Home Office cuts ASB team by half
The Home Office has cut it's anti-social behaviour team by half, reducing staff from 14 to 7 as part of a review into ASB powers which began last year. The government have proposed new measures to tackle anti-social behaviour which focus on shifting power into the hands of residents and landlords. The review is seeking to reduce the number of police powers on ASB from 18 to 5 and is also asking landlords to identify social disorder 'hotspots' ahead of it's closing date 17 May.
Progress on plan for UK's first 'sustainable suburb'
A scheme to develop an area of Sutton, south London into one of the greenest places to live in the UK have been approved by planners. The development is the largest in the country and Sutton council hope it will attract investment, business and house-buyers to the region. The focal point will be a central square, with shops, doctor's surgery, community centre and care home, as well as extra money being invested to improve existing infrastructure such as schools and transport links.
Government trials new one-stop shop information website
Ministers are trialling a new website, aimed at making finding information and services easier for the public. The site, called Alphagov, was suggested by internet entrepreneur Martha Lane Fox as part of her review of government communication systems. The site will hold information on all government departments and services and provides an on-site search engine, as well as advice on what to do if you think you have swine flu, how to apply for a passport and benefit applications.
