Planning authorities and housebuilders need to take more responsibility for creating a sense of place in new developments, according to the Commission for Architecture and the Built Environment, the government’s design watchdog. It is also calling for a public debate on the factors that make places good to live in.
A study commissioned by CABE and published today shows that half of new homeowners miss a sense of community spirit. 

More money is being made available to help local councils meet the housing needs of Gypsy and traveller families. Authorities will also get new guidance on dealing with anti-social behaviour where Gypsies and travellers are the victims or perpetrators.
The Communities Minister, Ian Wright, announced funding of 97 million pounds as part of a package of measures to cut the number of unauthorised sites in inappropriate locations. 

The Department for Work and Pensions has set out a greater role for the private and third sector in its strategy to tackle worklessness. The strategy signals a radical change in the way help and support is provided to get the most disadvantaged into work.
Private and third sector organisations will be paid to get the long-term jobless into long-term jobs and to make sure they stay in work.