Sir Michael Pitt, the man leading the review into last summer’s floods, will call today for changes so that society takes the risk of flooding and other natural hazards more seriously. Sir Michael’s review is due to be completed in the next few months when he will present a series of recommendations in his final report. 

The Home Secretary has denied breaking election rules by making an inappropriate political announcement during the run-up to the local polls on May 1st. The Conservatives lodged an official complaint after Jacqui Smith unveiled plans for 300 new police officers and staff to undertake anti-terror duties.
The Home Office said careful consideration had been given to the announcement, including discussions with the Cabinet Office. 

This report from Communities and Local Government explores the impact of the New Deal for Communities and it sets out findings from case studies. It provides insights into why and how change is occurring in the case study areas, it explores relationships between interventions and outcomes at the local level and identifies why and how successful neighbourhood renewal occurs.