'League tables' aim to spur local debate

Article Abstract:

The government has recently published council performance indicators which amount to league tables of council services. They indicate that there are very large variations in performance between different councils and even between neighbouring councils and coucils with the same political views. The figures confirm some generally-held beliefs, including the fact that Labour councils tend to have higher under-fives provision and that Liberal Democrat councils perform well on recycling.

Services, Local government

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Mrs Beckett is armed and ready to do battle

Article Abstract:

The Labour party's attitudes to National Health Service (NHS) reform have been somewhat confused, with no clear policy having been put forward. It is now the task of shadow health secretary Margaret Beckett to ensure that the party sets down how it will actually approach health policies if it wins the next general election. She is clearly opposed to the private sector's involvement in health and to the government's private finance initiative in the NHS.

Political aspects, Health care reform, Beckett, Margaret

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A man who would face both ways

Article Abstract:

Education and health should continue to be universal services in the UK, but the rest of the welfare state should operate simply as a safety net, according to Stephen Dorrell, secretary of state for health. Welfare spending should be reduced, but he is unwilling to state specific targets. Some observers believe that he is preparing to challenge John Major for the leadership of the Conservative party if it is unsuccessful in the next general election.

Politicians, Dorrell, Stephen

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