A call is being made today for investments and improvements to protect Green Belt Land. The first major survey of the environmental state of the land is published today by Natural England and the Campaign to Protect Rural England.

Read more on CALL FOR INVESTMENTS AND IMPROVEMENTS IN GREEN BELT…

Local authorities are being urged to take action to deal with a record number of reports about roads damaged by potholes following the recent bad weather. The cycling organisation CTC says its pothole recording website has received more reports this month than any other and there are still three days left until the end of January.

Read more on CALL FOR ACTION OVER RECORD NUMBER OF POTHOLES…

This survey by the Audit Commission reveals the impact of the recession on demand for benefits and how councils are responding.

Caseloads increased by 7.1 per cent in all types of council and all regions between April 2008 and April 2009. The increases ranged from 0.2 to 28 per cent.

Read more on TESTING TIMES: SURVEY OF EFFECT OF RECESSSION ON BENEFIT SERVICES…