The Commission for Rural Communities has called on councils to adopt participatory budgeting so that communities can be involved in spending decisions. The call comes after a successful trial in rural areas by the Participatory Budgeting Unit.

Read more on WATCHDOG WANTS COUNCILS TO GIVE RURAL COMMUNITIES A SAY IN SPENDING DECISIONS…

Councils are starting to use social networks like Facebook and Twitter to put out information to residents and businesses when local emergencies arise. This move of local government into social media is reported by The Society of IT Management in ‘Twitter Gritters’.

Read more on COUNCILS MAKING GREATER USE OF SOCIAL MEDIA FOR EMERGENCY INFORMATION…

Contributors from the public and private sectors offer opinions on how best to manage the cuts.

Views include looking at the role of Quangos and Regional Development Agencies to see what policy areas could go to consortia of local authorities.

Read more on HOW WILL PUBLIC SPENDING CUTS BE MANAGED?…