This document from the Department for Health outlines the pilot programme to develop personal health budgets. The pilot follows similar principles to the personal budgets for social care which are being introduced progressively.
This report from the Audit Commission sets out a framework for a scrutiny review of youth antisocial behaviour and it describes the availability of activities to reduce or prevent it.
Youth anti-social behaviour is a local concern in many areas, and most people agree that ‘having nothing to do’ is a trigger. Scrutiny provides an opportunity for elected members to engage with a complex topic, assess what is happening locally, and identify opportunities for improvement. Scrutiny panels or committees can review issues from several different viewpoints.
ICT managers have bigger budgets, more staff and greater influence over the future development of services. This is the conclusion of the latest edition of the Society of IT Management’s annual IT Trends survey.
This programme is now available to view on egovtv.tv, the online television channel for public service modernisation. It describes how Southampton City Council in partnership with Utilicom will provide a decentralised energy system to 60 businesses across Southampton.
The most contentious proposal in the Government’s consultation on improving local accountability is to go ahead, despite widespread opposition. The consultation asked for views on creating legislation to allow authorities to modify their attendance and voting procedures and allow councillors to vote remotely.
This research into teleworking, where people work from home for some of the time, instead of travelling to a place of work, was commissioned by the Department for Transport.
It describes attitudes towards teleworking, the factors and conditions motivating and facilitating different groups to work this way along with barriers preventing this type of working. It also outlines the impact of teleworking on travel choices and behaviour.
Read more on UNDERSTANDING THE NEEDS, ATTITUDES AND BEHAVIOURS OF TELEWORKERS…
This programme is now available to view on egovtv.tv, the online television channel for public service modernisation. It presents an interview with Paul Bettison of the Local Government Association, on the impact of Local Area Agreements and what lies in the future.
A sense of belonging to the community helps to bring people together and overcome suspicions. People who feel that they belong to their local area will get involved with local schemes and initiatives, will help their neighbours, will challenge inappropriate behaviour and will welcome newcomers and help them settle. This document from Communities and Local Government offers suggestions for improving a sense of belonging.
This programme is now available to view on egovtv.tv, the online television channel for public service modernisation. It reviews ‘Worksmart’, a transformational programme developed by Wakefield Metropolitan District Council in partnership with Microsoft. The efficiency of customer services and productivity of staff has substantially improved with resulting financial savings and improvement in customer satisfaction.
Tackling worklessness has been a key feature of the New Deal for Communities and this paper from Communities and Local Government draws out the lessons learned.
The New Deal areas faced a number of challenges, including the loss of traditional jobs, eg in manufacturing, low paid jobs did not meet expectations and small firms found it hard to invest time in recruiting and developing those who had been out of work for a long time.
Read more on TACKLING WORKLESSNESS IN NEW DEAL FOR COMMUNITIES AREAS…