The Humber Technical Assistance Partnership is undertaking a survey of views to help inform the next phase of the ERDF (European Regional Development Fund) programme 2007-13.
The ERDF is a funding stream that can be used to help develop opportunites to grow the renewables sector and the HTAP have emphasised the importance of engaging the voluntary and community sector in ERDF bidding.
The survey should take no more than 5-10 minutes to complete.
The deadline for completion is Wednesday 28th September. Please click on the link below to get started...
THE LGiU (Local Government Information Unit) is conducting some research into how local councils are making use - or not - of citizen-run or 'hyperlocal' websites.
LGiU Blog Editor Rob Dale has studied the research into citizen online networks conducted last year by Networked Neighbourhoods. Rob is now asking Councillors and Council Officers to take part in a survey as part of ongoing research:
"Of people who use these sites, the study found only 13% were involved in ‘formal political’ activity, 59% felt able to influence decision-making processes and 42% felt their attitudes towards local councillors had improved. Importantly, nearly all councils identified such sites as being somewhat or highly ‘constructive or useful’.
Their work showed how local, citizen-run websites bring social benefits to residents and the potential for co-production and public sector savings.
I am therefore very excited to be collaborating with Networked Neighbourhoods on a follow up exploration of how councils are making use of these local websites.
We expect this research to add further insights of importance to members and officers as local government adjusts to new relationships with citizens."
Want to get involved?
If you are a councillor and would like to take part in the research you can do so here: Councillor Survey.
If you are an officer and would like to take part in the research you can do so here: Officer Survey.
An event is being held later in the year at which the findings of these surveys will be discussed. Find out more at Rob Dale's article on the LGiU Blog or contactrob.dale@lgiu.org.ukRead more...
THE PARLIAMENTARY Treasury Select Committee has reopened its inquiry into plans to phase out cheques after being inundated by public concerns on the matter.
The proposal by the Payments Council (who speak on behalf of the major banks) to do away with cheques by 2018 has come about because cheque use has fallen by 40% in the UK since 2004. Electronic forms of payment, it is claimed, is cheaper saving both time and processing costs, the benefits of which can be passed onto customers.
Small businesses, charities and voluntary sector organisations fear that the move will be detrimental to them and increase the admin burden.
Civil Society Fundraising Magazine has joined with nfpSynergy to put together a quick survey to get a feel for how abolishing cheques might impact on charities. If you are a not-for-profit organisation and have 10 minutes to spare, then please Complete the Survey by Wednesday 4th May at the very latest.
Read more...
THE GOVERNMENT is abolishing Yorkshire Forward the Regional Development Agency by 2012 and has invited local councils and businesses to work together to form local enterprise partnerships to promote economic growth and jobs.
There is a lively debate taking place over which model or models of partnership should be formed in Yorkshire.
Hull City and East Riding of Yorkshire councils believe that the starting point, which can build on the significant and growing amount of joint working taking place, would be a ‘North Bank’ local enterprise partnership covering the East Riding. Such an arrangement recognises the established economic geography that links the economy of Hull with the rest of East Yorkshire.
Lincolnshire councils and some maritime businesses meanwhile have backed the idea of a 'Humber-wide' partnership claiming the approach would have more depth than each authority vying for its own pitch and competing.
Other business leaders and councils have called for a wider 'Yorkshire Enterprise Partnership' to be formed in addition to any local model of partnership. Supporters behind the YEP idea argue that Yorkshire needs a bigger organisation to look after its interests at national and international level. Some functions, such as promoting the Yorkshire brand and tourism, are best carried out at a regional level.
The views of business are the key factor in this process and councils are consulting with and listening to the business community. The two local councils have jointly launched an on-line survey to give all businesses the chance to have their say. To give your views, follow the link to the survey below by 26th August 2010:
Update on key meeting of Council leaders yesterday from The Business Desk: Councillors open door for YEP plan (may have to register to read full article).
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