This report commissioned by the Rural Services Network concluded that existing measures are inadequate to the scale of the problem.

The research confirmed expectations that fuel disadvantage is having a deep impact affecting more than 70% of rural households. It also showed that this figure could be deeper still but for the finding that a large percentage of rural households are switching their heating down or off in winter months and going without other things, such as food, to reduce their fuel costs.

Read more on RURAL FUEL POVERETY…

The latest National Statistics from the Citizenship Survey from Communities and Local Government shows that the number of people volunteering is in decline.

The number of people engaged in civic participation at least once a week has declined to 31 per cent. This is fewer than in any previous year.

Read more on SURVEY REVEALS VOLUNTEERING IS LESS POPULAR…

Research commissioned by the Department for Work and Pensions found that there was no difference in rents in the private rented sector paid by jobless households compared to the those paid by low income households in work. The principle finding was that the great majority of low income working households live in accommodation of the ‘right’ size, in terms of the number of bedrooms, or larger than those that would be deemed appropriate under Housing Benefit regulations.

Read more on EMPLOYED AND JOBLESS PAYING SAME RENTS…

A change tool has been launched by the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development to help with the challenge of organizational transformation.

Change and re-organisation presents a range of challenges and the Institute has developed a collection of practical aids, focusing on change, re-organisation and the role of HR professionals.

Read more on CHANGE TOOL LAUNCHED TO SUPPORT ORGANISATIONAL TRANSFORMATION…

By Richard L Daft.

The book describes lessons for leaders on resolving the ongoing struggle between instinct and the creative mind.

Kings, heads of government, and corporate executives lead thousands of people and manage endless resources, but may not have mastery over themselves. Often leaders know that right action is important, but have little (if any) understanding of what prevents them from acting in accordance with their intentions.

Read more on THE EXECUTIVE AND THE ELEPHANT: A LEADER’S GUIDE FOR BUILDING INNER EXCELLENCE…

This programme is now available to view on localgov.tv the online television channel for public service modernisation. Roy Lilley, the former NHS Chairman, broadcaster and writer, explores the benefits and pitfalls of setting up and working in a social enterprise.

Read more on SOCIAL ENTERPRISE BENEFITS AND PITFALLS…

Direct payment of Housing Benefit to the tenant was introduced in April 2008. This report assesses the impact of the change and identifies issues that have emerged.

The change to direct payment was introduced to give housing benefit claimants the responsibility for managing their financial affairs. Most claimants were positive about direct payments and they felt in control and confident with regard to paying their rent and managing their personal finances. Where claimants were excluded from direct payment they expressed feelings of disempowerment. Some tenants experienced difficulties in balancing their household budget either due to insufficient income or past debts.

Read more on EVALUATION OF DIRECT PAYMENT OF HOUSING BENEFIT…

This report from the Department for Work and Pensions identifies factors that would help in the development of partnership arrangements between the Pension Disability and Carers Service, local authorities and other agencies.

Read more on PARTNERSHIPS WITH LOCAL AUTHORITIES AND HEALTH AGENCIES…

The Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development have published a guide which spells out employers’ legal obligations in identifying and preventing stress at work. It highlights not only the legal risks employers face if they ignore responsibilities in this area, but also the harmful effect on performance.

Read more on MANAGING STRESS…

This programme is now available to view on localgov.tv the online television channel for public service modernisation. It looks at community safety and the way in which councils can innovate to find new ways to tackle crime and anti-social behaviour.

Read more on TACKLING CRIME WITH REDUCED FUNDS…