23rd March: Transition Institute’s Weekly Roundup!

Happy Friday all!

Here are some of the key stories relating to public sector spin-outs and new models of public services that deliver real social value:

Monday 19^th:

• Third Sector News – Government review of legal framework for social enterprises could influence Budget. The Department for Work and Pensions has indicated it plans to lift barriers to growth in the social investment market.
• Campaign4Change blog – Osborne’s Budget speech may provide update on Coalition’s mutuals plans.
• Civil Society Finance News – Social impact bonds expand across the UK (and beyond: New financing – ‘impact bond’ – emerges for social innovation in the US).

Tuesday 20^th:

• Third Sector News – Kevin Curley: Government must get behind the social value act. The new law will need forceful implementation and rigorous monitoring if it is to be effective.

Wednesday 21^st:

• Mutuals Information Service (MIS) published a summary of what the 2012 Budget means for public sector mutuals.
• Social Enterprise Live – Budget response: social business leaders call for independent chair for social enterprise review. A group of leading social economy organisations have welcomed the Government’s commitment to review the finance barriers facing social enterprises.
• The Press, York – BUDGET: Measures will help university spinouts. University spinouts could benefit from measures to promote innovative new businesses.

Thursday 22^nd:

• Blog by Allison Ogden-Newton, Transition Institute Chair, regarding Chancellor’s budget announcement – Curious George wonders what is stopping social investment? (also featured on our blog).
• Guardian Professional Local Government Network – Budget 2012 and the implications for local councils. Sir Merrick Cockell, chair of the Local Government Association, shares his analysis of the chancellor’s budget announcements.
• Children & Young People Now News – London boroughs announce staff-led mutual for school support services.
• Guardian Professional Social Enterprise Network, Co-operatives and Mutuals Hub – How employee ownership saved a declining company. Simon Birch reports on the transformation of fortunes at money makers Woollard & Henry.

Friday 23^rd:

• Guardian Professional Local Government Network – Editor’s blog: no relief for local government from the chancellor.

Have a lovely weekend!