The extent to which local councils have taken up the challenge of fighting climate change is shown in new statistics for Carbon Dioxide emissions at Local Authority and Government Office Region level. 

A parish council in Shrophsire has become the first to gain re-accreditation under the revised scheme for Quality Parish status run by the National Association of Local Councils. The accolade has gone to Lawley and Overdale council, which has taken steps to give local people a stronger voice in its decisions. 

An efficient human resource system is crucial for any organisation, because staff depend on it. Paper based HR systems have survived for many years, but they are prone to error and costly to operate. Introducing partial technology creates risks with re-keying data. Epsom and Ewell council followed this path from total paper to partial technology, but then decided they should move to a fully integrated HR system.