By Ruth LuptonThis paper from the Institute for Public Policy Research looks at the extent to which place is implicated in differential educational outcomes and the mechanisms which produce ‘place effects’. It explores the impact of neighbourhood on individuals, on motivations and opportunities to learn. This embraces place effects such as the local labour market or environment and resources as well as people effects.

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Most people in Britain believe anti-social behaviour problems here are the worst in Europe and our European neighbours agree, according to research conducted with help from the Jill Dando Institute of Crime Science at University College London and published today. The study, commissioned by leading electronic fire and security solutions company ADT shows eight out of ten Britons believe anti-social behaviour is getting worse.Today’s figures reveal that 83 per cent of people in this country perceive anti-social behaviour as a growing problem and the view is reflected in France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands and Spain. Of the 7,000 people taking part in the survey across Europe, 76 per cent thought Britain had a problem – more than any other country.

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Greater local choice and not more central control is the way to achieve a system that can manage increasing pressures on public expenditure, increase satisfaction and build more prosperous communities, according to Sir Michael Lyons in his latest thinking on the future role and function of local government. Sir Michael’s inquiry has been looking into the function of Local Government since last September when its remit was extended to take in those issues before finalising his conclusions on reform of funding.In his latest report, “National prosperity, local choice and civic engagement: a new partnership between central and local government for the 21st century”, he also argues that local government should be given greater freedom to ‘place-shape’. That would mean a local authority taking responsibility for the well-being of an area and the people who live there, promoting their interests and their future. His report has been welcomed by the Local Government Association.

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