice over Mr MacKenzie's minimum entitlement terms. Meanwhile, unionists are lining up to put down a motion of no confidence in him in the Assembly, but the move is unlikely to have any impact, as only Sinn Fein President, Gerry Adams can sack Conor Murphy, as the party can block any such motion - given the need for cross-community support - and with an Assembly election only four months away, that is not likely to happen.
Liverpool Praised For Tackling Housing
The work Liverpool City Council is doing to improve housing in the city has been praised in a new report by the government's independent watchdog, the Audit Commission. The strategic housing service has been ranked as 'fair' with 'promising' prospects for improvement. The report concludes that housing is a priority for the city council, and progress is being made improving the choice available to local people. It singles out the progress made in clearing obsolete and poor quality housing stock and improving the choice of new homes, as well as a reduction in the level of empty properties.
(BMcC/GK)
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09 January 2014
Burst Water Main Causes Chaos
A burst water main has caused considerable flooding in Glasgow. A statement from Scottish Water said: "An issue with a faulty valve which regulates pressure has resulted in burst water mains in Mount Stuart Street, Shawlands; Cowcaddens and Duke St at the junction of East Wellington Street and Shettleston Road.
Burst Water Main Causes Chaos
A burst water main has caused considerable flooding in Glasgow. A statement from Scottish Water said: "An issue with a faulty valve which regulates pressure has resulted in burst water mains in Mount Stuart Street, Shawlands; Cowcaddens and Duke St at the junction of East Wellington Street and Shettleston Road.
07 November 2003
Water price rise proposals 'unacceptable for customers'
WaterVoice has today described companies' proposals for billing as "unacceptable to customers in their current form", and called on water companies, regulators and the government to "think about customers' priorities" in terms of value for money.
Water price rise proposals 'unacceptable for customers'
WaterVoice has today described companies' proposals for billing as "unacceptable to customers in their current form", and called on water companies, regulators and the government to "think about customers' priorities" in terms of value for money.
01 March 2006
Water firm to introduce meters
A water company in the south east of England has been given permission to install compulsory water meters in homes. Folkestone and Dover Water Services was granted "water scarcity status", which will allow it to force all 65,000 homes in its service area to install meters.
Water firm to introduce meters
A water company in the south east of England has been given permission to install compulsory water meters in homes. Folkestone and Dover Water Services was granted "water scarcity status", which will allow it to force all 65,000 homes in its service area to install meters.
18 January 2007
Water companies lift hosepipe bans
Several water companies have eased restrictions on water usage by lifting hosepipe bans today. Thames Water, Southern Water, Three Valleys Water and Sutton and East Surrey Water have announced the end of restrictions this morning. However, customers of South East Water and Mid Kent Water remain subject to hosepipe bans.
Water companies lift hosepipe bans
Several water companies have eased restrictions on water usage by lifting hosepipe bans today. Thames Water, Southern Water, Three Valleys Water and Sutton and East Surrey Water have announced the end of restrictions this morning. However, customers of South East Water and Mid Kent Water remain subject to hosepipe bans.
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A chilly start with a widespread frost and some freezing fog, any freezing fog slow to clear. Otherwise bright with sunny spells and coastal showers. Light winds. Maximum temperature 6 °C.Tonight:Coastal showers dying out with a widespread frost developing along with freezing fog, which could become extensive. Winds remaining light. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
