Teenagers who take part in binge drinking sessions out of doors in unsupervised locations, are running a higher risk of harming their health or safety than those who over indulge in clubs or pubs according to a report today. The study also says that getting drunk is seen as normal behaviour among 14 to 17 year olds who drink heavily. The study, for the Joseph Rowntree Foundation, comes as the Government has emphasised the need for action to combat binge drinking.The report suggests that 14 and 15 year olds who get drunk when they are unsupervised are at particular risk of injuring themselves in accidents or fights, becoming severely intoxicated, or putting themselves in danger through daring and irrational behaviour. Drinking by 16 and 17 year olds in pubs and clubs appears to be less harmful, though it is still illegal.

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A new report – ‘Design Coding: Testing its use in England’ – will be launched later today. It has been produced by the Commission for Architecture and the Built Environment in partnership with the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister and English Partnerships and sets out the initial findings of a study of the effectiveness of coding in delivering better quality housing developments more efficiently across England.The ODPM asked CABE and English Partnerships to undertake a two-year research programme to test design coding. The interim findings suggest time spent preparing a code does bring dividends in terms of fast tracking a proposal through the planning process, improving design quality and achieving ‘buy-in’ to large-scale housing developments.

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This consultation document from the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister sets out options for re-shaping local government and encouraging more people to become involved in the democratic life of their community. It outlines a foundation for a neighbourhood charter which could include a range of options such as extra anti social behaviour-related powers for neighbourhood bodies, delegation of budgets to ward councillors, access to more information on the performance of councils and neighbourhood contracts with service providers.The neighbourhood charter would set out the key principles for neighbourhood engagement and provide opportunities and support for neighbourhood activities that are right for their localities. Ward councillors would receive greater support in enhanced leadership roles in their neighbourhoods.

Read more on CITIZEN ENGAGEMENT AND PUBLIC SERVICES…