A local government think tank has welcomed Government proposals to give councils more support in tackling the changes brought about by movements in local populations. The plans were unveiled in the response by Communities and Local Government Secretary Hazel Blears to last summer’s report of the Commission on Integration and Cohesion. 

A Nottingham City Council delegation will meet the Planning Minister today to ask for changes in legislation in a move backed by local authorities in other university towns and cities. They will urge Iain Wright from the Department for Communities and Local Government, to look again at the law on houses in multiple occupation. 

This report from the Audit Commission presents a summary of findings about how well councils understand, engage with and focus on their communities. It also identifies what progress councils are making to address issues of equality and diversity. The general survey covers Corporate Health, Environment and Waste, Transport and Cultural and Recreational Services.
Overall satisfaction with local councils has continued to decline, although the pace of decline has slowed significantly.