London Councils has outlined its vision for future housing provisions in the capital, responding to the housing strategy laid out by mayor Ken Livingstone.

The response emphasises the importance of the role played by London’s individual boroughs, with their hands-on experience of local issues and priorities. (more…)

Hampshire County Council has become the first such authority in the country to be awarded an “excellent” rating for its social care by the Audit Commission.

The independent watchdog, in discussion with Her Majesty’s Inspectorate of Probation and the Commission for Social Care Inspectorate, gave the council a three-star rating, the highest possible score. (more…)

Three per cent more home building projects were started in England during 2006, compared to the previous year, with the number of new buildings completed up half a per cent.

These are the key statistics from the annual housing summary published by Communities and Local Government. According to the figures, 183,143 homes were begun in 2006, compared to 177,129 in 2005 and just 144,702 in 2000. (more…)

Communities and Local Government has launched an initiative to reduce the prevalence of youth-inflicted property damage, violence and arson.

As part of a wide-ranging series of measures designed cut fire-related crimes, fire minister Angela Smith unveiled new plans today (Wednesday, February 14th) whereby central government will work with the Chief Fire Officer’s Association, Fire and Rescue Service and Sure Start family centres. (more…)

The Association of Chief Executives of Voluntary Organisations (acevo) has launched a major enquiry into third sector governance.

Led by Rodney Brooke CBE, chair of the General Social Care Council, the enquiry will assess the views of chief executives in the charitable sector in an attempt to raise board performance levels and instil greater accountability. (more…)