Laura Sharman 13 September 2019

Funding boost for councils to crack down on illegal green belt development

Councils will receive nearly £2m to help tackle illegal development on the green belt.

The money will enable 37 councils to hire enforcement officers, use new technology to catch offenders and help cover the legal costs of prosecuting rogue developers.

Housing minister, Esther McVey, said: ‘Once the Green Belt is built on it’s often gone for good that’s why we are determined to protect it. The public have told us loud and clear they want it kept for future generations to enjoy.

‘The funding announced today will help councils clamp down on rogue developers, giving the areas with the highest levels of Green Belt the funds needed to punish those who build illegally.’

The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government is also working with the Royal Town Planning Institute to update the national enforcement handbook.

#Planning #Legal

Analysis

Better Results, Smarter Spending: AllChild in Wigan

Wigan Council and AllChild are proving that long-term, community-driven programmes can improve outcomes for children while reducing pressure on local services and public spending. LocalGov finds out more.

Opinion

What the new cross-border placement rules in Scotland mean

In this expert analysis, Ellen Bond, MFMac’s Family Law team, outlines what the new Cross-border Placement of Children Regulations 2026 will mean for councils.

Most Popular News

EXCLUSIVE: Pay spine review kicks off

Local government reorganisation in Essex 'over'

Weapons seized in Manchester Central Mosque incident

Deputy leader apologises for sharing violent post about MP

Three councils fail to meet consumer standards

New Products

MSL enhances hygiene auditing with air quality testing for Awaab’s Law compliance

Cadcorp launches Mapestry

Bolton Council Upgrades 120+ School Crossings with Smart CMS Control by Lucy Zodion

NEC CONTRACTS HAS GONE DIGITAL: PAPERLESS, TO GIVE YOU MORE

Vent-Axia Delivers Social Housing a Smart Ventilation Solution Ahead of Awaab’s Law

New remotely lockable cabinet will help manage medication for people with mental health issues

UK-first tool developed by Bluesky scores areas green credentials to aid urban planners

Case Studies

Acrospire Delivers Seamless Heritage Lighting Upgrade on Bath’s North Parade Bridge

Acrospire Delivers Retrofit Lighting for Newbridge’s Joe Calzaghe Footbridge

Acrospire Delivers PIR-Controlled Lighting at Ruislip Lido Car Park

Spennymoor Market Place and Consett Middle Street revitalised using Thorn Lighting’s Thor Lanterns and Customisable Gobo Projectors

Acrospire Partners with Bath & North East Somerset Council to Illuminate Historic Film Location with LED Upgrade

Believ to install 22 charge points across Redcar and Cleveland

Acrospire Enhances Harlington Underpass with Energy-Saving Vandal-Resistant Lighting

Company Anouncements

AAT helps Councils step up to address children’s social care

CU Phosco Approved as a Crown Commercial Service Supplier

Acrospire triumphs at the 2025 HEA Awards with Sustainable Project of the Year

TRT Lighting retrofit helps Lincolnshire County Council cut street lighting energy use by over 65%

Vent-Axia Welcomes Healthy Homes Standard

Vent-Axia Helps Tackle Condensation and Mould this World Ventilation Day

Airtech Calls For Urgent Government Action to Support Radon Awareness Week

Procurement & Contracts Officer - Epping Council

Up to £21.0100 per hour

Procurement & Contracts Officer - Epping Forest District Council Epping, EssexFull-Time, Temporary - 37 Hours per Week 2-3 Month Contract £21.01 PAYE England, Essex

Recuriter: Essex County Council