Scheme for merging justice watchdogs dropped

Scheme for merging justice watchdogs dropped (GU 19/10/06)

“The government has dropped plans to merge five watchdogs in the criminal justice system, including chief inspector of prisons, after the measure was comprehensively defeated in the Lords.”

“We have recognised the serious concerns about aspects of our proposals and agree with you that the focus of our effort should now be on finding ways to strengthen and improve joint working rather than on proposals for organisational merger,”

Sleepwalking into an unhealthy alliance

Sleepwalking into an unhealthy alliance (GU 14/11/07)

Creation of Care Quality Commission from the various health inspectorates. Concerns that the upheaval will impact negatively on care standards. May be particularly damaging to social care, as ministers clearly prioritise infection control at present. Also change in rationale: was to reduce burden of inspection, now is to increase effectiveness.