What's happening now?

Over 100 people attended the launch of the partnership, in June 1999 where a Concordat was signed by the major partners in Tameside.

People's needs and access to legal advice vary across the Borough.

Who and where to go to for advice are often key concerns. Providers of information and advice services have met to established a provider directory, a referral scheme and are considering drafts for a series of subject specific publicity leaflets.

Piloting of innovative outreach work at Housing Aid Centre and community centres by local legal practices.

Work is underway on seeking the views on Tameside Citizens.

Through the council's Citizen panel, people are being asked a series of questions about where they go for advice, whether they have sought legal advice and what their experience has been.

The Citizens panel is made up of a representative sample of 2000 people across the borough.

We hope that the panel's views will help inform the partnership as it sets about it's work.

A Senior member (Cabinet Deputy) and chief officer (Assistant Chief Executive) have led the Council's work - ensuring the Community Legal Service is linked to the Council's strategies on Customer First, Social Exclusion and Best Value.

There is an action plan for all relevant council funded services to achieve the CLS Quality Mark.

Local website created in partnership with local people training on Electronic Learning Community Project.

Development of local CLS partnership supported by Tameside Community Plan.

   Local strategic plans produced for 2001/2002 and 2003/2005.

Successful consultation days held in July 2000 and July 2001