This paper from PricewaterhouseCoopers, commissioned by the DCLG, sets out a blueprint for developing a competitive and vibrant supply market and it describes a new way of looking at the local government commissioning role. The report follows two years of discussion between 300 commissioners in local government, Whitehall policymakers and service providers in the public, private and third sectors. A number of the recommendations are reflected in the White Paper, ‘Strong and Prosperous Communities’.The paper identifies many weaknesses in the local government services markets. They operate in a sub-optimal way, the buying power of local government is not leveraged effectively and the structure of supply does not closely reflect that of demand. In addition, the level of attention given to markets in policy development is neither sufficient nor appropriately focused.

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COUNCILS RAISE FEARS OVER ‘TELEVISION MOUNTAINS’

Local authorities are warning that dumped television sets could become a problem like ‘fridge mountains’ unless businesses come up with the money needed to pay for a new European law requiring electrical appliances to be recycled. Retailers have agreed to fund changes to council-run recycling centres so they are ready for the extra volume of waste but the Local Government Association fear this might not be enough.

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CONFERENCE LOOKS AT BENEFITS OF ‘THAT BIT OF HELP’ FOR OLDER PEOPLE

Investment in low level preventative services for the elderly that mean they can remain independent can have huge cost-benefits according to the national charity Counsel and Care, which seeks to get the best care and support for older people, their families and carers. It is calling for this to be reflected in the Government’s 2007 spending review and says some local authorities have been slow to take opportunities to reshape services.

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