TAKING A LEAF FROM HAMPSHIRE'S BOOK

Local councils across England and Wales are being invited to learn from Hampshire County Council as they map out routes for improvement to public services.

An insight into Hampshire's approach to improvement by Councillor Ken Thornber is one of three stories written by council leaders that feature in a new guide launched today.

The Local Government Association's guidance is aimed at helping around 400 councils support each other to think through, plan and deliver improvements to services such as education, social care and waste recycling.

It follows the publication before Christmas of the Audit Commission's first gradings that categorised councils from excellent to poor. Hampshire was among 22 councils rated `excellent' .

In his contribution Councillor Thornber speaks of partnerships, innovation and consultation, including the joint working with health to expand much needed nursing care, the South Hampshire Rapid Transit scheme to relieve congestion, key worker housing initiative and the direct payments scheme for social care.

He said: "I fully support the national commitment to achieve excellence for all and to prove that councils more than any other public service welcome scrutiny and deserve better freedom and flexibility from central government controls.
He added: "We know there's still much to be done to meet the challenges of the 21^st century in Hampshire and our own improvement programme sets out where we go from here. By sharing good practice and advice with our colleagues in local government we can help each other to make a real difference."

Chairman of the Local Government Association Sir Jeremy Beecham, launching the `Improvement Route Map' said: "Most if not all councils will be able to demonstrate that they are the most effective and efficient provider of services. The ball will then be firmly back in the Government's court and the questions will be stark - will Government be able to let go of the reins of power and allow councils to fully respond to local need and choice, properly funded, locally accountable and in control of their own destiny."

ends

The document will be is available on the Local Government Association's website from Thursday at: www.lga.improvement.asp

Kate Ball 01962 845626
27 February 2003

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