Communities

• Housing should be ‘more resilient’ to flood damage, architects say

  The Government needs to help homes and communities become more resilient to flood damage rather than focus on keeping the water out, charity says.

  

• Survey reveals extensive support for community-run businesses

  Over 34 million members of the public would like to see more community action to save local resources and provide local services, a new poll finds.

  

• Government launches £23m neighbourhood plan

  The Government yesterday launched a £23m fund to help local residents plan their own communities.

  

• Councillors to be equipped with 'community organising' skills

  A new partnership will soon equip councillors with ‘community organising’ skills to help them engage more effectively with their local communities.

  

• Councils urged to unlock £7bn of untapped assets

  Councils should assess the 'social value' of community businesses to help keep local areas strong and vibrant, according to a new report.

  

• Charity calls for protection of 'crucial' rural post office

  Citizens Advice has called on the government to invest more in post offices in rural areas.

  

• Rural life is ‘disappearing fast’ warns new research

  Rural schools, pubs and post offices are being forced to close down due to ageing and dwindling populations, a new report has warned.

  

• Communities to share £1bn shale gas funding

  A £1b fund has been announced for communities near fracking sites to pay for extra facilities including parks, sports centres and libraries.

  

• Launch of grass-roots project to tackle local inequality

  Seven areas have been chosen to share £8m to create a network of new community businesses in their areas.

  

• Guidance to help councils benefit from youth programme published

  New guidance has been launched to help local authorities benefit from a Government-backed youth empowerment programme.