Councils are being encouraged to harness the potential of social networking sites to engage with young people. The think tank, the Local Government Information Unit believes the online sites can be used to increase youth participation in the democratic process and in the delivery of children’s services and it is leading a group of authorities to promote the idea.
Read more on COUNCILS URGED TO USE SOCIAL NETWORKS TO ENGAGE YOUNG PEOPLE…
In the first partnership of its kind a local authority is opening a children’s centre in a church which will also remain open for Sunday services. The collaboration is between Herefordshire Council and local parishioners in the village of Peterchurch.
Read more on ‘POSITIVE PARTNERSHIP’ SEES COUNCIL SERVICES SHARE CHURCH BUILDING…
This report summarises the results of consultation following the publication of the White Paper on transferring funding for 16-19 year olds to local councils to give greater leadership at local level. The consultation sought views on how to implement proposed reforms to education and training for pre-19 and post-19 learners.
Read more on RAISING EXPECTATIONS: ENABLING THE SYSTEM TO DELIVER…
Hammersmith and Fulham Council is held up as an example of an energetic and determined local authority in a report published today by the Centre for Policy Studies. “The New Good Council Guide Part One” describes how the authority has cut council tax but improved services.
Read more on HAMMERSMITH AND FULHAM ‘CUTTING TAX AND IMPROVING SERVICES’…
More councils are to be given the financial flexibility to be able to move faster towards their their long-term commitments to achieving equal pay for staff. The Local Government Minister, John Healey, has given approval to 34 local authorities to raise the money to meet equal pay liabilities. The announcement, which has been welcomed by the union, UNISON, and by the Local Government Employers, means the councils can now raise 455 million pounds either by borrowing against or selling assets. It will enable them to make one-off back-payments to thousands of employees, mostly women on low pay.
Read more on MORE COUNCILS GET APPROVAL TO RAISE MONEY FOR EQUAL PAY OBJECTIVE…
This Task Force report on removing bureaucratic burdens describes any central government activity which hinders the effective and efficient delivery of services and outcomes at the local level as a burden. This can include; plans, guidance, legislation, approval processes, funding arrangements or performance information as well as inspection activity carried out by independent inspectorates and regulators.
Council tenants who want to become involved in improving the estates on which they live may get the right to time off work so they can do so. The idea is included in plans to be unveiled by the Communities Secretary Hazel Blears in a move to make it easier for more people to volunteer for key roles in their local communities.
Read more on VOLUNTEERS WHO SERVE COMMUNITIES MAY GET TIME OFF ENTITLEMENT…
The Improvement Network, set up to assist public sector managers and practitioners with partnership working to help deliver better services for local people is being extended. As part of this the NHS Institute for Innovation and Improvement has joined the Network, which already includes the Audit Commission, Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy, the Improvement and Development Agency and the Leadership Centre for Local Government.
By Joshua Rowe
Keeping patients out of hospital benefits everyone. Patients are less stressed and anxious because they can remain in a familiar environment with the assurance that their condition is being managed. The NHS benefits because beds, equipment and resources are freed up. Patients with chronic cardiac conditions traditionally make frequent visits to hospital, so cutting the frequency has a big impact. The author describes how hospital visits are being cut by the use of telemedicine which provides ECG and weight scale readings from home.
Read more on TELE MEDICINE SUPPORT KEEPS PATIENTS AWAY FROM HOSPITALS…
Local councils are to trial a streamlined business support programme devised by the Department for Business Enterprise and Regulatory Reform.
There are more than 3000 schemes to support UK business, but the complex web makes it difficult to find help. There is little coordination between the schemes. The Annual Small Business Service Survey found that over 50 per cent of small businesses want government help, but struggle to find their way through the maze of provision. This means the businesses that will benefit most from support are often those least likely to access it.
Read more on COUNCILS TRIALLING RED TAPE BUSTING PROGRAMME FOR BUSINESSES…
© PublicNet is a KnowShare production | Technology by Jag Singh + Hilton & Hilton Ltd | Admin Log in