STRENGHTENING LOCAL GOVERNMENT TO DELIVER BETTER PUBLIC SERVICES

Councils in North Kent, the West Midlands and the West of England are today being given new freedoms and powers to work together to improve employment, skills, housing and transport in their regions, announced Communities Secretary John Denham.

The issues that affect people's lives like jobs and housing do not stop neatly at council boundaries. Councils increasingly need to join forces across their borders to mastermind regional solutions for getting more people back into work, raising skills levels, or developing new transport links. The Government is helping local authorities to work together to do this through new Multi-Area Agreements (MAAs).

Today councils are signing up to the next wave of MAAs - giving them new powers to devise their own plans and spend money as they see fit to tackle the most pressing issues in their regions and drive economic recovery.

The agreements will help thousands of people back into work, kick-start stalled housing developments, improve skills, and create first class transport links.

The latest wave of MAAs aim to:

• Reduce the number of people receiving out of work benefits;
• Increase the number of people with formal qualifications;
• Get work started again on stalled housing developments;
• Reducing carbon emissions by increasing the number of people who use public transport to get to and from work.

John Denham said:

"People live and work across different council boundaries and it is right that local authorities do the same. By working together on the pressing issues their regions face, councils can improve the way they deliver services and offer better value for money for the taxpayer.

"These agreements are giving councils new powers to help them work together to direct their spending and support where it is most needed and mastermind regional solutions.

"The priorities of local people will be at the heart of MAAs and the actions these councils are committing to today will help thousands of people back into work, and improve skills, public transport and housing.

"By joining forces through MAAs, councils will also avoid unnecessary duplication helping to ensure that taxpayers' money is being worked as hard as possible in the current climate."

Mr Denham today visited Dartford to sign the North Kent MAA with local council leaders. The ambitions for the area, which will be facilitated by the partnership, include supporting the delivery of 58,000 jobs and 52,000 new homes by 2026, and a major programme to cut carbon emissions by 16.7 per cent compared to levels in 2005 by making housing and transport more energy efficient.

As a result of their MAA, the North Kent partners will also now work with DfT and the Highways Agency to improve public transport so more people will use it to get to and from work. Changes to the local Fastrack bus service being considered include more dedicated bus lanes and providing electronic bus timetables directly into people's homes.

A further three MAAs covering Greater Blackpool (Fylde Coast), Liverpool and the Olympic host boroughs are expected to be signed in the coming weeks. This will take the number of council agreements to fifteen – covering more than a hundred councils.

Over the last decade, the Government has increasingly strengthened the powers councils have as part of a progressive devolution from Whitehall to the town hall. For example, councils now have three-year funding settlements, greater flexibility on how they spend money and fewer targets.

Local Authorities receive fresh cash injection to tackle extremism

Local authorities will receive a £7.5m funding boost to tackle Al-Qaeda influenced extremism, Communities Secretary John Denham announced today. The new funding will give them greater flexibility to support a broader range of activities to improve the effectiveness of the Prevent programme.

The extra funding backs new cross-Government guidance, also published today, which reflects feedback from local authorities and from Muslim communities. The Prevent programme, which aims to challenge any potential support for, or involvement in, Al-Qaeda type violence, has grown in strength and support over the past year.

The new guidance acknowledges that the effectiveness of the programme can be reduced if the labelling of local activities or their restriction solely to Muslim communities discourages some groups from becoming involved.

This additional funding will allow local authorities to do even more work to bring communities together to condemn violent extremism. It is in addition to existing funding to local authorities to deliver the Prevent strategy.

In recent weeks Ministers have made clear their determination to ensure that all sources of support for violent extremism are tackled consistently and effectively and further announcements will be made over the coming weeks.

Communities Secretary John Denham said:

“At the current time, the greatest terrorist threat remains that from Al-Qaeda linked violent extremism. The Prevent programme is key to our long-term success in tackling this threat.

“Prevent will only be fully effective if we respond to constructive criticisms which have come from local authorities and community organisations actively engaged in resisting violent extremism.

“It encourages local activities to avoid crude labels which discourage wide participation, and to see the promotion of activities which develop and sustain shared values - including understanding and respect for difference - as an important component of Prevent.

“Today's additional funding, and new guidance, supports this work. At the same time, we also need to tackle other potential support for violent extremism; including that from racist and fascist groups and over the coming weeks we will set out further proposals for doing so.”

Long term government commitment will turnaround achievements of young black men - Denham

Turning around underachievement of young Black men is a generational challenge that will be met by a long term commitment from Government, Communities Secretary John Denham, said today.

Recommendations from an independent REACH report made to Government two years ago identified the specific and unique barriers that are still holding back too many Black boys and young Black men.

Targeted Government measures to tackle inequality in criminal justice and education are improving the opportunities and life chances for Black boys and young Black men. But there is more to do.

The REACH programme of work, led by representatives from the Black community, set out clearly what further work is needed to tackle specific challenges and ensure no Black boys or young Black men face a penalty for being Black.

Responding to those specific challenges has been the focus of Government’s work in partnership with the community. A report published today shows the progress that has already been made and what further work is needed in three key areas:

More action in communities
Many organisations rooted in communities do an outstanding job of helping young Black boys and are able to support them far more effectively than any national initiative or external group. But they are often small in scale and resources. Guidance being published today will help these organisations to work together, access funding and have greater effect.

Tackling underachievement in schools
Achievement in schools is rising and attainment of Black boys is improving but there is still a gap that must be closed. REACH called for practical action to make stronger links between Black parents and schools and ensure that schools are responding to this challenge. Immediate actions taken by the Government have included getting more dads involved in education through new “Parent Support Advisor” roles, recruiting more Black school governors and as of September every school will be inspected on how well they are promoting equal opportunity and tackling discrimination as part of a normal Ofsted inspection.

Raising aims and aspirations
REACH concluded that when Black boys and Black young men looked around they felt there were few inspirational options available to them and called on Government to establish a national role modelling programme to address this. In 2008, 20 national role models were named who are working with hundreds of young Black boys and men across the country to broaden their horizons by showing them what they can aspire to.

Speaking at a REACH conference in London, John Denham said:

“Barack Obama taking office as America’s first ever African-American president was a turning point in racial equality. And, here in Britain, we can see examples of successful black men from all walks of life.

“However, it is unacceptable that young Black boys are still paying a price for simply being black. Turning around underachievement amongst young Black men is a generational challenge but one that none of us will shy away from. There are no quick fix solutions to what are long standing and complex problems.

“We have developed a good understanding of what the challenges are. Now, we in Government, schools, and crucially, communities need to step up our efforts to work together to deliver the solutions that will ensure young Black boys and men have the confidence, skills, opportunities and determination to succeed.”

Secretary of State for Children, Schools and Families, Ed Balls said:

"We are committed to helping all children to raise their aspirations, fulfil their potential and make Britain the best place to grow up in the world. Our efforts over the last five years have seen considerable improvements in the educational attainment of Black pupils leaving our schools and we have started to narrow the achievement gap.

“Black boys are closing the gap faster than other groups at GCSE - five years ago less than 30 percent got five good GCSEs, last year it was over 50 percent. However, I am determined that we must do more and cannot be complacent. That is why we have set out further reforms for our schools in our recent 21st Century Schools White Paper and welcome the REACH programme and the challenge provided by it to improve the outcomes and aspirations of Black boys."

The Department for Communities and Local Government will be publishing a broader strategy to promote race equality; and learning the lessons from REACH will be a big part of that. This forms part of wider measures that Government is taking forward to tackle race equality.

Entrepreneur, 'Apprentice' Winner and REACH Role Model Tim Campbell said:

"The REACH role modelling project has carried out great work in changing the way that our community addresses some of the issues around young Black men's underachievement. I'm confident REACH will continue to provide a real opportunity to get voluntary organisations, the Government and individuals working together to tackle these issues head on."

(CLG) Denham Outlines Plan to Renew Local Democracy

New Communities and Local Government Secretary John Denham today pledged to re-examine the relationship between central and local government as part of the Government's drive to renew Britain's democracy and restore trust in the political system at every level.

Mr Denham, who was appointed to his new Cabinet position last Friday, wants the debate to focus on citizens not institutions and is committed to strengthen ways in which local people can shape their communities and improve public services.

The Prime Minister today set out his comprehensive plans for constitutional and political reform in order to revive public trust in the system.

As part of this programme, Mr Denham announced he will shortly consult on ideas for placing the relationship between central and local government on a stronger and clearer basis, including the option of new legislation, so that citizens can be sure that they have strong, trusted and responsive institutions.

John Denham said:

"As the Prime Minister has made clear democratic renewal cannot simply be limited to change at Westminster, this is an opportunity for us to look at the way in which communities are actively engaged right across the country.

"Every citizen has the right to shape the communities in which they live. Crucially that means the right to elect their local leaders, the right to have services that meet their needs and the means to demand action where change is needed. Strong local democracy is dependant on councils that are effective, responsive and accountable and well positioned to serve local people.

"If councils are to fulfil this role successfully we need to step back, put local government on a surer footing and move towards less central direction, clearer accountability and more freedom to adapt services in response to the voice of local people.

"The investment that has been delivered over the last ten years combined with the hard work and commitment of local government has already led to radical improvements in the quality and delivery of service. We have already overseen a major power shift from central to local government including a slashing of targets and red tape, new city regions and multi area agreements that mean local leaders have greater powers to determine economic priorities and more power for people to have a say over how local budgets are spent.

"Now is the time to set down more clearly the principles on which central and local government will operate to restore trust in political life."
Over the coming days and weeks the Communities and Local Government Secretary will explore whether and how best the relationship between central and local government can be put on a firmer, clearer basis. Consultation will commence on this shortly.
This will build on the unprecedented steps taken since 1997 to put more power into the hands of local government. Local authorities have gained significant powers, responsibilities and financial freedoms from Central Government to enable further devolution of decision-making to local communities.

The Central-Local Concordat signed in December 2007 established reciprocal rights and responsibilities of local and central government and a framework of principles for how central and local government work together to serve the public.

The Government has also:

* given councils greater financial flexibility by removing spending strings from billions of pounds funding meaning they are free to spend this as they see fit meeting the needs of their communities; and giving them the freedom and responsibility to decide for themselves how much (and where) to borrow and invest funds.

* through Local Area Agreements reshaped the landscape in which councils operate - freeing them up to work with other local partners to better meet the needs of local communities.

* announced two City-Region pilots which will give new powers to Greater Manchester and Leeds to 'unleash and unlock' new economic growth- real strategic powers handed down from Central Government so they can decide how best to increase more jobs, skills, housing and better infrastructure, in a way that reflects local economies and helps them to move beyond the downturn.

* signed ten Multi-Area Agreements between neighbouring councils that have ensured that national policy is tailored to what is needed locally in areas covering employment, skills, transport, regeneration, housing and planning. A further wave of MAAs will be signed shortly.

* announced plans for a new fund to encourage the setting up of at least 20 new young mayors across the country; published a new strategy for participatory budgeting, so more people have a say on how public money is spent; and launched a new Asset Transfer Unit, to support councils and other public bodies to transfer more buildings into community ownership.

(DIUS) Government launches learning revolution

* White Paper launched to inspire and increase opportunities for learning for pleasure

People who want to organise their own groups and classes will be supported by a new national campaign for learning, Government announced today. Public and private buildings all over the country will throw open their doors to learners in the evening and weekends, from pubs, shops, cafes and churches to workplaces, libraries and galleries. The buildings will be identified by the new "Learning Revolution" logo and at least 7,000 rooms will be available, with the number expected to grow.

The campaign is backed by organisations ranging from the Women's Institute, the Church of England and the National Trust to Microsoft and BUPA. They have all pledged to support this movement and where possible, to open their doors so that groups of adults engage in learning to expand their horizons.

The Government today publishes its White Paper, The Learning Revolution, which aims to bring to life a new 21st century vision to help adults learn for pleasure and personal and community development. The White Paper outlines what the whole of Government can do to support learning for pleasure, including funding innovative new ideas and projects, helping to broker access to learning, especially for disadvantaged groups and older people, and building a culture of learning across society.

Key elements include:

* A £20m transformation fund which will support the development of new adult learning partnerships and innovative ideas. This could mean helping local people breathe new life into empty shop premises by setting up artists' studios or theatre workshop spaces, or issuing learning vouchers to people who are unemployed;

* Working across Government departments and local authorities to get all kinds of new spaces opened up for self-organised learning activities. These shared spaces will include libraries, museums, arts galleries, faith spaces and local UK Online centres, as well as schools and colleges. Learners say not finding a low-cost, accessible place to learn can be a significant barrier to learning;

* Making it easier to find a space by setting up a competition to design a new web directory of learning spaces and places that are available at free or low cost, working with umbrella organisations like NAVCA (National Association of Voluntary and Community Action).

Skills Secretary John Denham said:

"Learning in all its many forms improves our quality of life, happiness and personal wellbeing. While improving people's skills is one of the most powerful things they can do to realise their career aspirations, we recognise the importance of learning for pleasure and the enormous contribution it makes to the well-being of individuals, neighbourhoods and wider society.

"Over the past few years, there has been a quiet learning revolution, but the Government wants to ignite this, raising the profile and take-up of learning wherever it happens, so that all adults and communities can benefit from high-quality, innovative learning that is accessible to all. This is ever more important during a downturn.

"The informal learning picture has always been bigger than just publicly funded learning delivered through traditional adult education classes in colleges. This form of learning will continue and does suit some people. But the world has changed considerably. We need to go beyond this narrow vision and make sure such learning is not left behind in the technology stakes. And we need better links between different kinds of learning - public, private, voluntary and self-organised - to create a rich mix of opportunities for people at local level."

The last few years have seen an explosion of online access to education resources, the establishment of book groups, huge growth in the University of the Third Age and the introduction of free access to museums. Many of these developments are supported in one way or another by Government. Free access to museums costs £28m a year, while Government funding for UK online centres in libraries and children's centres stands at £10m a year, as well as £21.5 million a year to fund union learning reps.

On top of this, DIUS has ring-fenced £210m to support adult learning and will continue to protect funding for specialist adult education colleges and institutions, such as City Lit.

And to support the growing importance of digital skills at home and in work, we have asked Baroness Estelle Morris to chair an independent review of ICT Skills for Adults.

A host of organisations, including five Government departments and several local authorities, will today show support for the campaign by signing the learning revolution pledge. By signing the pledge, these organisations will:

* Support the core principles of the learning revolution and encourage others to sign up;

* Advocate wider participation, especially by those who have benefited least from learning;

* Find flexible ways of using our existing spaces, or opening up new spaces, for learning;

* Encourage and support learning activities organised by people for themselves;

* Embrace new ways of learning, including the use of information technology and broadcasting;

* Find and work with new partners to increase adult learning opportunities; and
* Celebrate successes.

The Museums, Libraries and Archives Council, who signed the Learning Revolution pledge today, aim to help open up 3,000 spaces and will set up a new £100k challenge fund offering small grants to enable museums, libraries and archives to develop capacity and encourage innovation in supporting self-organised learning.

Culture Secretary Andy Burnham said:

"Learning shouldn't stop when you leave school or college. It should be a natural part of everyone's life, throughout their whole life. Public libraries are ideally placed to play a big part in promoting it and I challenge the 149 services across England to get behind the campaign, and display their 'Learning Revolution' logo with pride."

Communities Secretary Hazel Blears said:

"Informal learning often goes unnoticed and unrecognised when it deserves to be acknowledged, celebrated and supported.

"Whether through book groups in the local library, cookery lessons in the village hall, or language clubs in the cafe, informal learning creates a sense of community. It brings people together from different backgrounds. It lets them learn new skills and build social networks, both of which are doubly important in these difficult times. Above all, of course, it's fun!

"The White Paper includes a new challenge to, and new support for, local authorities to play their part. Together we can help make sure that informal learning isn't a privilege reserved for the few, but an opportunity enjoyed by many."