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.
The LGA’s research shows that in the financial year 2006-7 the cost of fuel costs to run vehicles such as bin lorries, road gritters and vans for delivering meals on wheels was 541 million pounds. 

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.
The money is being made available to Beacon authorities, including Leeds, Birmingham and Bristol, and will help them deliver on some of the toughest targets set in the new Local Area Agreements. 

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.