In the most deprived 20 per cent of areas across England just over a third of people are income deprived and one in five of men and women are unemployed. Of the 80 districts categorised as the ‘most deprived ‘ in 2004 , 78 remained in this category in 2007. In response to the faltering regeneration programme, plans will be announced next month to give councils a greater role in economic development. 

Poor risk management in both policy making and handling crises is detrimental to the public. Often issues referred to as ‘red tape’ or ‘poor regulation’ are really matters of poorly handled risk. Following a report from the Better Regulation Commission the Prime Minister has appointed the Risk and Regulation Advisory Council as a key part of his drive to improve the way risk to the public - from public health to pensions - is understood and managed. 

Good governance is essential for social enterprises to thrive and be sustainable, according to research from the Governance Hub and the Social Enterprise Coalition. The research, undertaken by the Open University into the governance needs of social enterprises, shows that a priority for the sector is to strengthen links with governance advisers and consultants working at local and regional levels and provide them with appropriate training and support.