Local authorities in seaside resorts, tourist areas and popular shopping locations fear they will not be able to meet the cost of providing free bus travel for pensioners when the national extension of concessionary fares comes into force. A study carried out by the Local Government Association has highlighted the extent of the problem facing some councils and it is calling for a review of the way the scheme is funded. 

A letter is being sent to all local authorities calling on them to keep up the pressure against unauthorised absences from school by tackling the causes, ensuring good behaviour and making parents accountable. The letter from the Minister for Young People, Kevin Brennan, is being sent in spite of the fact that new figures show persistent absence is falling and overall absence is at its lowest level ever. 

Community cohesion has become an important policy issue in recent years following the race-related disturbances in Oldham, Burnley and Bradford in 2001. This report from Communities and Local Government sets out finding of research into predictors of community cohesion.The report examines the issue at both the individual and the community level.
The principal findings were that ethnic diversity drives cohesion.