A principle raw material of all public bodies is information and for many this means operating a paper handling factory with a range of manual processes. This feature describes the situation before Argyll and Bute Council installed an electronic workflow management system to create a paperless office and the way it is now. It also outlines the benefits of banishing paper, including a payback on the investment within two years.

Sixteen successful bidders will share 29 million pounds in the first round of funding to provide Extra Care Housing, which allows older people and other vulnerable adults to maintain their independence while being supported round the clock. The announcement of extra funding means 1,420 places will be provided.The scheme provides 24-hour support from social care and health teams to people living in their own private flats or bungalows. They can have access to meals, domestic support, leisure and recreation facilities and, where necessary, nursing care and security. In some cases the schemes allow people to buy their living space.

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Local people are to be given a say in how courts are run under new regulations which have been developed after wide consultation on the framework for 42 community-focused Courts Boards in England and Wales.The measures were set out by Courts Minister Chris Leslie with the publication of new regulations and a report called ‘Courts Boards: Constitution and Procedures A Response Paper’ and the publication of the results of a three-month public consultation process.

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