Some local councils are accused today of rejecting too many challenges to the parking fines they impose. An article in the January 2008 issue of ‘Which?’ magazine says, though, that the number of fines overturned at the appeal stage, which is often uncontested by the authority, means it is worth drivers persevering if their initial challenge is turned down. 

New-style fire stations which are more open and inviting, as well as environmentally friendly, can play a part in driving down the number of deaths in fires, according to new guidance on how the buildings are designed. The Fire Minister, Parmjit Dhanda, said engagement with the public was a vital part of continuing to cut the number of fatalities. 

This report from Kable says that the existing system is struggling to deliver complex programmes of benefits and care and that the situation is made more difficult by the diversity of providers.
It says the key issue for councils is to push through reform more quickly in areas such as children’s services, welfare and pensions. It describes three phases of challenges for councils in the next decade.