cadence comments about cadence works

11 Jun 2010

Total neighbouhood and cuts

While the coalition government approach to the Total Place initiative is not completely clear, there are signs the overall principles are supported. Many are not waiting for guidance from the centre and are getting on with projects that build on the TP approach and learning ... more

22 Feb 2010

Local democracy and elected Mayors

The BBC in South Yorkshire has done a survey of 500 people about the mayoral system in troubled Doncaster Council. They have found that 73% of people do not know who the Mayor is and that the majority would not vote for mayoral system in a referendum ... more

10 Feb 2010

3rd sector mixed messages

The unique skills and community benefits of the third sector must not be overlooked by councils looking to improve local public services, Communities Secretary John Denham said today. Voluntary organisations and charities are overwhelmed with demand for their services, but funding cuts are making it hard for them to keep up, plan for the future and prove their true worth (Public magazine). In the same Denham press release he adds: "In the quest for leaner more efficient services we still need to find ways for councils to take advantage of the positive social outcomes the third sector provides." ... more

28 Jan 2010

3rd sector and efficiency - baths and babies

Council taxpayers will be intolerant if told front lines services are being cut back when their local authority hasn’t made every effort to be as efficient as possible, Communities Secretary John Denham warned this week. He also said that councils shouldn’t ignore the social outcomes the third sector can provide such as jobs for the workless or better services, in the stampede the hunt down the cheapest deal ... more

30 Apr 2008

Elections and inaction

The Government by convention restrict their policy announcements during the local election period - purdah. This leaves slim pickings for organisations like us who like to highlight policy announcements and debate ... more

4 Apr 2008

Kings of the swingers playing around

Recent stories of swinging politicians are more likely to induce a Nick Clegg(over) joke rather than admiration, but Ed Balls and Andy Burnham's enthusiastic leaping on to a swing seems to have gone down well everywhere. They were launching a consultation on a national play strategy ... more

25 Feb 2008

Creative industries to the mainstream

Cadence welcomes the new Culture Secretary's view that 'The creative industries must move from the margins to the mainstream of economic and policy thinking' ... more

14 Feb 2008

The power of sport and money

It seems as though the athletics world is ganging up on Dwain Chambers and trying to demonise him. There is an over romantic view of sport sometimes and people like him are bad for business, because that's what it is business and action only happens when money is the issue ... more

4 Feb 2008

Make play safer, says Cameron

Play is certainly enjoying a profile it's never had before at the moment. The Conservatives review of childhood is recommending measures to tackle the fact that the outdoors is 'hostile' to children. The most eye catching idea is bringing back park keepers, which is interesting as it has been reported as though the authors have not noticed the recent appearance of Play Rangers who are being funded by the local authorities and the BIG Lottery Children's Play Initiative ... more

30 Jan 2008

DIY innovation

Ben Rogers of ippr says we need to know more about examples of innovation. He mentions Kent County Council and the Design Council, which will feature in work Cadence Works are just starting for the National School of Government ... more