19 June 2008
Population growth in England is likely to be fastest in the East Midlands over the next eight years, according to figures released by the Office for National Statistics. The ONS predicts an 11% population increase for the region, taking it to 4.8 million, over the period 2006 to 2016, while Camden, north London, is projected to be England's fastest growing local authority with a 26% population increase to 286,000. The ONS figures are based on trends in fertility, mortality and migration.
The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs has launched a consultation on plans to give town halls and the Environment Agency new powers to tackle fly-tippers. The Defra proposals, welcomed by the Local Government Association, would allow vehicles suspected of being involved in fly-tipping to be stopped, searched and instantly seized. Vehicles could also be crushed and fines will be increased under the plans. Environment minister Joan Ruddock said: 'It is estimated to cost over £100m every year to investigate and clear up illegally dumped waste.'
The head of the Independent Schools Council, Chris Parry, has resigned after just two months. His move follows the furore last month when he spoke to the children, schools and families select committee of low standards in the state sector and a 'sectarian divide' between private and state schools. The ISC said: 'Although he was looking forward to making a difference in the sector, Chris has chosen to take up other opportunities.'
Short-notice inspections are to be introduced for more housing associations from this autumn after the Audit Commission declared a pilot scheme a success. Twelve registered social landlords took part in the pilot, receiving five working days' notice of an inspection instead of up to two months. Visits lasted three days, compared with up to two weeks for regular inspections, and focused on poorly performing services. Steve Bundred, the commission's chief executive, said shorter inspections helped to cut red tape while driving improvements. 'With less time for housing associations to prepare, inspectors could get a true picture of how the services operate,' he said.
Three new commissioners have been appointed to the Healthcare Commission. They are Patrick Boyle, chief executive of the Rent Service, an executive agency of the Department for Work and Pensions; Fiona Campbell, a board member of the Centre for Public Scrutiny; and Charles Goody, chair of the Stratford District Strategic Partnership and a former IBM executive. They join the 12 current members of the commission, which is chaired by Sir Ian Kennedy.
The number of households in temporary accommodation has fallen by 11% compared with the same period last year, the Department for Communities and Local Government announced on June 12. A third of local authorities have already reached the government's 2010 target of a 50% reduction in the numbers in temporary housing since 2004. 'Those who have reached the target two years early should be rightly proud of their efforts,' said homelessness minister Iain Wright.
The Conservatives and Liberal Democrats announced on June 16 that they had agreed a pact to take control of Newport council in South Wales. The council has been in limbo since the May elections, when Labour lost control, although it is still the largest party. Conservative leader Matthew Evans said: 'The policy agreement represents a new start for Newport.' His LibDem counterpart Ed Townsend said: 'Newport voted very clearly for change. The agreement will put the citizens of Newport first.'
PFjun2008
