Public opinion: Your blogs

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Public opinion is New Start’s forum for discussion. Blog entries are posted by site members from all over the sector, and discussion of the topics presented is encouraged. Becoming a member is completely free and gives you the opportunity to help contribute to the most exciting portal for regeneration, economic development and sustainable communities on the web. Site membership is now open, and you can be registered and begin submitting entries in less than 5 minutes! Just use the links at the top of the page.

blog entries

Adrian Ashton

Are 19th century legal forms more appropriate for social enterprise than we think?

I recently blogged about legal forms that social enterprises are adopting, drawing on published figures from the respective regulatory bodies, in an attempt to see if the hype surrounding certain forms is matched by reality.

Posted on Monday, 21st December 2009 | This entry has 2 comment(s)

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Adrian Ashton
Matthew Scott

The tragedy of the ‘refreshed’ Compact

Last week a revised version of the Compact, the terms on which the third sector and government work together, was published. Matthew Scott, director of the Community Sector Coalition, says that the new agreement is a step backwards for equalities and for community sector organisations.

Posted on Monday, 21st December 2009 | This entry has 0 comment(s)

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Matthew Scott
John Goodman

Ownership matters

It’s always gratifying when politicians catch up with the rest of us. So a seasonal cheer for Tessa Jowell’s Progress lecture this week.

Posted on Friday, 18th December 2009 | This entry has 1 comment(s)

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John Goodman
Grant Shapps

A more honest approach to counting rough sleepers is needed

Homelessness is in evidence all around us and yet, surprisingly the government currently only recognises 464 rough sleepers throughout the entire country.

It is impossible to see these figures as realistic, when there are so many without a roof over their heads this Christmas. If we want to …

Posted on Friday, 18th December 2009 | This entry has 0 comment(s)

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Grant Shapps
Toby Blume

Chancellor signals his support but a hard slog ahead

Although the headlines about the pre-budget report will inevitably be about the tax on bankers’ bonuses and the Social Investment Bank being set up, the real news from my point of view was a commitment 'explore options' on better disclosure of how banks provide services to disadvantaged communities.

Posted on Wednesday, 9th December 2009 | This entry has 0 comment(s)

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Toby Blume
Julian Dobson

In praise of inefficiency - a response to Gordon Brown

Today the Chancellor, Alistair Darling, is announcing his spending strategy in the pre-budget report. Gordon Brown has already trailed the big theme: efficiency.

Posted on Wednesday, 9th December 2009 | This entry has 0 comment(s)

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Julian Dobson
Rosie Niven

Pre Budget Report - short-term fix or wholesale reform?

It's the Pre-Budget Report tomorrow where Alistair Darling is expected to crack down on bankers' bonuses with a one-off supertax.

Now, this move might appease taxpayers angry that the people who helped to cause a crisis that led to a £200bn bail-out of the banking sector are …

Posted on Tuesday, 8th December 2009 | This entry has 0 comment(s)

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Rosie Niven
Dan Thompson

Reusing empty shops is more than a short-term fix

Almost a year ago, I had a phone call from a civil servant at the Department for Communities and Local Government. He’d picked up on the work I’d done with artists and empty shops and wanted to know if it worked. When I proved that it did by increasing …

Posted on Friday, 4th December 2009 | This entry has 0 comment(s)

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Dan Thompson
Julian Dobson

A different perspective

What makes a great place? Go to Dubai or any of the other fantasy developments of recent years and you might imagine it's soaring buildings, luxury facilities and a wash of celebrity culture. The faulty foundations of that dream are all too evident now.

Posted on Thursday, 3rd December 2009 | This entry has 0 comment(s)

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Julian Dobson
Alex Sobel

30 days of social enterprise shopping

So after 30 days of solely purchasing from social enterprise what have I learnt about the sector and about myself as a consumer?

Posted on Tuesday, 1st December 2009 | This entry has 1 comment(s)

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Alex Sobel
  • Higher Rhythm Foundation
  • Wavehill
  • HACT
  • New Start Online Shop
  • University of Manchester
  • Creative Places 2010

Most recent comments

You don't have to be a site member to comment on any of our blogs, but as a member you can contribute your own and start debate and discussion on what matters to YOU in the sector.

  • Here’s some more information about the passing of Bura from chair Jackie Sadek:

    http://www.estatesgazette.com/blogs/jackie-sadek/2010/08/we-did-everything-we-could-but-sometimes-that-just-isnt-enough.html

  • Rosie Niven on 2nd September 2010:
    Life after Bura

  • I worked in “regeneration” 1996 to 2009.  My last job in this sector was for University College London and was in the built environment.  I remember, very suddenly after starting that job in 2007, suddenly seeing BURA at almost every turn; the organisation was exceptionally well represented in this field.  …

  • daniel gilbert on 31st August 2010:
    Life after Bura

  • Grateful for all the supportive comments about BURA and about the need for some continuing action, particularly on the awards. All ideas and offers of help and involvement are very welcome. We are determined not to lose the accumulated knowledge and connections. Watch this space

    Paul Evans
    (former?) Vice …

  • Paul Evans on 26th August 2010:
    Life after Bura

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