A flick through the papers reveals a broadly positive verdict on the abolition of the DTI and DfES and replacement with three new government departments. The Telegraph reports on how the new PM was dissuaded from tearing up the DTI completely by the business lobby, who feared the loss of a strong business voice in Cabinet. The FT also notes business support for the move, adding that in terms of the DTI's budget it is being split down the middle, as half is currently spent on innovation and the other half on everything else.
The new Department for Business, Enterprise and Better Regulation (DBERR) loses science and innovation but gains the body responsible for cutting red tape - the Better Regulation Executive. It keeps employment regulation, productivity, business relations, energy, competition and consumer policy, corporate law, regional economic policy (with the dept for communities & local government) and trade policy/promotion.
The Department for Innovation, Universities and Skills (DIUS), will have the biggest job to establish itself as a new department, but at least has the best acronym and colours (see its colourful one-page website). Its mission is to "bring together the nation's strengths in science, research, universities and colleges to build a dynamic, knowledge-based economy".
The new Secretary of State for Children, Schools and Families, Ed Balls MP, "takes charge of everything from obesity to Asbos at what might be better called the department for building tomorrow's society", the Guardian's leader comments.
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