public sector

This report, created by the Audit Commission, looks at how the Human Rights Act can help to improve public services, as it seeks to ensure the delivery of quality services that meet the needs of individual service users.

The report highlights that not only has the Act increased public service providers’ awareness of the rights of the individual, but it has also meant an increased risk of legal challenge by service users.

The Time Intervals Working Group was set up in 1997 to report on the processing of cases through the children’s hearings system. Following wide consultation, the first Blueprint, containing a Code of Practice and associated standards and targets, was published in March 1999. The objective was to identify and minimise areas of inconsistency, duplication and unnecessary delay at key points within the system, so that children at risk have their needs addressed effectively at an early stage.