Government plans to build three million new homes in the twelve years are under threat from the problems affecting the economy, according to a senior Civil Servant. Richard McCarthy, the director general of housing and planning at the Department of Communities and Local Government, told MPs the targets were now extremely challenging.

Read more on MPs WARNED CREDIT CRUNCH PUTS NEW HOMES TARGETS UNDER THREAT…

A local authority is to pilot its first online councillor surgery as part of this year’s Local Democracy Week. The innovative scheme will give people in Bristol the chance to put questions live online to Executive member Councillor Terry Cook on a range of issues affecting the city.

Read more on COUNCILLOR’S SURGERY GOES ONLINE FOR DEMOCRACY WEEK PILOT…

This report from the Information Technology and Innovation Foundation, based in Washington DC, describes the personal and social benefits of the next wave of the information technology revolution. It describes how IT is the key enabler of many, if not most, of today’s key innovations and improvements in our lives and society.

Read more on DIGITAL QUALITY OF LIFE…