local government

The audit of best value and community planning South Ayrshire council

Report that reflects the picture available at the time the main audit work was conducted between August and October 2008. The Commission is concerned to note the position at South Ayrshire as set out in the Controller of Audit’s report.

The council has made limited progress towards delivering best value and faces severe financial pressures which pose significant risks and which will make it more challenging for the council to make the improvements needed.

The audit of best value and community planning: Aberdeen city council progress report

When the Accounts Commission published its findings on the Best Value audit on Aberdeen City Council in May 2008 following a public hearing, it requested a further report from the Controller of Audit in 12 months’ time. In this progress report, the Commission is encouraged by the prompt and decisive action taken by the council, and taking into account the timescale, commends the council on its progress across a range of activity.

Good practice guidance for children in care councils

The Government's decision to provide all children and young people with the opportunity to participate fully in decisions that affect them is to be welcomed. It should give Local Authorities the opportunity to develop the appropriate methods of communication that participants need to engage fully in the Children in Care Councils. Children in Care Councils have the potential to contribute to transforming the lives of those involved, providing that children and young people are given the correct platform to share and discuss their views.

Unlocking innovation : why citizens hold the key to public service reform (Demos collection 24)

Collection of papers focusing on the theme of renewing and refocusing understanding of innovation. It explores the notion that everyday interactions between people and public services are a potential source of new ideas and that public services should be developed through participation and co-production.

Local Government in Scotland Act 2003

The Local Government in Scotland Act 2003 is intended to enable the delivery of public services which better meet the expectations of those who pay for and use them.

The Act contains provisions in relation to Best Value within local authorities; local authority trading powers; the Community Planning process; the promotion and improvement of well-being; and certain miscellaneous provisions concerned with local government.

Research to inform the development of a social marketing strategy for health improvement in Scotland : final report

Report presenting the findings of a research study which applied a social marketing framework to eight examples of health improvement campaigns and initiatives in order to inform the development of a social marketing health improvement strategy for Scotland.