Communities

• Whitehall to give communities ‘more direct role’ in decision-making

  The Government has launched a new strategy aimed at giving communities a more direct role in decisions that affect their local areas.

  

• Funding unveiled to tackle poor integration

  A new £7m fund to help tackle the causes of poor integration in England has been launched by local government minister, James Brokenshire.

  

• Whitehall launches £163m ‘affordable’ home fund

  Whitehall has launched a £163m ‘affordable home’ fund available to community-led housing groups across England.

  

• Council leaders dismiss 'Dickensian' perception of authority

  The residents of an East Anglian borough see their council as 'Dickensian', according to its mayor - even though leading councillors claim it as a national success story.

  

• Councils to share £19m to boost integration

  Councils in England will receive £19m to help ease pressures on housing, education and health services due to recent migration.

  

• 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.