The signing of a joint central – local government declaration for using the local community planning framework to develop wider urban strategies marks a further move away from the central command and control model. The statement recognises that local leadership provides an essential ingredient of success and commits the Government to giving local authorities the tools to make the difference. It sets out how the Government and the Local Government Association will work together to support councils in leading their communities.The statement defines the areas of shared priorities which will be used as a starting point for tackling the complex problems. They are: raising school standards; improving the quality of life for children, young people, families at risk and older people; promoting healthier communities and narrowing health inequalities; creating safer and more cohesive communities; transforming the local environment; meeting local transport needs more effectively and promoting the economic vitality of localities.
Frontline public sector staff can be trusted, but trust in the organizations they work for is declining. This distrust of ‘the system’ leads the public to view leaders and managers as incompetent. This is a key finding from a MORI survey for the Audit Commission.NHS hospitals scored the highest trust rating with a 79% positive response. Trust in the police was 74% and in local councils 48%.
Quality of Life indicators, devised by the Audit Commission, are used by councils to monitor progress of community strategies for improving the quality of life in their area. The indicators reflect the ‘livability ‘ of a local area and the values of the public. They can raise awareness about local sustainable development and quality of life and provide a basis for action to change and improve things that concern local people. They can also motivate individuals and communities to make sustainable choices. The indicators can help to facilitate change by providing information about the current situation and the need for local action by local authority partnerships. Publishing indicators can make community strategies accessible to the public. This Management Paper sets out guidance on tested ways to communicate the indicators, together with case studies.Published by the Audit Commission http://www.audit-commission.gov.uk