The environmental services provided by those working for one public sector body have been praised, it has emerged.

In a report by the Audit Commission, North Hertfordshire district council was reported as being "good" in terms of dealing with incidents of ”envirocrime” - such as littering, fly tipping, graffiti and abandoned vehicles.

As such the local authority was given two stars out of a possible three and was reported to have "promising prospects" for achieving future improvements.

Gary Hammersley, senior manager for the Audit Commission, said: "Envirocrime incidents such as graffiti and fly-tipping can have a disproportionate impact on the quality of life and fear of crime for local people."

It was also revealed that the council was working well with network partners to lower levels of envirocrime and received praise for providing facilities for younger people.

Earlier this year Hull city council was praised by the Audit Commission for cutting levels of environmental crime such as fly-posting.

More about network partners.

Those working for charities which support conservation and biodiversity are being invited to apply for financial assistance, it has been revealed.

GrantScape is to offer a total of £1.7 million for those projects which look to improve the quality of life for plants and animals, in addition to the ecosystems which they are a part of.

(more…)

A new campaign has been launched targeting those operating within the third sector, it has been revealed.

The initiative by the Institute of Fundraising aims to ensure that fundraising is recognised as a part of overall volunteering initiatives and as such the organisation is calling on charities and community bodies to give their opinions on volunteer fundraising.

(more…)

Those working for a local authority in Greater Manchester have been praised for the provision of services to its residents, it has been revealed.

In an Audit Commission report, Trafford council was given two stars out of a possible three and cited as having "promising prospects" for achieving future improvements.

(more…)

Those working in the third sector are being invited to apply for a new financial assistance scheme, it has been revealed.

Provided by the Ministry of Justice, the Innovation Fund is to offer a total of £150,000 to charities and community groups which encourage members of the public to get involved in the democratic process.

(more…)