Government News November 2007

A report by the Dept for Work and Pensions claims that most employers are keen to hire older workers, preferring them to younger people because of their experience. For more information see Employer Responses to an Ageing Workforce on our website.
The government has set out its proposals for a supplementary business rate. In a white paper published alongside the comprehensive spending review, businesses with rateable values under £50,000 would be exempt. Monies raised by local authorities would be spent locally. For more information see 2007 Comprehensive Spending Review and Business Rate Supplement on our publications section.
Thirty four local authorities in coastal areas have formed the Coastal Communities Group to put pressure on the government to take seriously the problems faced by seaside towns. These problems include a fragile dependence on summer tourism combined with low skills, bad housing and threat from climate change. The group is meeting with the Dept for Communities and Local Government later this month.
The two Borough Councils who brought a judicial review of the Dept for Communities and Local Government’s decision to axe 40 District Councils to form nine new Unitary Authorities have lost their case. The decision was seen as a test case for the government’s policy, with other councils waiting to see the outcome. Although the decision went against them, the councils were given leave to appeal.