The Government's Sustainable Development Education Panel is currently looking at education for sustainable development. Employment Work enables people to meet their needs and raise their living standards. It is the single most effective way of tackling poverty and social exclusion. Local authorities have a role through their economic development work and in the new Employment Zones which the Government is setting up to try out new approaches to help people in areas with high long-term unemployment to obtain and keep jobs. For sustainable development we need to improve the health of the nation as a whole and reduce health inequalities.
Local authorities play a part through the promotion of healthy neighbourhoods.
Health Action Zones are being set up to reduce health inequalities and improve services, through partnerships between local authorities and the NHS, community groups, the voluntary sector and business. Local authorities have a direct impact on the environment. By managing operations to save energy and water, reduce waste and minimise car travel, and by adopting green purchasing policies they can cut costs and set an example to other local organisations. Sustainable development cannot be achieved by one sector or organisation working alone. Achieving it depends on the commitment of others.