Public participation is a key element in making public services responsive. In recent months numerous contributors to Publicnet Briefing have described the many innovative ways in which this is being done. A conference to share ideas and focus on initiatives in public participation within the broader developments in governance is planned for 24-26 June 1999 at the University of Luton. It will be staged in association with Goteborg University. 

Plans to introduce performance indicators for Social Services include proposals to measure activities where there is partnership working with the Health Service. An indicator of emergency admissions to hospital for elderly people, for example, will show the effectiveness of co-operation.
The indicators will help to ensure that best value is obtained for the 9 billion pounds spent annually on social services. Currently there are wide variations in service which mask progress.