New measures have been unveiled to speed up planning decisions and to encourage local authorities to make use of a power being introduced soon to raise funds from developers to support local developments. The new guidance will help councils set up a Community Infrastructure Levy when new regulations come into effect after Easter.

Read more on COUNCILS URGED TO USE NEW LEVY POWERS ON DEVELOPMENTS…

A city council has joined forces with university researchers to test Smartcard technology on local bus services. The trial in Bristol has been organised ahead of the launch of a regional scheme which is due to be funded by the Government.

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The Society of IT Management report ‘Better Connected’ concludes that the majority of council websites are not yet good enough to support the major shift to self-service required to mitigate the impact of budget cuts on service levels and satisfaction.

Read more on SURVEY FINDS COUNCIL WEBSITES NOT READY FOR SHIFT TO SELF SERVICE…