A group of MPs and Peers are to look at justice in communities and how thinking locally can help cut crime and create confidence in justice. The All-Party Parliamentary Group on Local Government inquiry will also consider what local councils can do to influence policies.

Read more on INQUIRY TO LOOK AT HOW LOCAL THINKING CAN CUT CRIME…

The National Association of Local Councils and Action with Communities in Rural England are to get funding to support the empowerment agenda at a local level in rural areas. The 300,000 pounds is coming from DEFRA and is on top of money announced by the Communities and Local Government Department last November to promote the work of local councils.

Read more on RURAL AREAS GET FUNDING FOR EMPOWERMENT AGENDA…

Findings from research by the Department for Children Schools and Families revealed that most parents presumed that school standards were generally declining and the Government had subsequently pledged funds to mitigate this problem. They were also unaware that there was a role for parents in raising standards.

Read more on ROLE OF PARENTS IN RAISING STANDARDS…