In its report of last year on the Communities and Local Government's Departmental Annual Report 2007 (HC 170, session 2007-08, ISBN 9780215037978) the Committee commented on the particular nature of the Department's work: on its unusual reliance for the achievement of the goals Government has set it on a plethora of other Departments, agencies, non-departmental bodies, local authorities and other stakeholders; on the long, devolved delivery chains by which those goals therefore have to be delivered; and on the skills of influence, brokering and negotiation which are required to achieve them. In this Report the Committee assesses the progress made since last. The most recent Cabinet Office Capability Review concludes that there has been a positive "direction of travel" for CLG in that period, but the Committee concludes that there is still some way to go before CLG can be said to be performing at the highest achievable level of effectiveness. The Department's overall performance against its Public Service Agreement targets is likewise moving in the right direction but still short of full effectiveness. Achievement of efficiency targets is applauded. Finally, the report considers examples of particular policies which highlight some of the Department's strengths and weaknesses, and follow up some issues in earlier inquiries. These issues include: eco-towns; the Decent Homes programme; Home Information Packs; Fire Service response times; Firebuy; the FiReControl programme. The report also considers the Department's response to the serious flooding of summer 2007, and to the reviews which followed; and the mismanagement of European Regional Development Fund monies.

Policymakers and program managers are continually seeking ways to improve accountability in achieving an entity's mission. A key factor in improving accountability in achieving an entity's mission is to implement an effective internal control system. An effective internal control system helps an entity adapt to shifting environments, evolving demands, changing risks, and new priorities. As programs change and entities strive to improve operational processes and implement new technology, management continually evaluates its internal control system so that it is effective and updated when necessary. Section 3512 (c) and (d) of Title 31 of the United States Code (commonly known as the Federal Managers' Financial Integrity Act (FMFIA)) requires the Comptroller General to issue standards for internal control in the federal government.

Incorporating HC 1038-i-ii, session 2008-09. The DCLG departmental annual report 2009 was published as Cm. 7598 (ISBN 9780101759823)

Dated November 2008. Government response to the Committee's 10th report, HC 369-I, session 2007-08.

work of committees In 2008-09 : Second report of session 2009-10, report, together with formal minutes and Appendices

Young black people are over represented at all stages of the criminal justice system (CJS), forming 2.7 per cent of the population aged 10-17 but comprising 8.5 per cent of that age group arrested in England and Wales. They are more likely to be stopped and searched, less likely to be given unconditional bail and more likely to be remanded in custody. This publication sets out the Government's reply to the Committee's inquiry (HCP 181-I, session 2006-07; ISBN 9780215034465) into the relationship between young black people and the CJS, focusing on the reasons for their over-representation in the system; as well as underlying factors such as entrenched poverty; educational underachievement; school exclusions; family breakdown; lack of role models; and discrimination in the criminal justice system.

Government response to the first report of the Health Committee, HC 151-I, session 2009-10 (ISBN 9780215543004)