Public sector organisations across a county have agreed to work together to find savings so front-line services do not bear the brunt of Government cuts. It follows a summit organised by two Norfolk MPs who believe other parts of the country may now take similar action.

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Council leaders are warning that millions of people could be left unable to get insurance cover against flooding of their homes unless there is continued investment in flood risk management.

The Local Government Association fears the insurance industry may refuse to offer affordable cover if it does not believe sufficient resources are being invested in flood defences.There is currently an agreement between the Government and the industry allowing homes and businesses in flood risk areas to buy cover so long as the Government is doing its part to mitigate the risks. That agreement ends in 2013.

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Direct payment of Housing Benefit to the tenant was introduced in April 2008. This report assesses the impact of the change and identifies issues that have emerged.

The change to direct payment was introduced to give housing benefit claimants the responsibility for managing their financial affairs. Most claimants were positive about direct payments and they felt in control and confident with regard to paying their rent and managing their personal finances. Where claimants were excluded from direct payment they expressed feelings of disempowerment. Some tenants experienced difficulties in balancing their household budget either due to insufficient income or past debts.

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