Average council tax rises across the country will be the lowest ever, according to figures from the Government. The average band D council tax increase will be three per cent and, given that the average household council tax bill is almost 240 pounds lower than the band D figure, the average rise will be just 2.6 per cent.

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Community groups are being asked for their views on how the Government can create social renewal alongside economic renewal during the current recession. The invitation has come from the Council on Social Action, which was set up to advise Government on how to promote social action.

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By Robert Fitzgerald.

Because so many agencies are involved in providing services to children, sharing information is a complex issue. Within a council there may be 60 children’s databases developed over many years. The author outlines the potential of a single IT system for children’s services which integrates multiple applications from health, social care, education, youth justice and youth support.

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