JGP News

The government has formed a new commission to monitor the roles of councillors in local communities, the objective being to support council contributors and revitalise grassroots democracy.

Unveiling the Councillors Commission, communities secretary Ruth Kelly said she hoped to encourage more representative local authorities that respond more proactively to the voice of the community. (more…)

The Local Government Association (LGA) has warned that English cities are failing to keep pace with their counterparts in the EU and the US because of Whitehall’s local stranglehold.

In order to keep pace with other urban centres around the world, English cities need to become more productive and competitive, according to a new report entitled Prosperous Communities II. (more…)

Efficiency measures in the Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead have saved £6 million over the past three years.

The savings have helped minimise council tax hikes, maintaining the proposed increase at a rate of 3.8 per cent. In Band D, for instance, annual council tax bills will rise £37 to £993.98 this year - £69 less than the average anticipated nationwide increase. (more…)

The National Council for Voluntary Organisation (NCVO) has published a guide on due diligence designed to help charities cut costs and curb consultancy fees.

Due Diligence Demystified, created by the council’s Collaborative Working Unit, is set to help voluntary organisations carry out the appropriate risk assessments before embarking on a merger or significant partnership. (more…)

Waverley Borough Council has been awarded a top European award this week, for a project designed to encourage awareness of decision-making.

The project, called eParticipate, was voted the European Union’s Ten Project of the Year 2006, awarding Waverley Borough Council a prestigious accolade. (more…)