Sanctuary Schemes supported by local authorities and other agencies such as the police have succeeded in helping families stay safely in their own homes, according to new research. The study by the University of York shows that while domestic violence is one the major reasons families become homeless, protection measures can stop that happening.

Read more on COUNCIL-SUPPORTED SCHEMES HELP PREVENT VIOLENCE VICTIMS BECOMING HOMELESS…

More than 100 local councils have called for a change in the law to prevent millions of pounds being wasted in dealing with litter created by motorists. They want the right to take action against the registered keeper of a vehicle that rubbish is thrown from in a system similar to those for dealing with speeding and flytipping.

Read more on CALL FOR CHANGE IN LAW SO COUNCILS CAN TACKLE ROADSIDE LITTER…

By Bill McIntyre

The spending review to be published in October 2010, will probably reveal that the cuts in public service budgets are the most severe in living memory. In the private sector many businesses have been through this experience much more recently. The author describes how some businesses cut budgets in a controlled and more structured fashion, whilst others don’t and make it more difficult to deal with the effects. This is the lesson for the public sector.

Read more on LEARNING FROM THE PRIVATE SECTOR ABOUT CUTTING BUDGETS…