This pamphlet from the Local Government Information Unit takes a detailed look at the restructuring debate and how local elected representatives are perceived by the general public. It highlights that there are officially at least 5,338 quangos in place across the country with limited democratic accountability. A new, England only poll of 1900, reveals that the public are dissatisfied with the current approach to governance and are now more than ever, in favour of increasing the responsibilities of local elected representatives.

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STRATEGY WILL SEE FIRE SERVICES PLAY BIGGER PART IN TACKLING DISADVANTAGE

For the first time combating anti social behaviour and reducing the fire risk faced by vulnerable youngsters is to be a mainstream activity for Fire and Rescue Services. A new Children and Young People strategy, which puts existing work by the Service on a more formal footing, has been launched.

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CAMPAIGN CRITICISES GROWTH POINT PLANS AS THEY ARE UNVEILED

Forty-five towns and cities around the country have been confirmed as New Growth Points with the collective potential to deliver up to 100,000 extra new homes and hundreds more new jobs than previously planned. The proposals include a substantial number of properties priced to help first time buyers but they have run into immediate criticism from the Campaign for the Protection of Rural England.

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