NEW CASES OF HOMELESSNESS DOWN AGAIN

The number of new cases of homelessness is continuing to fall according to new figures, which also show the number of people who are in temporary accommodation has dipped below 90,000 for the first time in four years. In spite of the improvements the government says there are new challenges that will need new solutions.

Read more on NEW CASES OF HOMELESSNESS DOWN AGAIN…

COMMISSION TO STUDY COUNCILS’ ROLE IN CLIMATE CHANGE CHALLENGE

An Independent Climate Change Commission has been set up to investigate the important part local councils play in tackling climate change as well as the ways they adapt to it. The Commission, announced by the Local Government Association, will look at councils’ own actions and the role they play in encouraging others to cut their carbon emissions. Commission members will consult authorities in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland during their investigations.

Read more on COMMISSION TO STUDY COUNCILS’ ROLE IN CLIMATE CHANGE CHALLENGE…

This paper from Communities and Local Government sets out thinking on the new LAA arrangements as part of the new performance framework outlined in the Local Government White Paper. The new LAAs will be introduced in April 2008 and this will be the only place where central government will agree targets with local authorities and their partners on outcomes delivered by local government. LAAs will no longer about specific funding for specific targets, because they will include all targets agreed with central government.Local authorities and local strategic partnerships are encouraged to use this paper to inform debate and help identify practical implications of the changes, so they can devise implementation plans.

Read more on DEVELOPING ARRANGEMENTS FOR LOCAL AREA ARRANGEMENTS…