The Local Government Association’s bid to run failing local education authorities has been rejected by the Department for Education and Employment. Over 200 private, not for profit and public sector organisations offered to provide consultancy or to take over the authorities. Bidders who reached the ‘long list’ have been asked to improve their bids and they will be considered for the ’short list’. The winners will be announced next month. 

Local strategies for reducing crime will be published on 1 April and a regional advertising campaign has been launch to tell people what is happening in their area. The adverts will carry a helpline number for members of the public to get in touch with the Local Crime Reduction Partnership.
The strategies result from a legal requirement for the police and local councils to work hand in hand with other agencies to reduce crime and disorder. 

Audit Commission Report

Crime costs the UK 50 billions pounds per year. The police alone cannot solve the problems of crime and disorder. This report sets out what can be done by agencies and individuals to make communities safer. It urges councils to find better ways of listening to people’s concerns. Community safety work has to get to the heart of the problem.