National Measurement Office

Lord Willetts Excerpts

Wednesday 30th March 2011 Written Statements

[The Minister for Universities and Science (Mr David Willetts)]

I have tasked the National Measurement Office (NMS) to provide policy support to Ministers on measurement issues and a measurement infrastructure which enables innovation, promotes trade and facilitates fair competition and the protection of consumers, health and the environment.

I have set the National Measurement Office the following targets for 2011-12:

Improve performance of the NMS programmes over the corporate plan period.

Ensure 93% of meter examiner appointments, manufacturer authorisations/consents and modifications to meter approval and decisions are made within five business days.

Achieve 90% of the planned income growth for certification, calibration and quality management certification.

Generate a positive net contribution to consumers, the environment and the low-carbon economy through the activities of the enforcement authority.

Reduce administration costs by 14% in cash terms over this corporate plan period.

These targets will be assessed on the following bases:

Target 1: The use of a scorecard technique across all programmes is being developed for use in 2011-12 to provide a basis for measuring this improvement.

Target 2: This will be measured from the time that all necessary documentation has been received and should ensure a timely metering service.

Target 3: The planned income growth is that shown in this plan representing the totality of the income streams expressed.

Target 4: This will be measured by comparing our cost base against the value of products made compliant, withdrawn from the market or affected by a formal business improvement plan.