GOVERNMENT TO PUT NEXT PHASE OF FUTUREBUILDERS FUND OUT TO TENDER

The Government is to ask for bids to deliver the next phase of the Futurebuilders Fund, which provides investment for community and voluntary sector bodies which provide public services. The Cabinet Office, which houses the Office of the Thirds Sector, has announced it will tender for the second phase of programme to run from next year until 2011.

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STUDY SHOWS WIDENING ROLE OF ADULT SOCIAL SERVICES DIRECTORS

Directors of adult social services are taking on more and wider duties, many linked to prevention, according to survey results published today. The study carried out by the newly-created Association of Directors of Adult Social Services shows how widely their influence and responsibilities are developing.

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This report from the New Local Government Network identifies options for redesigning regional governance and suggests establishing ‘RDA-plus Regional Executive Agencies’. The new style bodies would be held to greater account locally and nationally in order to provide stronger regional leadership.The report argues that a regional dimension in public policy is crucial in drawing down powers from Whitehall and giving local government a stronger lead over otherwise ‘quangoised’ responsibilities. It sets out a number of options for reform, including the merging of different regional policy strategies and considering Ministerial regional portfolios to scrutinise the work of regional bodies.

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