By Margaret ParkinThe link between storytelling and the concept of change and transition is as old as some of the stories themselves. The author shows how and when to use stories to maximum effect. Tales for Change will immediately help managers, trainers, educators and coaches to reinforce key messages or stimulate fresh thinking.

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The local democracy think tank the Local Government Information Unit has criticised the Government’s plans to use its council tax capping powers. It says the intention to name those councils that will be capped has been stated repeatedly by ministers recently, and it expects a formal announcement this week following the weekends Labour Party Spring Conference in Manchester.The LGIU’s Chief Executive, Denis Reed said capping undermined the concept of local democracy and although its use was no longer universal, it was as crude as ever. He accused ministers of playing politics with peoples’ jobs and services to score points at local government’s expense and said this was being done in spite of recent findings by the Audit Commission that showed central government policy was the chief cause of council tax rises.

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More local authorities are unveiling on street information points giving people access to everything from council services and transport information to weather reports and links to football club websites.Five councils in the north east of England are backing a scheme for 40 special kiosks, known as i+ Points, and Liverpool is introducing pavement pods to connect everybody to the city’s culture and put the city in the premier league of tourist-friendly European cities.

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