HM Revenue & Customs today announced four new non-executive appointments to its Board:

Consumer Minister Gareth Thomas today launched a new drive to raise standards of car servicing and repairs. He wants garages to sign up to a Code of Practice. He today wrote to MPs asking them to contact garages in their constituencies and urge them to sign up to the Motor Industry Code of Practice for Servicing and Repair. He has also asked them to bring this Code to the attention of consumers in their area.

* Proposed modular motorcycle test

Firms are being urged to start the New Year with a "business MOT" to ensure they're in good shape to ride out the current economic downturn.

The Government's new Take Up Taskforce is asking local authorities and their partners to show how they are tackling child poverty by supporting parents to take up tax credits and benefits.

* Make road safety your New Year's resolution

Science and Innovation Minister, Lord Drayson, today announced the re-appointment of Dr Graham Spittle as Chair of the Technology Strategy Board.

More than five million patients in England are being asked for their views on how to improve family doctor services in a new survey launched by the Government today. Results from the national survey will be used to drive changes to GP services and rewards for GPs who provide fast, convenient services.

HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) is issuing a reminder to anyone filing a Self Assessment tax return - don't forget to submit it online and on time, or you could risk a £100 penalty.

New car buyers in England are being urged to ACT on CO2 to save fuel and money when searching for New Year deals.

Employment and skills will be top of the agenda when the Prime Minister meets leading business and regional figures at the Regional Economic Council today (Monday 5th January).