星空传媒

The government has been criticised for not doing enough to tackle the circumstances that led to the attacks on 7 and 21 July 2005. But in a speech earlier this month entitled 鈥淲inning hearts and minds鈥�, communities secretary Ruth Kelly tried to address this by pledging to work with Muslim communities to 鈥渇orge a new alliance against violent extremism鈥�. She announced a raft of measures to back this up including an initial fund of 拢6m that communities could use to 鈥減revent extremism on the ground鈥� and the establishment of a faith and social cohesion unit. Elsewhere, the government is assessing how well the public sector delivered services across particular areas with further guidance on the planned introduction of comprehensive area assessments by the Audit Commission.

UK parliament bills

Planning Gain Supplement (preparations) Bill

Gained Royal Assent on 27 March. Allows the government to fund preparations for the implementation of the proposed tax on the increase in land value once planning permission has been granted.

Sustainable Communities Bill

Private member鈥檚 bill requiring the government to produce 鈥渁ction plans鈥� outlining how residents and councils can promote the sustainability of neighbourhoods. Being scrutinised by a House of Commons select committee.

DCLG consultations

Changes to permitted development 鈥� rights for householder microgeneration

outlines the government鈥檚 proposals to make it easier for householders to install renewable technologies without needing to apply for planning permission. Closes on 27 June.

Proposals for future unitary structures

Asks for responses from the 16 areas where local authorities have been granted permission to abolish two-tier local government and replace district and county councils with a unitary authority. Closes on 22 June.