The Decentralisation and Localism Bill has today been published, The Bill, which should become law by the middle of next, focuses on six key actions needed to decentralise the Country and place power in the hands of the people:-

• Lift the burden of bureaucracy - by removing the cost and control of unnecessary red tape and regulation, whose effect is to restrict local action;
• Empower communities to do things their way - by creating rights for people to get involved with, and direct the development of, their communities;
• Increase local control of public finance - so that more of the decisions over how public money is spent and raised can be taken within communities;
• Diversify the supply of public services - by ending public sector monopolies, ensuring a level-playing field for all suppliers, giving people more choice and a better standard of service;
• Open up government to public scrutiny - by releasing government information into the public domain, so that people can know how their money is spent, how it is used and to what effect; and
• Strengthen accountability to local people - by giving every citizen the power to change the services provided to them through participation, choice or the ballot box.

Download a copy of the Essential Guide to Decentralisation and the Localism Bill.

Conict was asked to present views on the implications of the new Government for the Housing, Care and Support Sector to the South East Regional Interest Group.

Coalition or Confusion -  The implications for the sector of the new Government  Presented to the South East Regional Interest Group  11th June 2010.

This presentation includes 

• An overview 
• Key elements for Housing 
• Key elements for Supporting People services 
• Key elements for Care 
• Taking Personalisation forward 
• The Worklessness agenda 
• Building the Civil Society (the Third Sector) 
• Key MPs and their portfolio's

You can download a copy of this presentation by clicking on the presentation icon above or by clicking here. 

Key messages from the Conservative - Liberal Democrat Government on us all taking responsibility for our Society. 

Community Power  The Government plans to radically reform the planning system to give neighbourhoods the opportunity to shape their own community.  Introduce new powers to help communities save local facilities and services.  Train community organisers and support the creation of neighbourhood groups

Community Activity 

• Encourage volunteering and involvement in social action 
• Encourage charitable giving and philanthropy 
• Introduce a National Citizen Service (aimed at 16 year olds)