Changes to the law are needed to ensure future elections are better run according to a report today from the Electoral Commission. It says the current system is under strain and it sets out the steps it wants to see to reform what it calls ‘19th century structures’.
The recommendations include the creation of new boards that would have powers to give directions to Returning Officers. The commission also wants improved funding for electoral administration. 

Councils could give high street store vouchers to council taxpayer’s to make up for missed appointments. That is one of the options for occasions when services don’t meet people’s expectations that are being considered as part of a drive to put more emphasis on customers in local service delivery.
The Communities Secretary Hazel Blears has announced a
new review team, which includes members from Tesco and the National Consumer Council with customer service expertise. 

This programme is now available to view on egovtv.tv, the online television channel for public service modernisation. It features leading experts exploring the issue of Telecare to help councils meet their social care responsibilities.
Telecare is becoming increasingly important in providing support for older and disabled people. It is being used increasingly by social services because of the part it plays in risk management.