Mapping public service funded initiatives: tackling worklessness in deprived areas
Published: 20/11/08
The Government Office Network has published a report which provides information on a selection of initiatives that focus on tackling worklessness with vulnerable groups in deprived areas.
First meeting of the Council of Regional Ministers
Published: 17/10/08
Helping savers, small businesses and homeowners across the country through the worldwide economic problems was top of the agenda at the first meeting of the Council of Regional Ministers (16 October).
Delivering Public Service Agreements - the Government Office role.
Published: 12/09/08
The Government Office Network’s key role in supporting delivery of Public Service Agreements (PSAs) is outlined this month (September 2008) in a new document Delivering Public Service Agreements - the Government Office role. This is a companion document to the Strategic Priorities Framework 2008-11 published early this year which sets out the Network’s collective priorities agreed with our sponsor departments.
Free childcare for 50,000 families
Published: 08/09/08
Low income families across the country are to get free childcare so they can access training and return to work, thanks to a new £75m programme announced by the Government.
White Paper delivers power shift to local people
Published: 10/07/08
Communities and Local Government published a White Paper “Communities in Control” where Secretary for State Hazel Blears sets out proposals to deliver a fundamental shift in power, influence and responsibility into the hands of communities and citizens. Published 9 July.
Shared priorities agreed for the Government Office Network
Published: 30/06/08
The Government Office Strategic Priorities Framework 2008-11 sets out Whitehall departments’ collective priorities for the Government Office Network.
Draft Legislative Programme
Published: 15/05/08
Government has published Preparing Britain for the Future—the Draft Legislative Programme 2008-09.
Network Corporate Plan
Published: 02/05/08
In the changing world of cross cutting Public Service Agreements and the transformation of the Government Offices we have brought together our priorities as a Network for the first time.
Budget 2008
Published: 12/03/08
The Chancellor has made his Budget speech to the House of Commons.
The Government Office Network - partnering with Whitehall
Published: 24/07/07
The Government Office Network has published a document explaining how it helps Whitehall departments to strengthen national policies, integrate regional strategies and drive local delivery.
New third sector skills body
Published: Wed, 22 Oct 2008 17:23:55
The Government has announced plans to create a new Third Sector skills body which will identify and address skills gaps and shortages for charities, voluntary groups, social enterprises and other third sector organisations. It will pull together the work of the sector skills councils to open up learning opportunities for third sector paid and voluntary staff. It will ensure the sector's needs are properly considered in the design development of National Occupational Standards, the design Apprenticeship Frameworks and Sector Qualification Strategies.
£181.6m for project to save 391,000 tonnes of landfill waste
Published: Thu, 02 Oct 2008 17:18:23
Waste facilities in Leicestershire and the South West will see major improvements thanks to a combined £181.6 million in funding announced by Defra today (2 October).
Fight must continue on fuel poverty say ministers
Published: Thu, 02 Oct 2008 17:12:42
Ministers said that they will continue with their fight against fuel poverty, as Environment Secretary Hilary Benn holds meetings with energy suppliers and the home insulation industry to discuss how to speed up work on increasing energy efficiency in the UK’s homes.
Home extension freedoms begin on 1 October 2008
Published: Wed, 01 Oct 2008 18:26:41
Improving your home just became a whole lot easier for tens of thousands of families Housing and Planning Minister Caroline Flint announced today (1 October).
Tenants home in on bills
Published: Wed, 01 Oct 2008 18:23:16
New research shows that 79 per cent of renters are worried about the cost of their household bills.
Living places
Published: Tue, 30 Sep 2008 17:53:30
The government has announced plans for 3 million homes by 2020 and these new homes will make up the communities of the future. Communities and Local Government want to ensure that these are sustainable communities, rich in character and culture - we recognise the valuable contribution that culture can make in building safer, stronger communities that are empowered, confident, cohesive and visionary as well as the contribution it makes to the local economy, employment and skills.
Economic challenges can be faced with efficiency savings
Published: Tue, 30 Sep 2008 17:50:01
Local Government Minister John Healey has praised councils for making more efficiency savings than expected, leaving them well placed to weather the global economic downturn.
London 2012 calling - business opportunities on offer worth £6bn
Published: Tue, 30 Sep 2008 17:43:35
The Government is urging businesses across the country to take advantage of the opportunities offered by the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games, with up to 70,000 supply chain contracts available worth over an estimated £6 billion.
Fairer, More Transparent Complaints Procedure For Parents
Published: Fri, 26 Sep 2008 16:01:03
Schools Minister Jim Knight and Children’s Minister Kevin Brennan have announced plans for a fairer way to handle complaints from parents and a new system to ensure all incidents of bullying are properly recorded.
£25m to kick-start better buses
Published: Wed, 24 Sep 2008 17:56:16
Ruth Kelly, Transport Secretary, has announced £25 million to provide new and improved bus services across England. This will better connect local communities with vital services - like hospitals, business centres and colleges - and help tackle congestion and rural accessibility by giving people more alternatives to their car.
Local authorities to trial new Business Support Programme
Published: Wed, 24 Sep 2008 17:53:07
Seven local authorities are trialling the Government's new Business Support Simplification Programme, ensuring it will be ready for implementation across the UK by 2010
New Package To Back The Schools Workforce And Improve Standards For All
Published: Wed, 24 Sep 2008 17:47:43
The Department for Children, Schools and Families, has announced a package of reforms to strengthen standards in schools and help the school workforce to carry out their duties more effectively.
Hutton and premier league put enterprise top of the league
Published: Tue, 23 Sep 2008 17:36:23
Britain's youngsters will come top of the business league as football clubs across the country open their doors to budding entrepreneurs.
Review seeks ways to get best out of British employees
Published: Tue, 23 Sep 2008 17:30:35
Business Secretary John Hutton has announced a review to examine new ways to boost the performance of employees and improve British business success.
Broadening Horizons – England to ‘Lead The World’ In Computer Access for Young People
Published: Tue, 23 Sep 2008 17:25:54
A computer with internet access is now as essential as a pen and paper in modern learning’ – Knight.
Plaskitt: High job numbers helped by more people coming off benefits - but we cannot ignore unemployment
Published: Wed, 13 Aug 2008 17:50:40
The number of people claiming out-of-work benefits continues to fall. The numbers on Lone Parent benefit and incapacity benefits have fallen by more than 70,000 over the last year up to February 2008, according to figures out today (13 August 2008).
Crackdown on knife sales to youths
Published: Tue, 12 Aug 2008 11:31:25
In a letter to chief executives of local authorities and chief police officers, Home Office minister Vernon Coaker has asked for a wide-ranging, cross-governmental effort to tackle knife crime.
Consultation on Comprehensive Area Assessment
Published: Wed, 06 Aug 2008 15:56:43
Comprehensive Area Assessment (CAA) will be an innovative way of drawing together information to show how well residents are being served by their local public services. It will give people a clear and impartial assessment of how successfully local organisations are working together to improve the quality of life in their areas.
New Interactive Local Crime Maps In Every Area
Published: Mon, 28 Jul 2008 11:56:06
Home Secretary Jacqui Smith has announced that every neighbourhood in England and Wales will have access to the latest local crime information through new interactive crime maps.
Eco-towns set to face toughest ever green standards
Published: Thu, 24 Jul 2008 17:16:05
Housing Minister Caroline Flint set out the Government's latest proposals for the UK's toughest ever green standards for new housing as she unveiled a progress report on eco-towns.
No one written off: reforming welfare to reward responsibility
Published: Mon, 21 Jul 2008 17:12:53
Incapacity benefits and Income Support are to be abolished as part of far-reaching new proposals, the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions James Purnell announced.
New drive to boost skills in Thames Gateway
Published: Mon, 21 Jul 2008 17:06:44
A major new package of measures to improve skills and education in the Thames Gateway was unveiled by Housing Minister Caroline Flint and Further Education Minister Bill Rammell.
Blears - supporting faith communities
Published: Mon, 21 Jul 2008 17:01:07
Communities Secretary Hazel Blears set out how Government envisages working in future alongside the many faith based organisations already making a real difference to their communities.
Benn launches audit of natural resources
Published: Mon, 21 Jul 2008 16:54:31
A wide-ranging audit of England’s natural resources – its wildlife, habitats and ecosystems – was launched by Environment Secretary Hilary Benn.
Transformed inner-city park joins list of best green spaces announced
Published: Fri, 18 Jul 2008 11:44:46
The best parks and green spaces across the country was announced by Baroness Andrews.
Healey leads Government tribute to charity support for flood-hit communities
Published: Fri, 18 Jul 2008 11:39:31
The extraordinary efforts of charities and volunteers in helping those in greatest need after last summer's floods were recognised at a Downing Street reception, with Floods Recovery Minister John Healey.
Blears outlines new economic people-focused approach to regeneration
Published: Fri, 18 Jul 2008 11:33:37
Ministers plan to focus on 'real-life' measures about improving people's lives rather than bricks and mortar targets for regeneration funding. This is so communities get more than a cosmetic facelift and are helped to unlock their potential and take responsibility for their own regeneration.
Healey - sixty two authorities to receive £31m flood funding
Published: Thu, 17 Jul 2008 17:27:20
Floods Recovery Minister John Healey has announced that 62 local authorities would receive a share of almost £31million to support their continued efforts to rebuild their communities following last summer's floods.
Youth crime action plan published
Published: Tue, 15 Jul 2008 17:29:09
£100 million will be invested in an effort to stop young people from starting lives of crime.
Hazel Blears launches search for role models to inspire Black boys
Published: Tue, 15 Jul 2008 17:23:32
A major national search to recruit Black male role models gets underway as Communities Secretary Hazel Blears calls for motivational Black and mixed heritage men to take a lead in inspiring the next generation of Black boys to achieve and succeed.
Ed Balls Welcomes Sir Alan Steer’s Latest Review Of Behaviour In Schools
Published: Mon, 14 Jul 2008 17:18:20
The Government has accepted recommendations to extend the search powers of schools to include drugs, alcohol and other items and will consult on reforming the complaints process for parents.
More than the sum of their parts - partnerships seal deal to increase economic growth
Published: Mon, 14 Jul 2008 17:11:46
Seven groups of councils and local partners have sealed their commitment to boost economic prosperity, in recognition that they can each achieve more than the sum of their parts - in the first set of Multi-Area Agreements (MAAs) signed on 14 July 2008.
More diversity in public appointments
Published: Mon, 14 Jul 2008 17:07:34
Harriet Harman, Minister for Women & Equality, and Ed Miliband, Cabinet Office Minister, announced new measures to increase the number of women, disabled people, and black, Asian and minority ethnic people appointed to the boards of public bodies, so that they reflect the wider population.
Government sets out 21st century challenges for food in the UK
Published: Tue, 08 Jul 2008 17:56:16
The Cabinet Office has published the results of a ten-month Strategy Unit project looking at food policy across Government – and concluded that rising demand, climate change, and trade and productivity restrictions must all be addressed.
The Government Office Network – Personal Information Charter
Published: Wed, 02 Jul 2008 15:19:13
We need to handle personal information about you so that we can provide services for you. This is how we look after that information.
New arrangements give home buyers and sellers a better deal
Published: Tue, 01 Jul 2008 17:50:25
The Government is introducing extra protection for people buying and selling homes.
Minister confirms new deal for communities funding
Published: Tue, 01 Jul 2008 17:46:46
Communities Minister Baroness Andrews has confirmed nearly £500m for neighbourhood partnerships in deprived communities across the country, to continue helping their work to cut crime levels, improve educational achievements and boost job opportunities.
Target shake up delivers stronger focus on issues that matter to the public
Published: Tue, 01 Jul 2008 17:42:09
England’s top local priorities revealed on 30 June 2008.
Vulnerable people to benefit as majority of local councils make third sector a top priority
Published: Tue, 01 Jul 2008 17:38:02
The most vulnerable people in local communities stand to benefit more than ever from the support of charities, voluntary groups and social enterprises, now that a majority of England's local councils have made it a top priority to have an active and thriving third sector.
Prime Minister sets out his vision for world-class public services
Published: Fri, 27 Jun 2008 15:44:19
The Prime Minister outlined a bold vision for transforming England's public services. In a Cabinet Office report “Excellence and fairness: Achieving world class public services” published on 27 June, he argued that although public services have improved dramatically over the past decade they are not yet world-class and a new stage of reform is required.
Healey confirms action to tackle excessive council tax rises
Published: Fri, 27 Jun 2008 15:37:14
Local Government Minister John Healey has announced that the Government will take action to tackle excessive council tax rises set by eight authorities in 2008/09.
Cabinet Secretary publishes plan to improve data security
Published: Wed, 25 Jun 2008 16:50:36
Cabinet Secretary Sir Gus O'Donnell has published a review of information security in government, putting in place a new framework for the future to improve the rules, culture, accountability and scrutiny of data handling.
Benn allocates initial funding in response to Pitt Report
Published: Wed, 25 Jun 2008 16:46:20
Secretary of State for the Environment, Hilary Benn, has announced the areas that he will allocate initial funding to, in light of Sir Michael Pitt’s final report into the summer floods.
First series Apprentice winner to host new National Employment Awards
Published: Tue, 24 Jun 2008 16:44:20
Tim Campbell, winner of the first series of The Apprentice, and founder of the Bright Ideas Trust, is to host the first national Local Employment Partnership awards being held in London on 1 July.
Government Publishes Action Plan to Implement Byron Recommendations
Published: Tue, 24 Jun 2008 16:39:30
A comprehensive plan for how the Government intends to make the internet and video games safer for children and young people was published by Children’s Minister Kevin Brennan, Home Office Minister Vernon Coaker and Culture Minister Margaret Hodge.
Healey announces government tribute to charity flood work
Published: Mon, 23 Jun 2008 17:01:31
Floods Recovery Minister John Healey announced Government plans to publicly recognise the efforts of charities that helped communities hit by last summer's floods. The Minister also praised local media for throwing their weight behind local fundraising appeals.
One year on: Minister praises flood recovery efforts
Published: Mon, 23 Jun 2008 16:54:43
Floods Recovery Minister John Healey paid tribute to the thousands of people who helped the country get back on its feet after last summer's floods.
Experts lay down the gauntlet to eco-town developers
Published: Mon, 23 Jun 2008 16:49:44
The fifteen experts on the Eco-towns Challenge Panel have set out a series of recommendations for potential eco-town developers, designed to improve their plans to create world-leading sustainable developments.
Flood protection measures for homes and businesses
Published: Mon, 23 Jun 2008 16:45:09
The Government has outlined plans to assist individuals and businesses to better protect their property from the impacts of flooding.
Waste pilots – draft guidance published
Published: Thu, 19 Jun 2008 18:34:39
The Government is seeking views on draft guidance for local authorities to pilot schemes to cut household waste through financial incentives.
Post 16 Participation Rate at Highest Level Ever
Published: Thu, 19 Jun 2008 18:30:48
A record 1.6 million young people aged 16 to 18 – the highest number ever – are now taking part in education, work based learning or training, new Government figures have shown today. At the end of 2007 over 78 per cent of young people were participating post 16, gaining knowledge and skills that will help them to succeed in life.
Engaging Communities in Fighting Crime
Published: Wed, 18 Jun 2008 16:23:07
A major review examining how to better engage communities in the fight against crime and raise public confidence in the Criminal Justice System was published on 18 June 2008.
Pace of progress getting flood-hit families home improving
Published: Wed, 18 Jun 2008 16:18:11
Floods Recovery Minister John Healey said thanks to the combined efforts of councils, housing associations, insurers and Government the pace of progress getting people back home following last summer's floods is picking up. But Mr Healey added that more remains to be done and Government will continue to do everything possible to help ensure this momentum is maintained.
Ads hit binge drinking young adults
Published: Wed, 18 Jun 2008 16:12:24
The £4m campaign includes a range of television, radio, print and online adverts designed to drive home the serious consequences of binge drinking to young adults.
Draft Floods and Water Bill to deliver improved management of surface water flooding
Published: Tue, 17 Jun 2008 16:40:09
Details of how the proposed Floods and Water Bill would ensure the country is better prepared to deal with surface water flooding in the future, will be outlined by Environment Minister Phil Woolas.
Every Primary School to have a Specialist Maths Teacher
Published: Tue, 17 Jun 2008 16:33:12
Ed Balls and Andrew Adonis has accepted the recommendations of a major independent review of maths in primary schools and announced plans to train more than 1,000 specialist maths teachers a year over the next 10 years.
Birthday Honours List 2008
Published: Mon, 16 Jun 2008 16:55:15
The Queen's Birthday Honours list 2008 is published, paying tribute to outstanding achievement and service across the entire community.
First Step to Making All New School Buildings Zero Carbon
Published: Mon, 16 Jun 2008 16:47:46
The Government is taking the first steps to making every new school building zero carbon from 2016, Children’s Secretary Ed Balls announced on 16 June 2008.
Tougher penalties to crack down on waste crime
Published: Fri, 13 Jun 2008 17:25:09
Defra has launched a consultation on how to target criminals who profit from polluting the environment by illegally dumping waste.
Temporary accommodation numbers continue to fall as new figures revealed
Published: Thu, 12 Jun 2008 17:54:58
Homelessness Minister Iain Wright praised the achievements of local authorities as new figures revealed that the numbers of households in temporary accommodation fell by 11 per cent in comparison to the same period last year.
Sign on for benefits, sign up for skills
Published: Thu, 12 Jun 2008 17:48:47
Compulsory training and an overhauled training system to help people get into and on at work.
Councils must use powers to protect new homes from flood risk
Published: Thu, 12 Jun 2008 17:39:31
Councils must get tough on protecting people in flood risk areas, Minister for Planning Caroline Flint announced on 12 June 2008.
From homelessness to business success - winners announced of national competition
Published: Wed, 11 Jun 2008 17:55:21
Getting back to nature on the farm, increased pedal power and catering for hundreds of people were just some of the winning ideas from homeless organisations that won part of a £500,000 prize to make their business ideas a reality, Housing Minister Iain Wright announced on 11 June 2008.
UK employment levels and vacancies remain high
Published: Wed, 11 Jun 2008 17:43:00
New figures out today (11 June 2008) show that employment remains high at over 29.5 million, rising by 76,000 on the quarter and up 446,000 compared to a year ago as more people continue to take up opportunities to work.
2012 games will be springboard for business success
Published: Wed, 11 Jun 2008 17:35:54
Employers throughout the UK should put skills and training centre stage if they want to profit from the 2012 Games, Skills Minister David Lammy said today (11 June) as he launched an action plan for business leaders.
Managing the impacts of migration
Published: Wed, 11 Jun 2008 17:31:01
Communities Secretary Hazel Blears has set out the range of actions the Government is taking to manage migration, maximise the benefits for the whole of the UK and minimise the negative impacts.
National Challenge Strategy launched to ensure more children get better GCSEs
Published: Tue, 10 Jun 2008 17:26:43
Ed Balls today (10 June 2008) set out the next phase of the Government’s School Improvement Strategy – National Challenge - to transform schools, raise results in English and maths, and tackle underachievement by young people.
Unique opportunity for local leaders to improve the lives of over 3 million
Published: Tue, 10 Jun 2008 17:20:50
Local Government Minister John Healey today (10 June) challenged the leaders of nine new unitary authorities to seize the once in a generation opportunity to shape the future of their areas, improving local governance and the quality of life for their 3.2 million residents.
Playing to win – a new era for sport
Published: Tue, 10 Jun 2008 17:11:51
Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, Andy Burnham, and Minister for Sport Gerry Sutcliffe today set out their vision for sport in a speech to national governing bodies at Lords cricket ground today (10 June 2008).
Blears heralds a new era of 'parish power'
Published: Wed, 21 May 2008 16:38:04
Communities Secretary Hazel Blears, on 21 May 2008, heralded a new era of 'parish power' where parishes have a real purpose in modern society - a far cry from the way they are often perceived as outdated, 19th century institutions.
Design your own playground: Ministers launch website to get kids' views on play
Published: Wed, 21 May 2008 16:32:25
Ministers launched a fun, interactive website and poster campaign to encourage children to give their views on play and play areas as part of the first ever national consultation on children’s play.
Healey announces £31m restoration fund for flood-hit communities
Published: Wed, 07 May 2008 17:50:10
Floods Recovery Minister John Healey announced that all the extra money the UK is receiving from the European Union (EU) to help with flood recovery will be passed on to communities affected by last summer's floods.
Housing boost for key workers and first time buyers
Published: Tue, 08 Apr 2008 17:32:21
A major package of new measures to support key workers and other first time buyers into affordable homeownership, was announced by the Prime Minister Gordon Brown and Housing Minister Caroline Flint on 8 April 2008.
Healey unveils overhaul of efficiency and improvement support for councils
Published: Tue, 18 Mar 2008 18:37:08
Local Government Minister John Healey has today (18 March 2008) confirmed the first step in an overhaul of improvement support for councils, as they work to increase efficiency and improve services to release £5 billion, which can be used to reduce pressure on council tax bills or invest in local services.
Innovative 'tram-trains' to be trialed in Yorkshire
Published: Tue, 18 Mar 2008 17:51:26
An innovative form of public transport called a 'tram-train' is to be trialled for the first time in the UK on a growing railway route in Yorkshire.
New centre of expertise for cutting carbon emissions across Whitehall
Published: Tue, 18 Mar 2008 17:46:56
Government response to Sustainable Development Commission’s Sustainable Development in Government annual report 2006/07
Government Intensifies Drive To Tackle Antisocial Behaviour In Young People By Stepping In Early
Published: Tue, 18 Mar 2008 17:37:46
A thousand of the most challenging young people will be targeted for intensive, non negotiable intervention in order to prevent future antisocial behaviour, Ed Balls and Beverley Hughes announced today (18 March 2008) in the Youth Taskforce Action Plan.
Healey welcomes Fire and Rescue Chief Adviser's report on floods
Published: Mon, 17 Mar 2008 17:53:09
Floods Recovery Minister John Healey welcomed an important review into the fire service's response to last summer's floods.
Local authorities working together on waste: consultation published
Published: Mon, 17 Mar 2008 17:48:27
Neighbouring local authorities, working together, could deliver better integrated and cost-effective waste services, a consultation paper published today (17 March 2008) outlines.
Charities Act 2006 third commencement order
Published: Mon, 17 Mar 2008 17:43:15
Phil Hope, Minister for the Third Sector, has today (17 March 2008) made the third commencement order of the Charities Act 2006. This will bring into force a range of changes to bring charity law up to date and give charities greater flexibility.
Improvement in the delivery of prison drug treatments
Published: Mon, 17 Mar 2008 17:39:09
Justice Minister David Hanson has made a written ministerial statement announcing additional funding to improve drug treatment in prisons.
£3m grant announced to provide cycle training for 80,000 children
Published: Mon, 17 Mar 2008 17:34:39
Transport Minister Rosie Winterton announced that over £3m would be dedicated to providing cycle training to nearly 80,000 school children by March 2009. This funding is part of the record £140m package announced in January, which will give up to half a million ten to eleven year olds cycle training by 2012.
Strictly youth dancing - ministers join 'Strictly' stars and Royal Ballet to boost youth dance
Published: Mon, 17 Mar 2008 00:00:00
Dance – one of the fastest growing subject for GCSE and A level students in England – is to receive a £5.5 million boost from the Government, Culture Secretary Andy Burnham and Schools Minister Andrew Adonis announced on 17 March 2008.
Briefing note on local government National Indicator 7 ‘An environment for a thriving third sector’ published
Published: Mon, 10 Mar 2008 11:53:37
The OTS has published a briefing note to provide Local Strategic Partnerships (local public, private and third sector representatives) with more information and guidance on National Indicator 7 – ‘An environment for a thriving third sector’.
David Hanson: local leadership essential to the future of criminal justice
Published: Wed, 20 Feb 2008 18:16:21
Justice Minister David Hanson has called on Local Criminal Justice Boards to take the lead in responding to the needs of their communities and delivering improved services.
Prime Minister announces Youth Climate Change Champions
Published: Wed, 20 Feb 2008 18:09:45
The nine young winners of the search for regional Climate Change Champions were announced by Prime Minister Gordon Brown and Minister for Climate Change Joan Ruddock today (20 February 2008).
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