Despite the continued expansion of the housing market in 2006 to 2008 the demand for social housing grew by 100,000 households in the year ended April 2008. There are now almost 1.8million households, or 4.5million people, on social housing waiting lists. The recession will drive demand for more social housing and the Local Government Association is concerned about the impact on local councils.

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A consortium of leading universities in UK and Institutes in India, and companies from both countries, have launched the ‘Next Generation Networks’ project to bring online education, healthcare and early warning natural disaster systems to remote areas in both countries.

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The New Local Government Network has set out a case for recognising the achievements of local citizens by naming streets and public places after them. This would help to build community cohesion and local civic pride, whilst giving areas a unique identity. It argues that names such as Shakespeare Way and Nelson Road help to celebrate identity and remember British history, and that we should do more to celebrate contemporary British icons.

Read more on WHAT’S IN A NAME – CELEBRATING ACHIEVEMENT THROUGH PUBLIC SPACES…