JGP News

A quarter of fire and rescue authorities (FRAs) have been rated ‘excellent’ for the way they respond to emergencies and prevent fires, deaths and injuries.

The Audit Commission’s Fire and Rescue Performance Assessments placed just under half of FRAs in the top two categories of good or excellent overall. (more…)

The campaign to prevent the formation of a unitary Somerset council stepped up a gear this week, as district council leaders launched two major petitions.

Via the 10 Downing Street website, anyone can make their voice heard by signing an official internet-based petition rejecting "proposals to create a single unitary ’super-size’ council in Somerset". (more…)

Worthing borough council and Adur district council say they need more information before they can make a final decision about creating a shared workforce.

The two councils have been in discussion this week about a possible shared workforce in response to the government’s cost reduction plans. (more…)

Scotland is ready for public services reform, according to Tom McCabe.

The minister for finance and public service reform said that a report on the public service reform dialogue process had roused enthusiasm for change. (more…)

The minister for women, Ruth Kelly, is to push for more quality part-time jobs for women working in the public sector.

Nearly £500,000 is to be spent creating more senior part-time jobs and reducing the gender-based pay gap with the introduction of the Quality Part Time Work Fund. (more…)