Councils say tough new powers that allow them to close premises that are a persistent nuisance to local communities will be used only as a last resort. English local authorities now have the right to shut down premises involved in persistent anti-social behaviour, bringing them into line with councils in Scotland who have been using a similar measure since 2004. 

Some of Birmingham’s older councillors will be putting themselves through a ‘Health MOT’ today. Male councillors over 40 will be leading by example by undergoing a series of tests in the run up to the festive season,
In a link between the council and the South Birmingham Primary Care Trust, three groups of health workers from the city’s Healthy Heart Workers, Heart MOT staff and Fit 4 Life teams will put the elected members through their paces. 

By Anthony Brand
This publication from the New Local Government Network calls for councils to be handed greater responsibility and more incentives to drive forward Local Area Agreements and argues that the current system is still too inflexible for many local authorities. In an evaluation of the latest wave of Local Area Agreements, NLGN highlights significant achievements through the process, including a more joined-up policy framework.