Prime Minister David Cameron has set out his vision of public services where providers from the private and third sectors will be given a level playing field to compete with any public body. This will be achieved by creating a presumption that private firms, voluntary groups and charities will be allowed to run services. By creating this legal presumption there would be no need for repeated legislation.

Read more on PM PLEDGES TO DISMANTLE BIG GOVERNMENT AND BUILD THE BIG SOCIETY…

Some 300 councils will receive a share of £200m as part of the first incentive payments to encourage house building. The aim is to increase housing stock by 1500,000 in the first year.

Read more on CASH INCENTIVES FOR NEW HOMES ANN0UNCED…