Measures in the Localism Act 2011 that give local authorities and communities the “freedom and flexibility to achieve their ambitions” have come into effect, including a national home swap scheme for social tenants.
The Government has announced the allocation of £60 million to expand the provision of authorised pitches for travellers together with improved facilities on official site.
An additional £1.5 million funding has been promised by the Government to help support retired Gurkha soldiers and their dependants, who want to settle in the UK.
Sir Bob Kerslake is to become the new head of the Civil Service following the retirement of the current incumbent, Sir Gus O’Donnell at the end of the year, although Sir Bob will retain his duties as Permanent Secretary at the CLG.
Faith groups have a “vital role” in enriching neighbourhoods and improving lives, communities secretary Eric Pickles said as he launched the £5 million Near Neighbours scheme.
The Government has promised £500 million to help kick-start the construction of housing and infrastructure in an effort to “get Britain building again” and grow the economy.
The Government has launched its national ‘home swap’ scheme for social tenants intended ot make it easier for people to move not just locally – but across the country.
Homeless hostels around the country have been given a cash injection to help improve facilities for rough sleepers and otherwise help them to escape a life on the streets.
Grant Shapps has urged people at risk of losing their home to seek help early after official figures showed a rise in homelessness, while the charity Crisis has warned there is worse yet to come – and said the Government must shoulder some of the blame for weakening the welfare state.
Cities are the key to ensuring economic growth across the country, so to help them “harness their potential”, the Government has put together a new ministerial support group and made Greg Clark the Minister for Cities.
