Research into local authority services found that satisfaction surveys and focus groups have become more popular than some traditional methods of public participation, such as public meetings.
Source: Demelza Birch, Public Participation in Local Government: A survey of local authorities, Office of the Deputy Prime Minister (0870 1226 236)
Links: Report (pdf)
Date: 2002-Dec
A study identified the impact of increased partnership working on local councillors and what support they might need as a result.
Source: Mick Wilkinson and Gary Craig, New Roles for Old: Local authority members and partnership working, York Publishing Services for Joseph Rowntree Foundation, available from York Publishing Services Ltd (01904 431213)
Links: JRF Findings N52
Date: 2002-Nov
The government began consultation on the implementation of the Freedom of Information Act 2000 in local government in England.
Source: Access to Information in Local Government: A Policy Paper on the Current and Future Framework Governing Access to Information for Local Authorities in England, Office of the Deputy Prime Minister (0870 1226 236)
Links: Consultation Document (pdf) | Press release
Date: 2002-Sep
A study looked at how local authorities use evidence-based research and what kind of changes it influences. Dissemination of research outputs was found to be often patchy, and the general impact of research on policy relatively small.
Source: Janie Percy-Smith with Tom Burden, Alison Darlow, Lynne Dawson, Murray Hawtin and Stella Ladi, Promoting Change through Research: The Impact of Research in Local Government, York Publishing Services for Joseph Rowntree Foundation, available from York Publishing Services Ltd (01904 431213)
Links: JRF Findings 922
Date: 2002-Sep
An audit report on recruitment and retention problems in local public services found people are leaving because of negative experiences rather than compelling alternative options.
Source: Recruitment and Retention: A Public Service Workforce for the Twenty-First Century, Audit Commission (0800 502030)
Links: Report (pdf) | Report | Summary (pdf)
Date: 2002-Sep
The government published a draft code designed to ensure that where councils choose a private or voluntary sector partner, this is on the basis of raising the level of service rather than driving down the terms and conditions of employees. Business leaders welcomed the code's 'flexibility'.
Source: Draft Circular on Best Value and Performance Improvement, Office of the Deputy Prime Minister (020 7944 4112) | Press release 23.7.02, Confederation of British Industry (020 7395 8247)
Links: Draft Circular (pdf) | ODPM press release | CBI press release
Date: 2002-Jul
An audit report said the government needs to do more to help local councils develop a convincing picture of successful e-government and to encourage improvement to service quality as well as access.
Source: Message beyond the Medium: Improving Local Government Services through E-Government, Audit Commission (0800 502030)
Links: Report (pdf) | Summary (pdf)
Date: 2002-Jul
The government published a new set of principles designed to produce more streamlined and less time-consuming plan requirements (covering the achievement of central policy objectives) for local authorities.
Source: Press release 11.7.02, Office of the Deputy Prime Minister (020 7944 3000)
Links: Press release
Date: 2002-Jul
A study found that nearly 50 per cent of Scottish councillors feel that devolution has weakened local government in Scotland.
Source: Michael Bennett, John Fairley and Mark McAteer, Devolution in Scotland: The Impact on Local Government, York Publishing Services for Joseph Rowntree Foundation, available from York Publishing Services Ltd (01904 431213)
Links: JRF Findings 722
See also: Journal of Social Policy Volume 31/3, Digest 123, paragraph 10.4
Date: 2002-Jul
The government said it will not intervene in local council decisions on the outcome of mayoral referendums.
Source: Press release 25.6.02, Office of the Deputy Prime Minister (020 7944 3000)
Links: Press release
See also: Journal of Social Policy Volume 31/4, Digest 124 (paragraph 10.3)
Date: 2002-Jun
Government guidelines encouraged local authorities to consult residents on council tax levels and local spending priorities.
Source: G. Stoker et al., Council Tax Consultation - Guidelines for Local Authorities, Office of the Deputy Prime Minister (01709 891318)
Links: Guidelines (pdf)
Date: 2002-Jun
A study explored the challenges local authorities face in involving young people in local decision-making.
Source: V. Coombe, Up for it: Getting Young People Involved in Local Government, National Youth Agency (for Joseph Rowntree Foundation), available from York Publishing Services Ltd. (01904 431213)
Links: JRF Findings 632 (pdf)
See also: Journal of Social Policy Volume 31/3, Digest 123 (paragraph 3.1)
Date: 2002-Jun
Research found that local authorities are using local strategic partnerships to develop their community leadership role.
Source: We Can Work It Out: In-Depth Research into Development and Policy Issues for Local Strategic Partnerships, Local Government Association (020 8867 3287)
Links: Summary (pdf)
See also: Journal of Social Policy Volume 31/4, Digest 124 (paragraph 4.6)
Date: 2002-Jun
A study assessed how the Welsh Assembly and local government are working together to formulate a new relationship.
Source: M. Laffin et al., A New Partnership? The National Assembly for Wales and Local Government, York Publishing Services for Joseph Rowntree Foundation, available from York Publishing Services Ltd (01904 431213)
Links: JRF Findings 532 (pdf)
Date: 2002-May
A survey of local authorities and National Health Service trusts found they had done too little to incorporate the Human Rights Act into their work.
Source: The Human Rights Act: A Bulletin for Public Bodies, District Audit/Audit Commission (0800 502030)
Links: Link removed
See also: Journal of Social Policy Volume 30/3, Digest 119 (paragraph 4.3)
Date: 2002-May