Public sector bodies are failing to get the best value from their PCs, laptops and other ICT equipment. The National Audit Office believes that by becoming more intelligent in procuring and disposing of equipment substantial savings can be made. Better management of ICT assets is becoming increasingly important as procurement is forecast to increase from 2.7 billion pounds in 2005-06 to 4.1 billion pounds by 2010-11.

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The Welsh Assembly Government has developed a new regeneration strategy to move away from capacity building and towards a focus on outcomes. The change comes after consultation on Communities First, the current regeneration programme. The new programme Communities Next, will ensure that there is a practical response to the challenge of community regeneration and social justice objectives such as child poverty.

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This publication from the New Local Government Network brings together leading participants to debate the challenges facing regional and sub-regional governance in England.The essay collection offers the first reactions to the Sub National review, and the hopes and concerns of the local and regional community from across the spectrum. Contributors include Nick Raynsford MP, Alison Seabeck MP, Andrew Stunell MP, Ken Livingstone, Cllr Mick Henry from Gateshead, Sir Richard Leese and Howard Bernstein from Manchester and Lord Hanningfield from Essex.

Read more on THE AGE OF REGIONS? RETHINKING GOVERNANCE IN ENGLAND…