Local authorities in four areas will benefit from 310 million pounds in Private Finance Initiative Credits to help divert more than a million tonnes of waste away from landfill. Defra says the projects will make a significant contribution towards Britain meeting its landfill directive targets.

Read more on COUNCIL SCHEMES TO CUT LANDFILL SHARE PFI CREDITS…

New statistics show that almost half a million more people have signed up to be able to vote in time for next month’s local elections. Figures covering the period from December 2006 to the end of last year show registered voter numbers have increased to a record 46 million.

Read more on VOTER NUMBERS REACH RECORD LEVEL BEFORE MAY POLLS…

By Baroness Neuberger

This report focuses on volunteering in health and social care. There is huge potential for the expansion of volunteering in this area, particularly in relation to the role of volunteers who are also service-users. Much of this expansion cannot be unlocked without a change of culture within the public sector, particularly in the level of understanding of volunteering.

Read more on VOLUNTEERING IN THE PUBLIC SERVICES…