Risk management plays an integral role in financial planning for 81 per cent of local authorities, a new survey reveals.

The National Forum for Risk Management in the Public Sector (Alarm) also found that risk management is closely tied to strategic planning at 78 per cent of councils.

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Members of the Public and Commercial Services Union (PCS) have voted decisively in favour of industrial action in an ongoing dispute over pay, job security and civil service privatisation.

Objecting to the approach adopted by the government in its drive to improve efficiency and reduce costs by cutting 84,000 civil and public service jobs, 61.3 per cent of civil servants in the poll voted for a strike, while 77.9 per cent called for action of some form.

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The government has outlined plans to involve local communities more intimately in decision-making processes.

Unveiling the latest Local Government White Paper, local government secretary Ruth Kelly explained that the proposals would help deliver improved public services in sustainable communities, with closer involvement with local authorities.

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Home secretary John Reid plans to split the Home Office into two distinct departments in a move that could be implemented within months.

One division would focus on national security, handling immigration and anti-terrorism, while the other would handle justice, overseeing the probation and prison systems and working to prevent criminals re-offending.

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Decision-makers at Hastings Borough Council have unveiled plans to cut the number of senior management positions, in a move that could save local taxpayers at least £250,000 each year.

Chief executive Roy Mawford and council leader Peter Pragnell have proposed to reduce the number of local directors from six to four, while removing 11 ‘third tier’ senior manager posts, lowering the figure from 31 to 20.

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