This report from the Green Alliance examines what will be needed to bring about a major increase in the extent and quality of local authority action on climate change. It focuses on the role of the new performance framework and local area agreements.The new framework represents a important step by the government to encourage local authority action. If local government is to achieve its full potential in tackling climate change, its role as place-shaper and community leader will be crucial. The report takes the view that the new framework must reflect local government’s role as place-shapers and community leaders in climate change adaptation and mitigation. A narrow focus on action in managing their own estate would represent a significant missed opportunity. An average council produces at least 30,000 tonnes of carbon per annum, but its local community can generate ten million tonnes.

Read more on CHANGING PLACES: ADVANCING LOCAL GOVERNMENT ACTION ON CLIMATE CHANGE…

This report from the Public Management and Policy Association think-tank looks at the problems involved in translating corporate experiences to a public sector in the process of reform. The issue has arisen out of the modernization of public service delivery.

Read more on MANAGING STAKEHOLDERS IN THE PUBLIC SECTOR…

A crime reduction scheme in the north-west of England has won an international policing award, beating off competition from around the world. The Family Intervention Project, set up by Blackburn with Darwen’s Community Safety Partnership and run by the charity NCH, has taken the Herman Goldstein Award at the 18th Annual Problem-Oriented Policing Conference in America.

Read more on PARTNERSHIP WORKING BRINGS INTERNATIONAL AWARD…

Local government leaders are telling Post Office management that communities must be properly consulted over plans to close offices around the country. At the same time the Local Government Association has repeated its view that many of the offices facing closure could be saved with help from councils.

Read more on COUNCILS WANT MORE INFORMATION ON POST OFFICE CLOSURES…