Mobile phones have entered into the fabric of life, but public bodies have not exploited their use as well as many companies. The Greater London Authority is an exception. In the short time since the mobile initiative was launched there is clear evidence that convenience to the public and low cost to the GLA will ensure successful development. The service has proved effective in ticket ordering, giving information about minicabs to improve safety and advising on the nearest recycling facilities.

The National Health Service should be doing more to provide health care where it is needed, according to a research paper published today in the influential BMJ. The study, carried out in Scotland, found more GPs in more affluent areas than serving the poorer half of the population.A team from Glasgow University analysed the availability of primary care according to deprivation and health need in a study based on a sample population of 5.35 million people served by 1,050 general practices and divided into ten groups of equal size according to deprivation. The study revealed that ill health was two and a half times greater in the most deprived group compared to the most affluent.

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The Government has issued a discussion paper on ways to promote good conduct and so build public confidence in local authorities. The paper incorporates responses to a number of recent recommendations for the local government conduct regime.It sets out a number of changes in relation to the conduct of both council staff and elected members. For councillors it proposes that the initial assessment of any allegation of misconduct should be undertaken by standards committees, rather being responsible for investigating and determining most cases.

Read more on LOCAL COMMITTEES SET FOR BIGGER ROLE IN COUNCIL CONDUCT REGIME…