Policy Statements and Initiatives
HM Treasury: Economic Secretary to the Treasury, Kitty Ussher MP, has confirmed Government plans to make it easier for families to access the affordable credit options offered by credit unions by removing the red tape restricting the growth of the sector.
The Government proposes introducing a Legislative Reform Order to enable cooperatives and credit unions to grow in economic terms, and to help increase their efficiency and ability to compete. The Treasury will consult soon on the proposed Legislative Reform Order, with a view to introduction in 2009.
Press release ~ The (closed) Review of the Great Britain cooperative and credit union legislation: a consultation ~ Co-operatives UK ~ Association of British Credit Unions Limited ~ Building Societies Association ~ FSA: Industrial & Provident Societies
Defra: Wildlife projects across the globe are set to benefit from a commitment to funding for the next three years, Wildlife Minister Joan Ruddock has announced. Defra's unique Darwin Initiative provides three year grants and UK expertise to help start up & extend wildlife conservation projects in countries that are biodiversity rich, but cash poor.
Since its launch in 1992, the Darwin Initiative has dedicated over £65m to over 500 conservation projects and over 100 related projects, in 146 countries in the developing world.
Press release ~ Darwin Initiative ~ Facilitating Forest Restoration for Biodiversity Recovery in Indochina ~ Forest Restoration Research Unit (FORRU-CMU) of Chiang Mai University ~ East Malling Research and Wildlife Landscapes
DCMS: Culture Minister Margaret Hodge has announced plans to ‘strengthen’ DCMS engagement in regional policy through a new, simplified and improved way of working. For the first time, the Department's four key agencies in the regions - Arts Council England, Sport England, English Heritage and the Museums, Libraries and Archives Council - will have a ‘duty to work together to jointly deliver a core set of shared priorities across the culture and sport agenda’.
This alliance, working with partners in local authorities, the Regional Development Agencies and other partner organisations, will agree top priorities and create joint plans of action for the culture & sport agendas for their region.
CLG: Advice on training, employment and childcare are just some of the extra services that will be on offer to some people when they discuss their housing options with their local authority. The trailblazers will provide advice on the full range of housing options from social housing to shared ownership to privately rented properties, linking this with wider employment-related advice to ensure that people are fully informed and able to make the right choice for their individual circumstances.
John Hills report 'Ends and Means: The Future Roles of Social Housing in England' (February 2007) suggested that authorities could offer more integrated housing & employment advice to tackle ‘worklessness’. The twelve trailblazers will also take on a mentoring role, sharing best practice & support with around 20 councils that will receive funding to kick start their own enhanced housing options schemes in 2009/2010.
Press release ~ East Potential ~ Focus E15 ~ 'Ends and Means: The Future Roles of Social Housing in England' ~ 'Expanding Choice, Addressing Need, Addressing Housing Need through the Enhanced Housing Options Approach'
WAG: The NHS Wales Volunteering Network aims to bring together people interested in volunteering in hospitals and in the local community with staff to identify opportunities. It also provides people interested in a career in healthcare with a taster for working in a hospital environment.
Win Griffiths, chair of the Wales Council for Voluntary Action and chair of Abertawe Bro Morgannwg University NHS Trust, said:
“The launch of the All Wales NHS Volunteering Network is another significant landmark in celebrating the contribution made by volunteers to the NHS in Wales………… The Network will ensure a uniform approach to volunteering across Wales with the sharing of best practice that draws on national standards defined by the Investing in Volunteers programme”.
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