A new report is suggesting that councils should give financial backing to homeowners threatened by the credit crunch. The New Local Government Network is arguing that local authorities adopt Mortgage Support Plans like those in place in the United States. This would see them offering loans at below market rate and whole or partial mortgages to help prevent repossession and eviction. 

Local authoritries and the Environment Agency could get new powers to tackle criminals who profit from polluting the environment by illegally dumping waste. Proposals now out to consultation would allow councils to stop, search and seize vehicles suspected of being involved in fly-tipping and other waste offences.
The moves have been welcomed by councils as a step in the right direction, though they have called on everyone living in an area to play their part in preventing fly-tipping. 

This document from the Department for Business Enterprise and Regulatory Reform seeks to help Local Authorities and Local Strategic Partnerships interested in promoting enterprise and business growth to understand the implications of the Government’s Business Support Simplification Programme.
The business support programme backs up the aims of the Local Performance Framework and the Review of Sub-national Economic Development and Regeneration.