Radical plans for single Cornwall council
Cornwall County Council has outlined a radical proposal for future governance in the south-west of England, involving the creation of a Single Council for Cornwall.
The plan promises cost-savings in the region of £17 million each year, which will be reinvested into frontline services, help limit council tax rises and deliver stronger leadership, according to its authors.
Work Wise to unite public and private sectors
The public and private sectors in the UK are set to sign an historic concordat that will pave the way for a wider adoption of progressive working practices.
Trades Union Congress general secretary Brendan Barber and Richard Lambert, director general of the Confederation of British Industry, will be the first signatories on the accord masterminded by not-for-profit organisation Work Wise UK.
Pilot scheme to speed up Scottish benefits system
A new pilot scheme has been launched today in Scotland that is designed to help the most vulnerable members of society receive benefit payments quicker.
The first of its kind in the UK, the pilot will see GPs forward Disability Living Allowance and Attendance Allowance information electronically, making the payments process swifter and more efficient.
DCLG: Average home value nears £200,000
The average home in Britain was worth £199,467 at the end of November last year, according to official statistics.
In the 12 months preceding November, home values in the UK had accelerated in value by 8.9 per cent, up from 8.6 per cent in October, the latest figures from the Department of Communities and Local Government (DCLG) reveal.
Commission highlights charities’ achievements
Charity Commission chiefs have published a key report highlighting the work of Britain’s leading good causes.
The charity watchdog’s first summary information returns (SIR) review is designed to draw attention to the aims and achievements of the 5,000 charities in the UK with incomes in excess of £1 million.
