The impact of fuel price rises on local councils has been spelled out by the Local Government Association. It sways increases in the cost of oil and petrol mean the cost of providing services has risen by 239 million pounds in the past two years.

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Extra funding is to be given to a number of local authorities to encourage them to share best practice in a range of services. The Communities and Local Government Secretary, Hazel Blears, has announced that sixteen council projects will share a pot of 1.5 million pounds.

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This report from the Association of Chief Executives of Voluntary Organisations assess the current third sector- trade union relationship and outlines the potential for a step-change in dialogue.

The report highlights the win-win situation that can be gained by trade unions and the third sector working more closely together, and sets out some practical proposals to make that happen. With both sets of organisations such important components in promoting the interests of the mutual not-for-profit sector, there is already a lot of common interest.

Read more on THE WAY AHEAD: TRADE UNIONS AND THE THIRD SECTOR…