The Information Commissioner has called on public bodies to end unnecessary secrecy and to be more proactive in disclosing information. Richard Thomas told a conference that the Freedom of Information Act had had a huge impact on public life and a growing number of local councils, government departments and other institutions were seeing the benefits of greater transparency.
Mr. 

Representatives of Birmingham City Council are in the United States this week to talk about their success stories in increasing employment. They are taking part in ‘International Sister City Week’ in Chicago, which brings together people from cities in all parts of the world. Birmingham is showcasing regeneration initiatives designed to deliver jobs and prosperity. 

The Challenge Fund has been created to encourage councils and primarycare trusts to find solutions to longstanding problems that have the potential to lead to real social change and improvement in health and well-being.
The Fund aims to encourage councils and PCT service commissioners to find collaborative solutions through social enterprise.