All public services should be open to diverse provision, with monopoly provision justified on an exceptional basis. This principle is embodied in the Localism Bill which will give rights to new and established service providers.

Read more on LOCALISM BILL WIDENS RANGE OF SERVICE PROVIDERS…

Estimates of job losses in local government following the spending settlement range from 70,000 to 140,000 posts, but the losses are likely to be much greater in deprived areas where often unemployment is already high. This disparity in settlement reductions has occurred because funding previously ring-fenced for deprived authorities is being rolled into the overall grant.

Read more on BIG STAFF CUTS PREDICTED FOR DEPRIVED AREAS…