Warrington housing scheme rated “promising”
Housing support for the vulnerable residents of Warrington offers “promising” prospects for the future, but is currently only “fair”, according to the Audit Commission.
An independent report by the organisation, in cooperation with Her Majesty’s Inspectorate of Probation and Commission for Social Care Inspection, adjudged that recent steps taken by Warrington Council were worthy of a one-star “fair” rating.
UK councils meet Audit Commission efficiency targets
All 150 single tier and county councils in the UK met or exceeded the minimum financial management requirements set by the Audit Commission in 2006.
Three-quarters of the councils assessed by the independent body were found to surpass resourcing expectations, demonstrating a significant improvement in public money management nationwide.
Salaries needed to attract younger councillors
A survey of young councillors indicates that the majority would like to see salaries, childcare and pension support introduced.
More than eight in ten councillors around the country, aged between 18 and 40, struggle to hold down a full-time job while continuing to fulfil their duties as a local councillor, the survey by independent think-tank New Local Government Network (NLGN) reveals.
Eighty-four per cent agree that executive councillors are entitled to a salary, while over two-thirds of those surveyed feel that child support and a pension scheme is essential.
The NLGN has published the results in its new pamphlet entitled Local Government: Young at Heart?, which warns that councils will fail to represent their constituents unless younger people are encouraged to become councillors.
“Young councillors are the lifeblood of local government and local government needs to retain their talents to give it a future,” commented Anthony Brand, author of the publication.
“However, too often young councillors are forced to choose between staying in local government or forwarding their career or starting a family,” he continued.
“Better conditions for young councillors will not solve the problem in itself but will make a bold statement that society wants to keep the brightest and best young candidates in local government.”
The NLGN pamphlet can be downloaded via the think-tank’s website.
© Adfero LtdResidents handed new housing powers
Resident groups on council estates across England are to be given new power to prevent anti-social behaviour, according to a report published by the government today.
As well as introducing new regulations giving resident organisations the power to apply for Anti-Social Behaviour Orders (ASBOs), the government has also pledged to invest £485 million to regenerate run-down estates.
Cartoons to aid autistic teaching
British social workers helping autistic children are to be given a helping hand by an animated DVD that helps teach facial expressions and emotions.
Research shows that people with autism often struggle to identify and understand feelings, and also to look others in the eye. Difficulty in relating to other human emotions is also a common symptom of autism.
