Sixteen areas across England that are currently being considered for unitary status will be ranked in order of priority should too many bids emerge as eligible, it was announced yesterday.

Local government minister Phil Woolas said that the move would be made to ensure that any local government restructuring that does go ahead will benefit the taxpayer. (more…)

The communities secretary Ruth Kelly has unveiled major reforms to the UK’s planning system.

The changes, presented in a government white paper, are part of a bid to make the planning process faster and to improve community consultation. (more…)

A guide aiming to reduce damage to new buildings in areas at risk from flooding has been published today.

Communities and Local Government, the Department for the Environment Food and Rural Affairs and the Environment Agency set out ways in which structures should be designed and constructed so as to keep people safe and lessen financial impact when floods occur. (more…)

Norfolk county council has unveiled plans to reduce its carbon footprint.

The council has signed up to the Carbon Trust’s Local Authority Carbon Management Programme to help reduce its carbon emissions.

Over the next 11 months it will work with the Carbon Trust to create and implement a plan to cut carbon output. (more…)

The future of housing and jobs in Thurrock today looked bright after the Thurrock Thames Gateway Development Corporation, which is currently driving regeneration in the area, had its lifespan extended.

The move was announced by the minister for housing and planning, Yvette Cooper. (more…)