LYONS SEEKS MORE VIEWS AS INQUIRY DELAY IS CRITICISED

Sir Michael Lyons has taken the first steps in gathering views on the implications for local government of recent reports on planning, transport and skills. Last week, in his pre-budget review, the Chancellor announced a further delay in the publication of the Lyons inquiry report so Sir Michael could look at the three areas, but that move has been criticised for its lack of joined up thinking.

Read more on LYONS SEEKS MORE VIEWS AS INQUIRY DELAY IS CRITICISED…

By Sir David VarneyThe review was commission by the Chancellor of the Exchequer. It is concerned with how to save government, citizens and business time and money by examining the scope for integrating front-line service delivery.

Read more on SERVICE TRANSFORMATION: A BETTER SERVICE FOR CITIZENS AND BUSINESSES…

Earnings for personnel officers were highest in England, compared to Scotland and Northern Ireland. The pay gap between personnel officers in London and Northern Ireland has increased by 13% since 2002, according to the latest reward survey, of over 6,500 HR professionals, from the Chartered Institute of Personnel and DevelopmentPersonnel Officers in London now earn 29,087 pounds, 11% above the national average, whereas their counterparts in Northern Ireland, at 23,838 pounds, are the lowest paid in the UK.

Read more on PAY AND JOB SATISFACTION IN PERSONNEL…

STUDY ASSESSES ECONOMIC IMPACT OF NATIONAL PARKS

A report out today measures the economic impact of National Parks on their local economies. The report has been produced by the Council for National Parks to mark its 70th anniversary. It is based on findings from Yorkshire and Humber, which has a higher percentage of designated land than any other English region.
The Council says the Yorkshire Dales, North York Moors and Peak District National Parks are well-known as places to visit but it wanted to see if they also brought economic benefits to those living within their boundaries and in other parts of the region and it concludes that businesses in the three parks and in nearby towns benefit greatly, both from the quality of the environment and from National Park designation. The research shows that the Park Authorities and other organisations attract people and businesses, all of which go on to make big contributions to the regional economy.

Read more on STUDY ASSESSES ECONOMIC IMPACT OF NATIONAL PARKS…

CBI WANTS SMARTER PAY AND REWARDS SYSTEM FOR THE PUBLIC SECTOR

Big changes in public sector pay and rewards systems are needed to get the most out of staff and to achieve step change in service delivery, according to a report today from the CBI. The organization points out that in the last six years the number of public sector employees has gone up by more than half a million, leaving pay accounting for more than a quarter of total Government expenditure.

Read more on CBI WANTS SMARTER PAY AND REWARDS SYSTEM FOR THE PUBLIC SECTOR…

Technology is a key driver for councils to re-engineer processes and move from a vertical, departmental operation to a horizontal cross function way of working. Because of the fundamental nature of this change some are finding difficulty in making the transition. The author describes how two very different councils have met the challenge and the benefits that resulted.

MORE COUNCILS TO SHARE FUNDING FOR INDEPENDENT LIVING PROJECT

Ten local authorities are to get a share of 18.5 million pounds of Government money for projects designed to help older people to lead more independent lives and to stay in their own homes. The announcement by the Care Services Minister, Ivan Lewis, marked the beginning of the next stage in piloting the Partnerships for Older People Projects.

Read more on MORE COUNCILS TO SHARE FUNDING FOR INDEPENDENT LIVING PROJECT…

CHARITY ADDS TO CONCERNS OVER CRISIS IN SOCIAL CARE

A lack of Government spending is leading to a deepening crisis in social care provision that could see almost twenty per cent of people having to take on the role of carer within the next 30 years, according to a report from the national disability charity, Vitalise, to mark Carers Rights Day. It wants to see a major review of social care provision.

Read more on CHARITY ADDS TO CONCERNS OVER CRISIS IN SOCIAL CARE…

This guide from the Local Government Association will help councils adopt planning polices that ensure the impact of new buildings on the environment is minimised. It is concerned with setting higher standards on a range of environmental issues including cutting carbon emissions, better use of water resources, reducing light pollution and protecting and enhancing existing natural features. The environmental impact of new development is vitally important because the Government has recommended 200,000 additional homes are built in England every year until 2021.Sustainable construction is a common theme but is being interpreted in a variety of ways. The new report sets out approaches and guidance, drawn from the experience of councils, to secure higher standards of sustainable design and construction that also reflect local priorities. Councils are encouraged to use them as a starting point adapting them according to local circumstances. The report demonstrates how pro-active planning policies can link together the twin aspects of planning and building regulations to drive up energy efficiency in new developments.

Read more on PLANNING POLICIES FOR SUSTAINABLE BUILDING…

COUNCILS GET NEW GUIDANCE ON POWERS TO PROTECT HERITAGE

Local authorities are being issued with new guidance to assist them in taking enforcement action to protect Britain’s most historic and significant buildings. The Best Practice Guidance Note on Listed Building Prosecutions, is addressed principally to local conservation and planning officers in an effort to increase their awareness of their powers.

Read more on COUNCILS GET NEW GUIDANCE ON POWERS TO PROTECT HERITAGE…