Government funding boost for east

More government money could be going to the east as six local authorities start talks on improving funding arrangements and simplifying policy targets.

The authorities have indicated they want to sign new local area agreements with the government.

Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire, Essex, Hertfordshire, Luton and Norfolk have begun discussions with the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister.

Suffolk has already signed up and an agreement is imminent in Peterborough.

The agreements allow councils to bid for more central funds, to focus these resources on particular issues and to cut bureaucracy.

More power devolved

Current discussions are looking at funding and help available for children and young people, health in the community and older people, security, economic development and enterprise.

Local government minister Phil Woolas said: "Local area agreements will play a crucial role in tackling deprivation.

"Above all, the agreements are about changing communities for the better by devolving further power to local authorities."

The government sees the agreements as a radical change in the relationship between central and local government by simplifying the allocation of funds and focusing on local priorities.

The agreements give service providers much greater flexibility and freedom to invest in services that meet local needs.