This report outlines progress in implementing the first round Local Area Agreements and explores the negotiation of the second round. Although there is support for agreements in localities, Government Offices and central government departments, fundamental differences of understanding about the focus and the intended scope have caused confusion and wasted effort. Despite these differences, there is a consensus that possible benefits that could come from the scheme over the longer term.This divergence of views is a fundamental weakness. Localities tend to see agreements mainly as a dialogue, with central departments viewing them more as contracts. The different interpretations have important implications in relation to performance management, and the extent to which agreements are designed to sweep away existing performance management systems and reporting, or sit alongside them.
ROLE FOR PRIVATE SECTOR IN CHILD PROTECTION INVESTIGATIONS
A private sector company is to take over responsibility for the Independent Investigation Service available to help school governing bodies in Wales when they have to deal with child protection allegations against members of staff. Meanwhile educational establishments In England are to get stronger guidance on the safe and responsible recruitment of teachers and other staff.
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QUEEN’S SPEECH JUST ONE STEP TO DEVOLUTION SAYS LGA
The public needs to see see strong devolutionary measures in the final report of the Lyons Inquiry into local government, in next year’s Spending Review and in the detail of legislation unveiled in yesterday’s Queen Speech, according to the Local Government Association. The LGA said the Speech was just one of a series of important opportunities to devolve powers to cities, towns and counties and the Local Government Bill alone would not deliver devolution.
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