Archives for June 27th, 2003

THE MODERNIZATION AGENDA: PUBLIC SERVICES IN A DARK AGE

Features, PublicNet: 27 June, 2003

By John Seddon Reproduced by permission of the Public Management and Policy Association. Command and control management separates decision-making from work and results in sub-optimization and lower morale. Targets are the main levers in this dark age of management. The author argues that it is this approach to management that is limiting progress in public services. He advocates a flow of production approach, typified by Japanese car makers, which integrates decision making with work and where those who do the work develop and use measures and controls.



COUNCIL TAX COLLECTION RATES RISE AGAIN

Headlines, PublicNet: 27 June, 2003

A joint initiative between the Local Government Association and the government has helped English councils to collect an extra 40 million pounds in council taxes this year. The scheme was launched in 2001 to help poorly performing councils improve their collection rates.

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FUNDING WILL HELP PATHFINDERS TACKLE HOUSING PROBLEMS

Headlines, PublicNet: 27 June, 2003

Pathfinder projects designed to tackle the blight of low housing demand and abandonment in the North and Midlands are to share 28 million pounds of funding which has been approved by the Minister for Regeneration and Regional Development, Jeff Rooker.The Market Renewal Pathfinders, which aim to reverse the trend of people moving away from their communities by providing long-term solutions to housing problems, will each receive four million pounds to take their plans forward. The money will mean the schemes can begin immediately improvement work such as the demolition of obsolete properties has been completed.Pathfinders in Birmingham, Sandwell, East Lancashire, North Staffordshire, Oldham, Rochdale and South Yorkshire will each receive the money while they continue developing their long-term programmes. Approval has also been given to projects put forward by the Merseyside and Newcastle and Gateshead pathfinders from their emerging strategic schemes. They will now be able to begin work before submitting their full proposals, which is expected to happen later this year.

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