Podcasts about Public Accounts Committee

Capita chiefs promised MPs on the Public Accounts Committee it would fix long-running problems with its administration of one of the biggest pension schemes in the country by the end of this month. Tens of thousands of retired and serving civil servants have been reporting long delays to payments, leading to serious financial hardship to pensioners and their families.  But Money Box has learned the deadline isn't likely to be met. We speak to the chairman of the Public Accounts Committee about what happens next. And cases of reported are still increasing. We explain how AI has become the latest weapon in the fraudsters' armoury. Also, holiday season is upon us. What can we do to minimise the hit from those annoying non-sterling transaction fees levied every time we use our plastic. A consumer expert shares his advice.

Harry McGee and Cormac McQuinn join Hugh Linehan to look back on the week in politics:The Government's report into Aughinish Alumina is expected to say that material produced there may or may not have been used in Russia's war machine, citing a lack of evidence either way. Half of the alumina produced in the plant in the first quarter of this year went to Russia, up from 43 per cent last year. Will the Limerick plant's days be numbered eventually?The calls to ban e-scooters grew louder this week with Garda Commissioner Justin Kelly saying society would be “better off” without them. On Tuesday Taoiseach Micheál Martin said he is “leaning towards” a total ban on e-scooters as the Dáil discussed the issue following incidents resulting in deaths and serious injuries. The high cost of deportation flights was laid out in figures supplied by the Department of Justice to the Public Accounts Committee. They showed that the State paid more than €1 million for a single deportation flight when returning 42 adults and children from Ireland to South Africa in June.Minister for Justice Jim O'Callaghan shows no sign of backing down in the row over legal aid solicitor fees. Now more than 100 solicitors have made it known that they intend to resign from the criminal legal aid panel, with solicitors continuing to refuse to provide advice to suspects detained for questioning in Garda stations.And it is goodbye to Keir Starmer as the UK prime minister defended his record and offered his support to Andy Burnham who succeeds him as Labour party leader.Would you like to receive daily insights into world events delivered to your inbox? Sign up for Denis Staunton's Global Briefing newsletter here: irishtimes.com/newsletters/global-briefing/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

RTÉ look to be further floundering in their finances. Director General Kevin Bakhurst appeared before the Public Accounts Committee last week looking for extra funding from Government. The reason? “Volatility” in TV licence-fee revenue. Over one in five households now do not own a TV, which means the broadcaster needs an extra €54.79m this year from the exchequer, up from €41.3m last year. But as the number of households without a television continues to grow, is the licence fee becoming a relic of a bygone era? And in a world of streaming services, social media and endless digital content, can RTÉ survive today's media landscape? On today's The Indo Daily, Tessa Fleming is joined by Irish Independent Technology Editor, Adrian Weckler, Entertainment correspondent for the Irish Independent, Melanie Finn and political reporter at the Irish Independent, Aisling Moloney to examine the future of the TV licence, and whether the broadcaster is facing yet another financial reckoning. We want to earn your trust and are members of the Trust Project. See our ethics policies at independent.ie/ourjournalism correspondent for the Irish Independent, Melanie Finn and political reporter at the Irish Independent, Aisling Moloney to examine the future of the TV licence, and whether the broadcaster is facing yet another financial reckoning. ­The Indo Daily is part of the Trust Project. You can see our ethics policies at independent.ie/ourjournalismSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Evelyn O'Rourke, Arts and Media Correspondent, reports on RTÉ executives appearing before the Public Accounts Committee.

Evelyn O'Rourke, our Media Correspondent, and analysis from Dr Roddy Flynn, Associate Professor at the School of Communications in Dublin.

RTÉ executives told TDs in a briefing document ahead of their appearance before the Dáil Public Accounts Committee later today that it will need an additional €13.49 million more in State funding this year. Speaking to Jonathan ahead of the appearance was Aisling Moloney, Political Reporter, Irish Independent.

RTE's Director General Kevin Bakhurst appeared before the Oireachtas Public Accounts Committee today, with him saying that RTE aren't looking for extra state funding, but that the national broadcaster have looked into selling off their Montrose site.Joining Ciara to discuss is Louise Burne, political correspondent at the Irish Examiner.

RTÉ executives told TDs in a briefing document ahead of their appearance before the Dáil Public Accounts Committee later today that it will need an additional €13.49 million more in State funding this year. Speaking to Jonathan ahead of the appearance was Aisling Moloney, Political Reporter, Irish Independent.

The government has spent €1.3 billion on modular buildings for schools in the past five years. One TD told the Public Accounts Committee that these modular prefabs, were not conducive to teaching or learning, that they were "a blight on communities across this country” and should not be seen as a permanent solution to classroom space.John Boyle, the Irish National Teachers Organisation General Secretary and Eoin Dolan, Principal of Mother of Divine Grace National School in Finglas joined Ciara and Shane to discuss their function.

Contact us and share your opinionIn this episode…GP Collective Action Month 2 - Medication Optimisation SoftwareA “hyper focus” on GP access at the expense of frailty management is discussed at the Public Accounts Committee at WestminsterGPCE Committee funding at risk as GPDF debate motion to cease funding in favour of an alternative  way to secure a “Plan B” dentistry like model for General PracticeBoost your triage skills with our dynamic 5-session live webinar course, tailored for primary care clinicians. Led by Dr. Gandalf and Dr. Ed Pooley, this comprehensive training covers all facets of remote patient triage—digital, on-call, and more. Gain practical knowledge, exclusive tips, and direct access to our experts through open Q&A sessions. Elevate your ability to manage primary care challenges effec Join Dr Mike as he shares how to get started and fly using EMIS to make your life easier with this clinical systembit.ly/EMIScourse

Welcome to episode 255 of the Financial Crime Weekly Podcast. I am Chris Kirkbride. In this episode, the U.S. Treasury has modernised its sanctions lists, and settled with FTI Consulting for dealings in prohibited Russian debt. In the UK, the Public Accounts Committee reports on the Ministry of Defence fraud risk, and the government warns offshore financial hubs about transparency. We also look at the entry into force of the EU's harmonised Anti−Corruption Directive and a $21 million market manipulation conviction against a prominent activist short seller.A transcript of this podcast, with links to the stories, will be available at www.crimes.financial.The photograph on the podcast cover art is by Sora Shimazaki at Pexels, and the stinger sample between each news section is ‘Ben Logo 1' by BenKirb from Pixabay.

As Andy Burnham is confirmed as the Labour candidate for the Makerfield by-election, George Parker asks whether this signals the start of a long goodbye for Sir Keir Starmer as Prime Minister. He brings together Labour MP, Miatta Fahnbulleh, who resigned as an Energy minister earlier this month, and Jonathan Ashworth, formerly a member of Keir Starmer's Shadow Cabinet.The question of whether Britain should one day rejoin the EU has reared up once again in this shadow Labour leadership contest. To discuss that George speaks to the EU's former ambassador to the UK, Joao Vale de Almeida.Following the Government's confirmation that HS2 could eventually cost over £100bn and may not open until 2039, George turns to Labour MP Ruth Cadbury, who chairs the Transport Select Committee, and Sir Geoffrey Clifton-Brown, the Conservative chairman of the Public Accounts Committee.And, is Kemi Badenoch doing a good job as Conservative leader? George speaks to Lee Cain, former Number Ten Director of Communications to Boris Johnson, and Times columnist, Seb Payne.

Irish Rail has concluded that a new IT system to control the movement of trains across the country is unlikely to be used and has written down the €50 million value of the project in its accounts.Joining Ciara to discuss this is Chair of the Public Accounts Committee & Sinn Fein TD John Brady…

RTÉ are back before the Public Accounts Committee, and the Gift Grub microphones were on hand to capture all the action. Hit play now to hear the episode in full.

The Public Accounts Committee has heard there is still no date for the completion of the National Children's Hospital and thousands of defects are yet to be resolved. Anton discussed this further with Paul McAuliffe Fianna Fail TD for Dublin North-West and Member of the Public Accounts Committee.

The Public Accounts Committee has heard there is still no date for the completion of the National Children's Hospital and thousands of defects are yet to be resolved. Anton discussed this further with Paul McAuliffe Fianna Fail TD for Dublin North-West and Member of the Public Accounts Committee.

This morning the Public Accounts Committee heard that significant problems remain and the project does not currently have a substantial completion date. For more on this Seamus McGrath of Fianna Fáil.

Electric buses worth tens of millions of euros have been “sitting idle” for a year-and-a-half because charging infrastructure has been delayed.Joining Shane to discuss is John Brady, Chair of the Public Accounts Committee and Sinn Féin TD…

Members of the Dáil Public Accounts Committee have expressed concern over the delivery of a €270 million contactless transport ticketing system by IT Contractor Indra. Indra are also developing Irish Rail's train traffic management system, which was described at the committee as a ‘slowly developing shambles.' Joining Anton to discuss these concerns is Brian Caulfield, Professor of Transportation at Trinity College Dublin.

Yesterday, the Public Accounts Committee heard about a surge in violence at the Mater Hospital in Dublin, with the Chief Executive telling the committee that anti-social behaviour had “increased exponentially” and, coupled with overcrowding in general, is becoming more of a factor in retention of staff within the health service. Dr Mick Molloy is Chair of the Consultants Committee of the IMO, and joins Shane to discuss.

Members of the Dáil Public Accounts Committee have expressed concern over the delivery of a €270 million contactless transport ticketing system by IT Contractor Indra. Indra are also developing Irish Rail's train traffic management system, which was described at the committee as a ‘slowly developing shambles.' Joining Anton to discuss these concerns is Brian Caulfield, Professor of Transportation at Trinity College Dublin.

Ireland's new rail traffic management system is facing serious criticism, after costs rose from an expected €19.5 million to more than €31 million with no part of the system delivered yet. Concerns have been raised at the Dáil Public Accounts Committee, where the project has been described as a “slowly developing shambles.” Grace Boland, Fine Gael TD for Dublin Fingal West joined Shane Coleman on the show to discuss.

A woman has pleaded not guilty to a single charge of attempted murder involving her husband; a new report from the Auditor General flags concerns with how government is reponding to recommendations the OAG and the Public Accounts Committee; and In the Heights is coming to the Prospect Playhouse.

The Public Accounts Committee heard from the Treasury Minister and some of his officers last week. During a lengthy session topics included the structural deficit in the government's budget, the sustainability of ever increasing health spending, government pay and the triple lock pension guarantee. Listen to some of the highlights of that session on this week's Agenda. The Treasury Minister was talking a tough talk on getting public finances but will we see the talk turn into real action?

Former officials of the government of Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo are facing tough questions before Parliament's Public Accounts Committee over controversial payments totaling GH¢28 million in mobilization fees for projects that were reportedly never executed.

The number of emergency hardship loans issued to former civil servants who are facing long delays for pension payments is "pitiful" according to a senior MP. Clive Betts, the deputy chair of Parliament's Public Accounts Committee, has told Money Box the loan system is "not adequate" after figures published for the first time earlier this week show fewer than 600 have been issued - compared to many thousands of people who are missing money. The Cabinet Office says an urgent recovery plan is underway and its immediate priority is to stabilise the service. Capita have previously apologised for the delays.Nearly one in five adults now use Buy Now, Pay Later - instead of paying the whole cost upfront with a debit or credit card you can spread the cost interest free over three or four monthly payments. At one time it was young people driving the rise. But some new research from the Personal Finance Research Centre at the University of Bristol (commissioned by the Aberdeen Group Charitable Trust) suggests Buy Now, Pay Later is now spreading to older people. The number using it in their forties and sixties has grown by a third, with the biggest rise in the last two years among people in their fifties with the number using it up by half.And, as a rare Pokémon card sells for 12 million pounds at auction - what's the appeal for collectors - and what should you think about when buying them?Presenter: Paul Lewis Reporter: Dan Whitworth Researcher: Jo Krasner and Niamh McDermott Editor: Jess Quayle Senior News Editor: Sara Wadeson(First broadcast Saturday 28th February 2026)

Public Accounts Committee begins probe into Ghc8.1b fraudulent request flagged in Ghc68b arrears special audit report from Finance Ministry.

MPs on the Public Accounts Committee have called for the merger of the Environment Agency and Natural England. In a new report the committee criticises both organisations - saying that environmental regulators are 'spread too thin to protect nature while delivering reforms'. We speak to Wildlife and Countryside Link which represents dozens of conservation groups to see if they think a merger would work. Farmers and crofters are calling for more help to control geese. Warmer winters mean more geese are staying in Scotland over the winter and farmers say they're ruining crops and soiling grazing. Some species can be shot, but others are protected. NFU Scotland is calling for urgent action to help reduce their numbers. This week we've been taking a look back through history, to discover the foundations of our farming and landscape. If you've ever wondered why we have so many hedges or why rural Britain looks like it does today you have to go back to one of the most seismic events which happened over 200 years ago - The Enclosure Act. It not only shaped what we see in the countryside but also changed rural communities forever. Presenter = Anna Hill Producer = Rebecca Rooney

The Chief Executive of Capita Public Services has apologised for the serious delays thousands of civil servants are facing simply to get paid their pensions. Richard Holroyd was speaking to MPs on the Public Accounts Committee on Thursday when he admitted his service was "overwhelmed" when it took over the running of the civil service pension scheme in December. We'll get reaction from people affected and hear from Sir Geoffrey Clifton-Brown, the Conservative Chair of the Public Accounts Committee.Love might be in the air for some today - but with the roses and candlelight, comes a warning about criminals working in the shadows to trick people into giving away their money. Romance scams are types of fraud when a scammer pretends to be in a relationship with someone to gain money or personal information from them. They often start online or on social media. More than twenty million pounds was lost to romance scams in the first half of last year, up more than a third compared to 2024. We'll hear from one listener who says he lost £30,000 to a romance scam.How will a planned replacement to the Lifetime ISA work and what will it mean for people who've already got one? And what to do if you think you might be eligible for the Warm Homes Discount this winter but haven't had the payment yet.Presenter: Paul Lewis Reporter: Dan Whitworth Researchers: Jo Krasner and Niamh McDermott Editor: Jess Quayle Senior News Editor: Sara Wadeson(First broadcast 12pm Saturday 14th February 2026)

Jamie Angus, former Director of the BBC World Service, discusses the ethical and editorial dilemmas of BBC reporting from Iran under strict conditions and the funding crisis facing the World Service. We also explore his new Henry Jackson Society report to the Public Accounts Committee, setting out a future for the BBC World Service focused on shifting audience priorities, digital distribution, and new revenue ideas from AI licensing to commercialising BBC Monitoring.Have your say in the government's consultation by 10 March: https://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/britains-story-the-next-chapter-the-bbc-royal-charter-review-green-paper-and-public-consultation/britains-story-the-next-chapter-bbc-royal-charter-review-green-paper-and-public-consultationSuggested answers: British Broadcasting Challenge: https://britishbroadcastingchallenge.com/The Sandford St Martin Trust: https://sandfordawards.org.uk/religion-and-the-future-of-the-bbc-have-your-say/Listen to all our episodes here: https://podfollow.com/beebwatch To support our journalism and receive a weekly blog sign up now for £1.99 per month www.patreon.com/BeebWatch/membership @beebwatch.bsky.social@BeebRogerInstagram: rogerboltonsbeebwatchLinkedIn: Roger Bolton's Beeb Watchemail: roger@rogerboltonsbeebwatch.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Why did the High Court quash the Home Secretary's decision to proscribe Palestine Action as a terrorist organisation? And what are the prospects of the Home Secretary winning on appeal?    With Ken Macdonald KC refraining from public comment on public order/protest issues while he leads the independent review commissioned by Shabana Mahmood into existing public order and hate crime legislation, Tim Owen KC is joined by freelance criminal justice and policing expert Danny Shaw to discuss the background to Yvette Copper's June 2025 decision to proscribe Palestine Action and the reasoning which led the High Court to conclude that the proscription decision was unlawful both on the basis it was made in breach of the published policy governing terrorist proscription as well as being a disproportionate interference with freedom of expression and the right to assembly under the ECHR.  See here for a link to the Judgment https://www.judiciary.uk/judgments/huda-ammori-v-secretary-of-state-for-the-home-department-3/  See also Professor Mark Elliott's commentary on the prospects of a successful appeal - https://publiclawforeveryone.com/2026/02/13/the-high-courts-judgment-in-the-palestine-action-case/  Tim and Danny also discuss Shabana Mahmood's radical proposals to reorganise policing in England and Wales and examine why the former Home Secretary Yvette Cooper was opposed to the “distraction” of major policing reform.    Finally they reflect on the scathing critique contained in the Public Accounts Committee's January 2026 Report into the Ministry of Justice's March 2022 decision to commit to spending £4m a year of taxpayer's money on HMP Dartmoor (an empty prison that it cannot use due to contamination by radon gas) at a time when the permanent secretary was Dame Antonia Romeo. -- Covering the critical intersections of politics and law in the UK with expert commentary on high-profile legal cases, political controversies, prisons and sentencing, human rights law, current political events and the shifting landscape of justice and democracy. With in-depth discussions and influential guests, Double Jeopardy is the podcast that uncovers the forces shaping Britain's legal and political future.     What happens when politics and law collide? How do politics shape the law - and when does the law push back? What happens when judicial independence is tested, human rights come under attack, or freedom of expression is challenged? And who really holds power in Britain's legal and political system?  Get answers to questions like these weekly on Wednesdays.    Double Jeopardy is presented by Ken Macdonald KC, former Director of Public Prosecutions, and Tim Owen KC, as they break down the legal and political issues in Britain. From high-profile legal cases to the evolving state of British democracy, Double Jeopardy offers expert legal commentary on the most pressing topics in UK law, politics, and human rights.     Ken Macdonald KC served as Director of Public Prosecutions from 2003-2008, shaping modern prosecutorial policy and advocating for the rule of law. He is a former Warden of Wadham College, Oxford, a crossbench member of the House of Lords, and a leading writer, commentator and broadcaster on politics and the rule of law.  Tim Owen KC has been involved in many of the most significant public, criminal and human rights law cases over the past four decades.  Both bring unparalleled experience from the frontline of Britain's legal and political landscape.  If you like The Rest Is Politics, Talking Politics, Law Pod UK and Today in Focus, you'll love Double Jeopardy. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The issue of the childrens science museum has dragged on for two decades now and both its backers and the OPW were at the Public Accounts Committee yesterday. For more on this Martin Wall, Public Affairs correspondent with the Irish Times.

Indo Politics is back for 2026. The Dáil is back and so is Indo Politics for the first time in 2026. If you like what you hear, you can now follow Indo Politics on its own podcast feed — and get each episode a day early. Just search Indo Politics wherever you get your podcasts. The controversy around AI tool Grok dominated proceedings. Elsewhere the Mercosur trade deal sparked outrage. And government overspending was once more on the agenda this week at the Public Accounts Committee. Host: Tabitha Monahan Guest: Mary Regan See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

An educator is cleared after a child safeguarding investigation.The Public Accounts Committee takes a hard look at how Government is managing money and the big wins and the big challenges from the perpsective of the Director of Public Prosecutions.

Lawmakers will scrutinize Government's 2024 finances as the Public Accounts Committee; The National Roads Authority is doing well drilling works near 118 Rackley Blvd today; and Cayman Brac sees a rare cruise ship visit tomorrow.

The central bank distances itself from the $12 million Pwalugu Dam scandal, urging the Public Accounts Committee to hold the CAG's Department accountable.

James Geoghegan Fine Gael TD for Dublin Bay South and member of the Public Accounts Committee.

The former CEO of the Peter McVerry trust was speaking at a meeting of the Dáil's Public Accounts Committee, which is examining concerns over the charity's financial situation. For the details Fiachra Ó Cionnaith of our political staff.

Have you paid your motor tax for this year? Well whether you have or not, the department of transport doesn't even know. Yesterday during a Public Accounts Committee, the department of transport admitted that there is no current system to check if drivers have paid their motor tax. It was also revealed that the department received thirty-five million in surcharges.

Almost a quarter of Uisce Éireann staff earned a salary over one hundred thousand euro last year.Officials from Uisce Eireann appeared before the Public Accounts Committee earlier today outlining how over four hundred staff earned one hundred thousand euro or more last year…Uisce Eireann also outlined that it will be beyond 2030 before the Greater Dublin Drainage Project will be up and running, which was identified as necessary over a decade ago.Newstalk's Chief Reporter Barry Whyte was monitoring this meeting, and joins Ciara Doherty to give the latest updates. Also joining to discuss is James Geoghegan, Fine Gael TD for Dublin Bay South, and member of the PAC committee.

Office of the Special Prosecutor steps before the Public Accounts Committee, presenting three key requests as part of its accountability mandate. A closer look at transparency, oversight, and the pursuit of integrity in public office

Analysis and debate around what was heard at today's PAC meeting with Dr. Paul Davis, Lecturer in Procurement in Dublin City University.

Today, the Environment Agency reported a 60% rise in serious pollution incidents by water companies within a year. There were 2,801 pollution incidents in England in 2024, the highest on record, up from 2,174 in 2023. The cross-party Public Accounts Committee called the situation “woeful” and said regulators were “missing in action.” The data comes ahead of a landmark review of the water industry, to be published on Monday. Adam is joined by Esme Stallard, Climate and Science Journalist, and Joe Crowley, Investigative Journalist who has made three BBC Panorama documentaries on the industry. Also, doctors say eight UK babies have been born using genetic material from three people to prevent devastating and often fatal conditions. Adam discusses this with James Gallagher, Presenter of Inside Health on Radio Four.You can now listen to Newscast on a smart speaker. If you want to listen, just say "Ask BBC Sounds to play Newscast”. It works on most smart speakers. You can join our Newscast online community here: https://tinyurl.com/newscastcommunityhereGet in touch with Newscast by emailing newscast@bbc.co.uk or send us a whatsapp on +44 0330 123 9480.New episodes released every day. If you're in the UK, for more News and Current Affairs podcasts from the BBC, listen on BBC Sounds: https://bit.ly/3ENLcS1 Newscast brings you daily analysis of the latest political news stories from the BBC. It was presented by Adam Fleming. It was made by Jack Maclaren with Gabriel May. The social producers were Grace Braddock and Sophie Millward. The technical producer was Mike Regaard. The assistant editor is Chris Gray. The senior news editor is Sam Bonham.

Kate Egan, Reporter, assesses today's Public Accounts Committee hearing with HIQA on the two nursing homes featured in the RTÉ Investigates documentary.

Eoghan Kenny, Labour TD and member of the Public Accounts Committee, looks ahead to the appearance of Children's Health Ireland and the National Treatment Purchase Fund.

Fergal Bowers, Health Correspondent, reports on the Dáil's Public Accounts Committee hearing with Children's Health Ireland.

This week on The Tax Factor, Heather Self and Roger Holman ask whether Angela Rayner should stop auditioning for Chancellor after her tax policy ideas were leaked and heavily critiqued. Meanwhile, HMRC is getting heat from all directions: the National Audit Office questions its handling of wealthy taxpayers, and the Public Accounts Committee says the tax system is spiralling into complexity, public trust is fading, and confidence in HMRC’s IT overhaul is shaky at best. Scottish Power had a fine reduced to £1 but paid £28 million in compensation. The big question: can that be claimed as tax deductible? HMRC and Scottish Power don’t see eye to eye.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jack Horgan-Jones and Cormac McQuinn join Hugh Linehan to look back on the week in politics: · The Public Accounts Committee returned on Thursday and already it was making headlines with revelations about former Children's Health Ireland boss Eilish Hardiman's salary. PAC is apt at generating headlines with leaked opening statements and TDs eager to make their name a staple for the Dáil committee. · A move towards fiscal caution as Fine Gael's Neale Richmond signals planned tax cuts may have to be abandoned unless a trade deal with the US can be agreed. Will one-off cost-of-living payments be absent from Budget 2026?· The plan to introduce mandatory alcohol warning labels could be reconsidered amid the potential impact of US tariffs on the sector. And a ban on the sale of energy drinks to under 18s won't be a reality until the “necessary evidence-gathering, research and examination of appropriate policy options and stakeholder engagement” is achieved.· Plus, Minister for Housing James Browne backed out of meeting with Dublin Lord Mayor Emma Blain to discuss issues relating to the tenant-in-situ scheme.Plus, the panel picks their favourite Irish Times pieces of the week:· What can Dublin learn from San Francisco's regeneration? Collapsing cottages, dereliction and land hoarding, and should people in Northern Ireland get to vote in Irish presidential elections? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this week’s episode, Robert Salter and Gabby Donald look at the major tax developments making headlines. They discuss the Trump administration’s executive order to withdraw the US from the OECD’s Global Minimum Tax (GMT) deal and ask: does this signal the demise of the GMT initiative? While closer to home, the Public Accounts Committee has accused HMRC of providing subpar service and eroding public confidence in the UK tax system. They also explore the case of a Norwegian company facing a 10-year National Insurance bill and the lessons learnt. And Gabby shares why we’re not out of the woods yet when it comes to more tedious food VAT tribunals.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Services for children with special education needs and disabilities (SEND) in England are ‘unviable'. That's the judgement from a report out today by the Public Accounts Committee, who look at the value for money of government services. Anna Dixon MP, who sits on the committee, joins Nuala McGovern to explain more, alongside Katie Ghose, Vice-Chair of the Disabled Children's Partnership.Four Women's Championship football clubs will take part in a new pilot scheme beginning this month to allow fans to drink alcohol in the stands. This is something that's been banned for supporters of the men's game in the top five tiers. Head of Women's Football at the Football Supporters' Association Deborah Dilworth discusses the plans and what this could mean for women's football matches.Holly Bourne, bestselling author of How Do You Like Me Now? and the Spinster Club series, is back with So Thrilled For You, her most personal novel yet. It's a story about four friends navigating motherhood, career ambition, and societal pressures, all unfolding during a sweltering summer's day at a baby shower. Holly explains what inspired her to write this funny, sharp, and moving exploration of friendship, and her experiences with early motherhood.According to stats from Cycling UK, 75% of cycling trips in the UK are made by men - but women are increasingly turning to the gym and indoor classes for their biking fix. Nuala discusses how we can get more women cycling, inside and outside, with Michelle Arthurs Brennan, digital editor at Cycling Weekly, and Clare Rogers from the London Cycling Campaign women's network. Presented by Nuala McGovern Producer: Louise Corley