Seven rural pathfinder partnerships have been announced for England as a step towards giving communities in the countryside more power to set their own priorities and to target the use of resources. The government says the move reflects its commitment to devolve decision-making and resources to the English regions and to local people. The Local Government Association has welcomed the announcement.The pathfinders will bring together local authorities, regional development agencies, the voluntary sector, community councils, and others to test practical ways to make local service delivery better and to develop mechanisms for providing services that are needed where they are needed most.

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Almost all Britain’s local councils believe they will meet the 2005 e-Government targets in spite of the time and budget challenges but only 12 per cent of people are aware of the drive towards e-Government according to a new report. The study, carried out by ntl, which provides communications services to the public sector, also warns that fears over security could dampen the success of the electronic revolution.The research was conducted in parallel among local government organisations and a sample of the public and it highlights significant progress in the roll out of e-Government and a lack of awareness among the general public. It also points to a fragmented approach to the transformation of the delivery of Public Services.

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The booklet was inspired by a seminar held in Oldham in March 2004 to discuss ways in which culture and sport can create a sense of local pride and belonging. The event proved that authorities, agencies and community groups are increasingly focused on how the arts, sports and museums can support communities in improving the quality of local life. It outlines how these networks of expertise and enthusiasm can help to meet the changing needs of young people and their communities and make sporting and cultural initiatives work in the future. Aspects of using sport and culture to build community cohesion are highlighted in the booklet and they include needs analysis, partnerships, growing and adapting projects and evidence and evaluation. Celebration is described as the x-factor which explains why communities respond so well to artistic, cultural and sporting initiatives.The booklet is available free of charge from: Amy Ward, Strategy, Policy and
Delivery Unit

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