Policy Round Up
The Infrastructure Planning Committee is to be abolished and replaced with the Infrastructure Planning Unit. The new body will continue a similar role to its predecessor of ‘fast-tracking of major infrastructure projects'. National Policy Statements (NPS) - the government's infrastructure blueprints - will also be subject to Parliamentary approval as part of the coalition's agreement.
Knowle West, Bristol and Cranberry Lane in Newham, London (two social
housing estates) both took part in a project to go ‘carbon neutral'. The
programme was developed by the Centre for Innovation in Voluntary
Action (CIVA) in 2008. The report provides an insight
into how people view the issue of global warming and what they feel
able to do in response to it.
The summary report can be downloaded here.
The Main Report, including the University of Reading
Evaluation
The National Housing and Planning Advice Unit (NHPAU) has been scrapped by the government with immediate effect. The government have said that savings are the main reason for the closing of the NHPAU.
Chairs of Parliamentary Select Committees have been elected by MPs for the first time, as opposed to previously being appointed by Party Whips. A full list and overview of the Committees, who are responsible for scrutinising the government over the next five years, can be found here.
The Community Development Foundation has set up an independent ‘expert panel' about what the role of community development is in delivering the localism' agenda. CDF is keen to involve as many voices as possible so let them know your ideas and comments. The deadline for responses is 30th July 2010.
