By Phil Hope MP, James Plaskitt MP, Bill Rammell MP, Gareth Thomas MP and Rosie Winterton MPThis pamphlet from the New Local Government Network, the independent think tank which seeks to transform public services, revitalise local political leadership and empower local communities, is part of a series of cross-party publications. It discusses how a localist approach to NHS reform, electoral reform, multiculturalism, regeneration and financial exclusion can reconnect Labour with the electorate and create dynamic and innovative new policies.

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THIRD SECTOR NETWORK MEETS FIRST CHALLENGE

The Third Sector Network, which was set up six months ago, has met its first challenge by submitting an agreed roadmap to the Treasury’s consultation on the Comprehensive Spending Review. This consultation is the largest the Treasury has ever held with the third sector. The Review will decide what money is allocated to every Government Department from 2008 – 2011.

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GATESHEAD LEADS THE WAY IN DOUBLE DEVOLUTION

Gateshead Council plans to restructure the way it carries out its business to strengthen the role of local people and ward councillors. Under the plan, responsibilities of the ten Cabinet members will be re-allocated. Five members will take on services such as housing or transport. The remaining five will have responsibility for an area of the borough and they will look at problems of communities in their area and across the borough.

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