Policy Round Up
The Communities Secretary, John Denham has launched a campaign to encourage more companies to give their staff time off to take on roles such as councillors, school governors and members of other public bodies.
The Government has launched a targeted programme of work to be delivered to around 100 areas which have experienced a decline in traditional jobs , the worst effects of the recession, anti-social behaviour, a breakdown in community cohesion and a rise in support for political extremists.
Despite an improved picture overall, the latest results from the Place Survey show that less than a third of people were aware of how to get involved in local decision making.
Communities Secretary John Denham is to change the rules that require councils to get Whitehall permission if they want to create or change local bye-laws. The Government says it wants to move away from central control in favour of more resident consultation and local scrutiny.
Councils are to be given new powers in the Local Democracy, Economic Development and Construction Act to establish new mutual insurance companies in the light of a recent London court judgement.
