JGP News

Sevenoaks district council has been ranked in the top one per cent of all UK councils in terms of value for money, following an assessment from the Audit Commission.

Only one other council out of 238 received the top score for the category. (more…)

Councils are being encouraged to hand over assets to communities, giving local people greater control over how facilities are run.

Disused swimming baths, pubs and community centres, as well as redundant police stations, old hospitals and empty shopping parades, should all be handed over to local communities, according to a government report out today. (more…)

Leeds city council’s housing support service has been rated ‘fair’ in an independent report released by the Audit Commission.

The £33 million Supporting People programme, which is responsible for the delivery of housing-related support services to vulnerable people, was also found to have ‘promising prospects’ for improvement. (more…)

Selby district council has been arguing against a unitary bid which could see North Yorkshire county council take over the services it runs.

The council plans to hold two meetings this month to raise awareness of how residents, businesses and community organisations would be affected by the unitary plan. (more…)

Norfolk county council is urging that the Audit Commission scrutinise Norwich city council’s bid to become a unitary council more closely.

In a letter sent to the Audit Commission’s chairman, it argued that a detailed examination of the bid’s finances, which projects spending of £31.7 million for the new council, is vital. (more…)