More than half of councils say businesses are struggling to meet their rates bills because of the economic downturn. A snapshot survey published by the Local Government Association, also shows that one in three councils has reported an increase in the uptake of Small Business Rate Relief.
Councils collect business rates but the money is then sent to the Government for redistribution to local authorities. 

The Government is to put five million pounds into promoting new ways to encourage communities to take part in the planning process. Under the scheme individual local authorities could get additional funding to strengthen the way they carry out consultations.
The Communities Secretary, Hazel Blears, said planning was already one of the most democratic processes with most decisions being taken by elected local councillors. 

By Mark Stephens, Janet Ford, Peter Spencer, Alison Wallace, Steve Wilcox and Peter Williams
Written against a background of turmoil in the mortgage markets and the onset of a falling off in house prices across the UK, the authors examine the changing landscape of owner-occupation and what lessons can be learned from past experiences that could inform the current period of instability. 

The body which advises the Government on urban design and public space says children’s creativity is being restricted by bland playgrounds. CABE – the Commission for Architecture and the Built Environment – says too many local authorities are relying on what it is branding ‘an identical KFC - kit, fence and carpet - approach to design.
The Commission says too many play areas look the same with a uniform kit of swings and slide, fencing, and vast expanses of safety carpet. 

Two staff from Nottingham City Council have won an international award which recognises the work of health professionals in helping people to stop smoking. Libby Lomas and Rachel Lewis from the city’s Tobacco Control team were named winners of the European Smokefree Supporter Award 2008.
The pair faced competition from professionals in 10 other countries all of whom were assessed by the European Selection Panel in terms of innovation, dedication and inspiration. 

By Byron Kalies
The book offers the reader a comprehensive but easily read and easily digestible text, covering a specific topic in an hour and a half of study. It could be subtitled: How to be a great manager yet retain your
principles, your humour and the respect of your staff’! It combines a little theory and lots of real examples - a sort of ‘it shouldn’t happen to a vet’ for managers. 

Five years after the Every Child Matters Green Paper the Audit Commission says there is little evidence of better outcomes for children and young people. In a report today the Commission says “children’s trusts” created by the Government after the death of Victoria Climbie have been confused and confusing. 

Chief executives of local councils, NHS bodies and private business will today be reminded of their responsibilities to protect personal information held by their organisations. In a speech the Information Commissioner will challenge them to cut the amount of information they hold as new figures show a sharp increase in breaches of data protection, particularly in the public sector. 

This programme is now available to view on egovtv.tv, the online television channel for public service modernisation. It reviews an initiative funded by the Department of Work and Pensions using an e-form for benefit applications. The form was developed by OIT UK to replace a previously cumbersome paper form.
The form was trialed by Arun District Council, North Tyneside Council and Wealden District Council. 

Children using social care services or who have to live away from home want more protection when they go online. They want to be protected from unsuitable sites and have adult supervision according to a new report from the Children’s Rights Director for England , Dr Roger Morgan. Meanwhile an Ofsted report today says bullying is still a concern for younger teenagers almost half of whom are worried about their future.