This annual report from the Department for Communities and Local Government on the take-up and implementation of the well being power describes progress by councils in promoting the social, economic and environmental well being of their area.The report describes the understanding of the well being power as ‘patchy at best’ with local authority lawyers having the most comprehensive knowledge. Awareness of the power amongst partners and other stakeholders is generally low.

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INSURERS WANT STRICTER SPEED LIMITS ON RURAL ROADS

A leading insurance company is calling today for the speed limit on rural roads to be reduced to 40 miles per hour because of the high number of deaths in crashes on country lanes. Direct Line’s call for the reduction of the 60mph national speed limit in rural areas is based on research carried out for the company by YouGov.

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COUNCILS URGED TO MAKE GREATER USE OF PLANNING OBLIGATIONS

Local authorities are being urged to make greater use of special planning agreements to help them deliver more affordable homes and infrastructure for their communities. The call, from Planning Minister Yvette Cooper, follows a study showing inconsistencies in the use of the Section 106 agreements by councils.

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