Now that Gordon Brown has put his 11th and final Budget to bed, Treasury officials and mandarins from the various Whitehall departments are thrashing out what, in effect, is likely to be the chancellor鈥檚 legacy to himself. From here on 鈥� leadership contests aside 鈥� all roads lead to this summer鈥檚 comprehensive spending review.

Before then, the Cave review on the regulation of social housing is due to report and a consultation paper is expected from the DCLG on the likely powers for Communities England.

The Callcutt review of UK housebuilding is also gathering pace, with the former chief executive of English Partnerships and Crest Nicholson calling for evidence to be submitted by 20 April.

UK parliament bills

  • Local Planning Authorities (energy and energy efficiency)
Private member鈥檚 bill to require councils to set targets for the use of renewable energy when granting planning permission for development. Awaiting scrutiny by a House of Commons select committee.

  • Planning Gain Supplement (preparations) Bill
Bill to allow the government to fund work to set up the PGS. Received second reading in the House of Lords on 5 March.

DCLG consultations


  • Allocation of Accommodation
New guidelines for local authorities when deciding how to allocate housing under choice-based letting schemes. Closes 10 April.

  • Commission on Integration and Cohesion
A further call for evidence to an enquiry that initially closed on 19 January. New closure date is May with the final report due in June.

  • 星空传媒 Control Information
Proposes requiring councils to maintain and publish a register of information on buildings that have been inspected by council officials. Closes on 15 June.

Scottish Executive Consultations

  • Updating Environmental Impact Regulations
Refers to circular 15/1999 on the environmental impact resulting from the planning process. Asks whether the guidance needs updating. Closes on 29 July.

  • Energy Efficiency and
Micro-generation Strategy

Seeks views on the draft energy strategy prior to a final version being published later this year. Closes on 11 June.

  • House Sales Information
Asks how the new rules should operate that require sellers to pay for a survey and valuation before selling a home. Closes on 15 May.

Source

RegenerateLive