Editor Jesse NormanThese eight essays published by the Policy Exchange set out a range of ideas on urban policy ranging from the architecture of cities to their zoology. They are critical of current thinking. There has been a marked increase in social segregation. Urban green spaces have been seriously reduced. Poor public transport infrastructures have reinforced reliance on the car, with adverse effects. Violent crime has rocketed. Cities are less healthy, less safe and less biodiverse than they might be.

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REVIEW UNIT WANTS MORE ACTION TO EASE BURDEN OF BUREAUCRACY ON SCHOOLS

A national review team, including head teachers and senior staff, is calling for more to be done to limit the burdens placed on schools. The twelve members of the Implementation Review Unit say some good progress is being made but the Department for Education and Skills, local authorities, government agencies, other government departments and even schools themselves should do much more to free people to focus on improving teaching and learning.

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COUNCIL LEADERS WANT COMMISSION TO TAKE POLITICS OUT OF LOCAL GOVERNMENT FINANCE

Local authority leaders have called for big changes in the way local government is financed and for the setting up of an independent public finance commission that would take the politics out of tax. In a submission to the Lyons Inquiry, the Local Government Association proposes that the commission, which it has called OFTAX, should oversee and ensure sustainable finances for local councils.

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