Housing and Regeneration News January/February 2008
- A committee for the Dept of Communities and Local Government has voiced “significant disappointment” at the government’s response to a supplementary business rate. In its original report, the committee wanted councils to be given the power to vary the rate charged to businesses. The government response was to argue that a national cap was needed. For more information see Local Government Finance – Supplementary Business Rate, The Government’s Responses on our publications section
- Hazel Blears has agreed to pilot new agreements between local authorities and residents setting out minimum standards for council services. She said that if councils repeatedly fail in meeting these communitiy contracts, they could be fined. For guidance on the contracts see How To Develop a Local Charter: A Guide For Local Authorities on our publications section.
- Housing minister Yvette Cooper has set out the remit for the new Housing and Communities agency. The agency will bring together the regeneration programmes of English Partnership, the National Coalfields programme and the Housing Corporation. The agency will be responsible for the government’s Decent Homes initiative, Housing Market Renewal Pathfinders, growth areas, and private finance initiatives.
