Sir Oliver Letwin’s interim report to the Chancellor of the Exchequer and the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government. Letwin identifies that the ‘The fundamental driver of build out rates once detailed planning permission is granted for large sites appears to be the …

The Women and Equalities Committee inquiry into disability and the built environment looked closely at a wide range of issues affecting disabled people. This report sets out the government’s response to the recommendations in the committee’s report. The report noted that while that some, small-scale, conversions of …

The website poll started on Monday 6th March to coincide with the launch of National Planning Policy Framework consultation. Based on the survey of 458 votes cast so far,  the Civic Voice poll found (in order) communities wanting: 1. Green space better protected (35.33%) 2. Greater protection …

The European Council has adopted a recommendation on a framework for quality and effective apprenticeships which will help young people to enter the world of work. The recommendation encourages the development of a highly skilled and qualified workforce which is responsive to the needs of the labour …

The C20 Society has just published a report on C20 Conservation Areas. Sadly, much valuable and interesting post-war development is being demolished or heavily altered, with little or no regard to its heritage significance. The Society has become increasingly aware of the potential benefits conservation areas offer …

A new £27 million scheme to improve the water environment across England has been jointly launched today by Defra, Natural England and the Environment Agency. The Water Environment Grant scheme will provide £9 million each year over the next three years to applicants applying for funding to …

Environment Secretary Michael Gove spoke at Prosperity UK about protecting our environment outside the European Union at which he stated, among other things, his commitment to reforming CAP post-Brexit.

The Charity Tax Group has highlighted new research on Gift Aid commissioned by HMRC which has found that there is an opportunity to reduce Gift Aid claims among ineligible donors and increase Gift Aid claims among eligible donors by improving knowledge. Full details can be found here. …

Historic England has noted that HM Treasury has released a revised Green Book guidance for economic appraisal. The Green Book, is a powerful document used to guide economic appraisals and investment in the UK. For example, all businesses cases and DfTs infrastructure investment nationally must comply with …

A £23 million fund – being delivered by Locality and Groundwork – will help local groups to develop a neighbourhood plan. These plans give local people a say in the development of their area, including where homes, schools and businesses should be built, how they should …

The Chancellor has given his Spring Statement. Of most interest from a heritage perspective were his statements on training: ‘As our economy changes, we must ensure people have the skills they need to seize the opportunities ahead. So we’ve committed over £500 million a year to T-Levels, …

The Charity Tax Group has been working with the European Charities’ Committee on VAT (ECCVAT) in support of their response to a consultation on the European Commission’s proposals to give Member States more flexibility when setting VAT rates. The ECCVAT’s  full response can be read here . …