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Organisational Structure Purdah The Government Office Network - Personal Information Vacancies Advanced Search Business Continuity Page Children and Young People Change for Children Change for Children: the National Picture Change for Children National Picture Change for Children: the National Picture Children's Fund: the National Picture Connexions: the National Picture Millennium Volunteers: the National Picture Positive Activities for Young People: the National Picture Sure Start: the National Picture Early Years and Children Under 0-13 Children's Fund Sure Start Safeguarding: the National Picture Young People 14-19 Connexions Millennium Volunteers Positive Activities for Young People Community Safety Acquistive Crime Anti-social Behaviour British Crime Survey Comparator Offences Tracker Tool Community Safety: the National Picture Acquisitive Crime: the National Picture Anti-social Behaviour: the National Picture Crime Reduction Initiatives: the National Picture Drugs: the National Picture Research and Analysis: the National Picture Violent Crime: the National Picture Crime Reduction Drugs Regional Crime Mapping System Research and Analysis North West Research and Analysis Forum 16th Sept 06: Sharing Good Practice in the Crime and Drugs Field Violent Crime Contact Us Access to Information Complaints Procedure Office Locations Crown Copyright Culture and Leisure Arts and Creative Industries Regional Cultural Consortium Culture and Leisure: the National Picture Arts and Creative Industries: the National Picture Heritage, Museums, Libraries and Archives: the National Picture Regional Cultural Consortiums: the National Picture Sports and Recreation: the National Picture Tourism: the National Picture Heritage, Museums, Libraries and Archives Sports and Recreation Tourism Economy Business and Industry Economy National: the National Picture Business and Industry: the National Picture Regional Development Agencies: the National Picture Rural Economy: the National Picture Regional Economic Performance: the National Picture Regional Development Agency Relationship Regional Economic Performance Education and Skills Education Education and Skills: the National Picture Education National Picture Higher Education: the National Picture Skills: the National Picture Skills Skills for Life Environment and Rural Energy Environment and Rural: the National Picture Energy: the National Picture Environmental Issues: the National Picture Farming and Food: the National Picture Regional Rural Policy: the National Picture Sustainable Development: the National Picture Waste: the National Picture Environmental Issues Climate Change Ecosystems Approach Seminar Green Infrastructure in the NW Region Farming and Food Biodiversity Biomass and Woodfuel CAP Reform Forestry Investing in the Future Public Sector Food Procurement Initiative (PSFPI) Rural Development Programme for England (RDPE) Rural Renaissance: A Rural Recovery Plan for the North West North West Rural Affairs Forum Executive Group Papers Photos from Full Forum meeting at the Castle Green Hotel What's New? Regional Rural Policy Context Testing of the Regional Rural Delivery Framework Market Town Initiatives Parish and Town Councils Rural Equity Rural Social and Community Programme Rural Strategic Group State of the Rural North West The Rural Voluntary and Community Sector Sustainable Development NW Sustainable Procurement Forum NW Sustainable Procurement Forum Membership Waste NW Sustainable Waste Management Conference SWM-NW08 European Funding Community Initiatives European Funding: the National Picture Community Initiatives - Interreg III National Picture Community Initiatives: the National Picture European Structural Funding 2007-2013 Objective 1: the National Picture Objective 2: the National Picture Objective 3: the National Picture Transactional ERDF and State Aid (TESA) Objective 1 Objective 2 European Programme Legacy and Evaluation Programme Management & Governance Objective 3 Structural Funds 2007-2013 Consultation on the North West’s 2007-2013 European Programmes European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) European Social Fund (ESF) Applying to be the Community Grants Co-ordinating Body Information on the Complementary Strand Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) Directive TESA Ezines Back Issues LAA News An overview of new Local Area Agreements (LAAs) New Model LAAs - Frequently Asked Questions Feasibility Testing Update Feasibility Testing - the Oldham & Cumbria Experience IDeA Support - Improvement Support Work Programme Information Management Project (IMP) Introducing the GONW LAA Co-ordination Team LAA Finance Update News Comprehensive Area Assessment LAA Roadshow Update Oldham LAA Video Case Studies Pilot Round 1 & 2 Annual Reviews null Background Biography Building Local Capacity Government Office for the North West Greater Manchester Challenge Health inequalities News Bus passenger takes trip of a lifetime Corrie star kicks off the Big Drink Debate Eight North West voluntary groups receive Queen's Award for voluntary service Government plans for a fairer society debated on Merseyside Greater Manchester Challenge launches with an ambitious agenda Preparing Britain for the future Regional Minister Beverley Hughes gets a teenage view on Government's thinking during Stretford school visit Regional Minister hears how European Capital of Culture is helping people into work and communities Shaping a fairer future means working together says Regional Minister Regional Minister's Team Speeches Cumbria Alcohol Strategy Launch (video message) Keynote address at Protecting Your Business Seminar Keynote address at the CLES Summer School Worklessness null LAA News Fire & Rescue Service Update Promoting Success – FRS and their work within North West LAAs Indicative LAA negotiating timetable for 2007/08 Information Management Programme (IMP) Update Performance Indicators Exchange Community Website & Forum LAA Dry-Run - Local LAA Dry-run - National LAA Finance Update LAA Guidance News IDeA LAA and LSP Improvement Support Programme Join our Communications team LAA Roadshow Promoting Success – FRS and their work within North West LAAs Places & Partnerships Team null null Access to finance for small business Apprenticeships Background Biography Government Office for the North West Greater Manchester Challenge News Beverley Hughes attends first Council of Regional Ministers Dramatic Crime Reductions in the North West Highest number of new schools opening for thirty years Joint economic commission for the North West agrees actions on economic downturn New focus on the economy for North West Regional Minister Beverley Hughes New sustainable framework for homes and jobs in the North West Regional Minister forms economic 'Supergroup' Regional minister highlights importance of a skilled workforce as merseyside authorities sign 'skills pledge' £200m support for Northwest businesses as tough economic climate continues to bite Regional Minister's Team Speeches Keynote address at the launch of the Regional Economic Framework Video message at launch of the Regional Leaders Forum Video message at the launch of the Dignity in Care campaign Video message on the annual crime statistics publication Worklessness Fact Files: North West Bolton Liverpool Manchester North West Help Accessibility Help Colours Text size and font style Text-only version Using a keyboard How To Use This Website Search Tips Technical Help Keyword Search Local Government Local Area Agreements Local Government Improvement Beacon Councils Beacon Peer Support Scheme Comprehensive Performance Assessment (CPA) Regional Improvement and Efficiency Partnership (RIEP) Local Government National Picture Local Area Agreements National Picture Local Government Improvement National Picture Local Public Service Agreements National Picture Local Strategic Partnerships National Picture Local Government Reorganisation in Cheshire Public Service Agreements News Preparing Britain for the future 'Thunderbird' training for Firefighters funded by Government 10 million for coastal resorts in first wave of Sea Change grants 12 seaside resorts benefit from new wave of Sea Change funding 12 seaside resorts benefit from new wave of Sea Change funding 15 locations shortlisted for next stage of eco-towns programme Beverley Hughes attends first Council of Regional Ministers Changes to working neighbourhood funding announced Cheshire invited to come forward on social housing Commercial officers from around the world visit Stockport firm as example of engineering excellence Community rail - new life for local lines Cumbrian companies urged to achieve export ambitions DCMS conducts first national study of voluntary arts activity in England Defra launches £6 million Greener Living Fund Education maintenance allowance works for Merseyside's teenagers Events Diary 4th Annual North West e-Government Group Conference European Social Fund - Innovation & Transnationality Projects Meeting Everyclick and Clear Channel Outdoor launch the UK’s largest competition for charities Expert panel discusses plans for bus passenger champion Extra funding available for North West's rural stations Facing the Housing Challenge – Action Today, Innovation for Tomorrow Further support for tackling chewing gum litter in Blackpool Government publishes Draft Legislative Programme 2008-09 Inequities are killing people on a "grand scale" reports WHO's Commission Joint economic commission for the North West agrees actions on economic downturn Manchester and Bolton lead the way in £55m overhaul of disabled parking toughest crackdown yet on Blue Badge abuse Manchester and Bolton lead the way in £55m overhaul of disabled parking toughest crackdown yet on Blue Badge abuse Minister confirms funding for new deal for communities in North West in 2008-09 More than £8.5 million to help North West planning authorities unlock their housing market New focus on the economy for North West Regional Minister Beverley Hughes New National Advancement service will break down barriers to work across Greater Manchester New National Advancement Service will break down barriers to work across Merseyside New study dispels 'lazy teens' image New Sustainable Framework for homes and jobs in the North West News Archive Benn pledges £34 million to implement Pitt review recommendations Liverpool welcomes move to England wide bus pass Pooch power: search dogs recruited to fire & rescue service "Government and businesses must work together to tackle carbon emissions" says Environment Minister "not a 24 hour makeover" - Minister meets leaders driving change in Cheshire 'Emergency' Black Cabs alcohol warning: Don't let a good night turn into a bad one 'Good progress' on environmental stewardship 'Royal-tour' takes the road to the North West 'Science City' Manchester helping to build bridges of innovation 2,500 Wirral drug users helped into treatment this year 2007 Queen's Award for Enterprise 21st Century makeover for Disabled Parking scheme 26 Local Authorities bid to move to single tier government 40 areas appointed to lead the Respect programme 800 civil servants to move to new Manchester home Advice Service's £14m boost for North West firms Almost 100,000 children across the North West benefit from record child maintenance figures Almost £20M Grassroots Grants scheme opens its doors to small voluntary and community groups in the North West Almost £20M Grassroots Grants scheme opens its doors to small voluntary and community groupsin the North West Appointment of Director for Children and Learners Assessment of North West Regional Development Agency activity and perfomance for the 2005-06 financial year Assisted Areas Consultation Update Atlas aim for global success with help from UKTI Authorities discuss new priorities for North West Avian influenza - final epidemiology report published Avian Influenza - remaining restrictions lifted BBC announces shortlist of locations for North West move Better support for emotional wellbeing in schools – 25 pilot areas announced Bids invited for £16m Merseyside European Funding Blackpool among Local Authorities reducing chewing gum litter by two thirds through Government-backed campaign Blackpool scheme praised as ministers launch new 'think family' approach to help vulnerable parents and children Blackpool's iconic tram set for £85million upgrade Blears announces new regeneration drive for Manchester Blears confirms regeneration boost for Blackpool Board Game makes drugs advice child's play Bolton be safe project scoops top prize in Nationwide Crime Fighting Award Budget confirms recovery of North West cities Bus passengers to be championed by watchdog Bus passengers to benefit from local transport bill Buses to get £20 million boost Business and Culture in Liverpool Call for nominations as tackling drugs changing lives awards launched in North West Can you help shape the future of Manchester? Carbon Trading announcement and £30 million for public sector energy improvements Cash boost for biomass fuel for heat and electricity generation Casino Advisory Panel Recommends to Secretary of State where 17 new casinos should be located Charity begins at home - new action to get homeless into work Cheshire schoolkids targeted to get firework safety message to parents who put families at risk Chester gears up to celebrate European successes Chester Social Enterprise selected to compete for £500,000 prize fund Children and families to be given support they need to fight obesity Christmas crackdown carries a big message Christmas revellers told: Think! don't drink and drive Climate Change Champion sees how North West is acting on CO2 Climate change champions fulfil fact-finding expedition in the Netherlands Communities in the North West win praise for transforming open spaces Community ownership gains new momentum Comprehensive Performance Assessment Results, December 2005 Confront and change anti-social behaviour Construction innovators - please step forward Consultation launched on North West’s 2007-2013 European Programmes Consultation on a strategy to protect the health of honey bees Consultation on the Regional Homelessness Strategy Coronation Street stars back the bus pass Councils match Tesco.com for web hits Countdown commences for North West's new ticket to ride Cumbria and Salford Councils named as empowerment champions Cumbria communities in control over Council cash Cumbria Tourism praised for getting county back on track Cumbria welcomes its first eco-street as Defra announces more funding for sustainable living Cumbrian drug team named as North West's best Deadline approaches for communities to make the most of local assets Defra announces measures to encourage individuals to tackle climate change and take up greener lifestyles Defra announces plans to replace current Hill Farm Allowance Scheme Defra announces renewal of grants to environmental action fund projects to support sustainable living Defra incentive schemes encourage recycling Deputy Prime Minister John Prescott launches consultation on 15 year master plan for Carlisle Detailed noise maps available at the click of a mouse Digital Britain - The future of communications Digital solutions to social exclusion Disperse anti-social behaviour from the North West's streets Do you have a Local Hero? Dramatic crime reductions in the North West Driver Testing and Training to be overhauled Drug Worker of the Year for the North West e-Government unit relocates to the North West Education maintenance allowance works for Cumbrian teenagers Education maintenance allowance works for Cumbrian teenagers Education maintenance allowance works for Greater Manchester's teenagers Education maintenance allowance works for Lancashire teenagers Education Maintenance Allowance Works for Warrington and Cheshire Teenagers Eight North West Authorities awarded Beacon Status Eight North West voluntary groups receive Queen's Award for voluntary service Elderly urged to apply for help for heating and insulating their homes England team backs anti-knife campaign Ensuring a fair housing market for all Enterprise Skills To Be Taught At Premiership Football Clubs Environment Minister calls for the public sector to lead in energy efficiency Environment Secretary backs take up of flood protection measures for homes and businesses Europe faces up to challenge of its changing diversity - with official British launch in Manchester Extension of Bluetongue protection zone to allow further vaccination Extension of Bluetongue protection zone to allow further vaccination Extra help for the poorest performers as recycling targets are increased Extra millions to regenerate run down housing in the North West Fair and affordable funding to keep down council tax Faith Communities Capacity Building Fund Faith Communities Capacity Building Fund - Round Two Final call to enroll on a 2008 Early Years Professional course Final report of the Business Continuity and Perceptions of Business Crime in the North West Region survey published Financial penalties for utility companies which fail to give proper notice of street works introduced Findings from study of the Mersey Basin Campaign published Fire engines go green First batch of bluetongue vaccine delivered First glimpse of Liverpool's European Capital of Culture programme Five years in prison for careless drivers who kill Follow the Leaders, Save a Tree - be a Hugger Formal recognition for wartime women who worked on the land From Neighbourhood to the National: Policing Our Communities Together From the street to the boardroom Government and business leaders give homeless organisations a chance to become entrepreneurs Further support for tackling chewing gum litter in Wigan Getting that dream career is easy according to one in four North West teenagers Global opportunities beckon for North West companies at UK trade & investment ports sector event Go-ahead for £51m A34 Alderley Edge and Nether Alderley bypass Gorton Community Allotment Dig Government backs Metrolink extensions and gives go ahead for refurbishment work to start Government committed to affordable housing in Cumbria Government confirms £525million to benefit communities Government Connect enters an exciting new phase Government invests to improve local transport in the North West Government invests £213m to improve local transport in the North West Government makes £1.25m available for victims of crime Government powers help local authorities get tough on litter Government publishes alternatives to casino-led regeneration Government puts casino panel’s recommendations to Parliament in full Government response to audit commission report - staying afloat - financing emergencies Government support for flood risk households Government takes action to deliver 106 new Pendolinos for West Coast Government tender for Bluetongue vaccine Government to invest £11.4m in community fire safety - £2.5m for the North West Greater Manchester, Merseyside, Lancashire and Cheshire offered additional funding to tackle youth crime Green farming schemes in the North West reaping benefits after 21 years Green Fire Stations to open up to local communities Green light for five flagship unitary councils Hazel Blears gives green light to sub-regional jobs boost Healey confirms TUPE protections for staff moving to new Unitary Councils Healey unveils overhaul of efficiency and improvement support for North West councils Health and worklessness key priorities for Merseyside Healthier Horizons for the People in the North West Heathrow Matters to the North West says Transport Secretary Helping soldiers into homes Heysham to M6 link planning decision Highest number of schools opening for thirty years Highways Agency (North West) Highways Agency and the Met Office ready for severe winter weather on Cumbria and North Lancashire's busiest roads Highways Agency urges road users to 'be prepared' as major events compete Hilary Benn responds to review into handling of foot and mouth disease Historic Warrington pub voted pick of the poll in the North West of England Homelessness falls across the North West Households and local authorities make progress on waste Housing Organisations net more than £20 million from ODPM HSAO provides friendly face of hse for Cumbrian agriculture Joint declaration to tackle climate change Keeping traffic moving and cutting disruption - new powers come into force Kelly announces £244m for Manchester tram extensions Kelly announces £6bn Motorway Improvements Kirkby Lonsdale firm drive Business forward with help from UKTI Lake District National Park invests in a brighter future Lancashire pathfinder leads way to better rural services Lancashire talent travels to Texas for major Music and Media Conference Lancashire talent travels to Texas for major Music and Media Conference Lancashire’s new business support website goes live Lancaster and Morecambe awarded £75,200 extra Government funding for cycling success Lancaster drug workers in running for awards Last chance to enter Tackling Drugs Changing Lives Awards in North West Launch of the My UK competition by Downing Street and Blue Peter Lifetime Homes, Lifetime Neighbourhoods: housing an ageing society Livestock keepers get chance to shape animal disease policy Local authorities dive in for £140 million free swimming fund Local authorities encouraged to take the plunge on free swimming Local authorities encouraged to take the plunge on free swimming Local Authorities working together on waste: consultation published Local councils crucial to fighting climate change Local Democracy needs you Local Enterprise Growth Initiative (LEGI) Awards Local Government in driving seat for decision making and delivery Local Government Minister confirms inflation-busting settlement for councils London 2012 Business Network launched in Manchester Lottery cash brings new hope for North West young Lowest increase in council tax for 14 years announced Lowest number of asylum applications in 14 years in the North West Lowest number of asylum applications in 14 years in the North West Lowton firm enjoy export success providing worldwide security solutions Lyons Inquiry final report and recommendations M6 motorway maintenance work to be carried out overnight to reduce delays Major consultation opens on Government's strategy for waste Major fire safety reform - Government gives stakeholders more time to prepare Major milestone reached for devolved decision making for local areas Make it your new year resolution to get out and about with your bus pass in 2008 Making good progress: 10 local authorities selected for groundbreaking pilot Manchester City Council to offer affordable housing deals Manchester project in top ten - going live in 2005 - a review of the renewable energy year Manchester project thriving as Defra announce renewal of sustainable living grants Manchester talent travels to Texas for major music and media conference Matthew Taylor review issues call for evidence on how land use and planning can better support rural business and deliver affordable housing - have your say MBE for Chair of the Liverpool Arabic Centre Merseyside drug workers in running for awards Merseyside Partnership nominated for prestigious Beacon Award Merseyside Partnership nominated for prestigious Beacon Award Merseyside talent travels to Texas for major music and media conference Merseytram statement Metrolink's £102million upgrade gets final Government seal of approval Minister congratulates successful export scheme at Daresbury Science & Innovation Campus Minister welcomes new UK-Ireland network to promote sustainable transport in urban areas Ministers refuse Whinwash wind farm application More neighbourhoods to get a 'community kitty' More rail stations to be made accessible Multi million pound PFI upgrade for streetlights in Knowsley Muslims Celebrate the Best of Britain National Livestock Markets roadshow comes to the North West 2008 Nearly £17m for North West as Woolas rewards local authorities for business growth with over £105m Neighbourhood Management a valuable tool says independent report New action to combat child trafficking in the North West New action to tackle social exclusion and link services for older people - Miliband New campaigns to reduce gum litter New crime statistics for the North West New HomeBuy mortgage launched New laws passed to communities and councils to tackle public safety New measures to tackle non-UK drivers and hauliers who break road traffic laws New Ministerial Appointments New NICE guideline calls for urgent action to stem the rising tide of obesity in England and Wales New planning pilots launched for large developments New powers for councils to raise millions more to support new homes New push for recycling in public places New report tackles neighbourhood Studentification problem in North West NHS to tackle Climate Change No room for let up in the battle against litter says Minister Nominees announced for the Tourism Young Achievers Award 2005 North West Community Champion wins prestigious award for work with Young People North West Councils' role in reducing waste - local statistics published North West Drug Team of the Year North West Employment and Skills Evidence Base 2008 North West faith organisations share in £4.3 million to help promote community cohesion North West Farmers get the chance to learn more about rural energy creation and non food crops North West firms can be the best with support from Knowledge to Innovate North West goes global with continued support for exporters North West is a happy place to live, new sustainable development figures show North West Minister welcomes new tobacco law North West projects share in £2.4million boost for volunteering, mentoring and befriending North West projects support new action to help 16-25s make successful move to adulthood North West sites included as listing of 18 historic buildings is amended to highlight their links to the abolition of slavery North West Strategic Health Authority to lead improvements in allergy services North West success as cool heads contribute to historic fall in fires North West takes on the climate challenge North West to receive £526m to supply new affordable housing North West to share in further £300m for local business growth North West to share in £2 million road safety grant North West Tops the League with Highest Number of Top Quality Parks North West trio win National Award for helping vulnerable people Numbers becoming homeless fall in the North West NWDA receives top rating from the National Audit Office One in three retailers caught in underage alcohol sting Operation probes community fears on crime and drugs Order placed for Bluetongue vaccine Over 59,000 smokers in the North West quit, 14% more than last year. Over £1million is invested on Merseyrail line Over £300 million to encourage business growth Over £500m funding for North West housing market renewal areas announced Overnight slip road closures as part of £1.2M resurfacing of M6 in Cumbria Petition power kicks off new year of community action Pioneering carbon trading scheme to promote school energy efficiency Plan to triple number of youngsters using substance misuse services Planning White Paper Released - Major Planning Reforms for a Sustainable Future Points system goes live in North West Police continue to improve performance - Police Performance Assessment Pot of gold helps Trafford's young people make a difference in community Pre-Budget Report 2005 - In the North West Prime Minister announces North West Youth Climate Change Champion Prime Minister launches contract for Foreign Nationals seeking British Citizenship in the North West Priority offending programme cuts crime Professor Ashton to step down as Regional Director of Public Health Programme-led apprenticeships need greater promotion and understanding following a sharp fall in participation, says Ofsted Progress report on a better Blackpool Promoting freedom of speech to achieve shared values and prevent violent extremism on campus Public examination of the Regional Spatial Strategy Putting noise on the map - Defra publishes airport noise maps Queen's Award for Voluntary Service Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service Radical change to boost equality and diversity in Fire Service Regeneration Framework – CLG consultation until 31 October 2008 Regional Development Agency helps boost Northwest's economy Regional Minister Beverley Hughes visits Lancashire to see progress on regeneration and economic growth Regional Minister visits West Cumbria to see innovative projects helping young people into employment Respect drive targets troublesome families Restructuring North West police forces - options for change Review of Sub-National Economic Development and Regeneration Rock of Ages Rrescue battery hens find a new role - teaching pupils at Birkenhead school Ruddock launches one-stop shop for adapting to climate impacts Salford families get help to tackle Christmas stress Save Money, Save Energy: Government takes action on family fuel bills School children