SmartCards have enormous scope for managing and streamlining transactions and interaction with the citizen. They have been endorsed as a Priority Service Outcome by the ODPM for Leisure and Libraries and are already being used to deliver multiple services as diverse as transport to school dinners. This 60-minute on-line TV programme provides management level advice on the business case for SmartCards and their successful implementation with discussion panels, interviews and case studies. The programme is available in a permanent online archive at www.eGovTV.tv.

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Local Democracy Week will break new ground later this month when, for the first time, MPs will play an active part in a number of events. That – and the fact that almost all English and Welsh local councils will be involved – has led the Local Government Association to start now on planning a series of events during next year.The MPs, together with local councillors and members of the European Parliament, have been challenged to meet younger people from their wards and constituencies to find out what issues are important to them locally and nationally and to discover how these can be addressed.

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Consultations have begun on the future of the Local Government Pensions Scheme with the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister stressing that affordability and sustainability have to be the key to development. The proposals include increasing the contributions paid by staff.Ministers have already voiced their commitment to keeping a final salary arrangement for local government workers. The consultation, launched by ODPM minister Phil Hope, will run until the end of March next year. As part of the review a Development Group is to be established to represent a number of organisations including the Local Government Association, the TUC and professional bodies such as the Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy.

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