Allowing local people to decide on how money is spent on policing, health and youth services is one of the main strategies the government is pursuing to fulfil a pledge to move power downwards from Whitehall, to the Town Hall and then to the community. Communities Secretary Hazel Blears has set out a new draft strategy for consultation to give people in every local authority area a greater say on how public money is spent by 2012.

Read more on ROUTE TO EMPOWERMENT – PEOPLE TO HAVE A SAY ON HOW MONEY IS SPENT…

Patients will be given greater control over when and where they can get their treatment from April 2008. Any patient receiving routine elective treatment will now be able to choose from any NHS approved hospital provider in England.Currently choice is limited to a list of hospitals.

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By Adrian Gostick & Scott Christopher.

The book uses serious science to reveal the remarkable power of humour and fun in work, and demonstrates that leaders who are light-hearted earn more on average than their peers. Entertaining workplaces have more loyal employees. Employees who are considered humorous are vastly more likely to get promoted.

Read more on THE LEVITY EFFECT: WHY IT PAYS TO LIGHTEN UP…