Author Archives: IHBC NewsBlog

A new code for the corporate governance of large private companies has been launched, the ‘Wates Principles’, named after the Chair James Wates CBE, to provide a framework to help them not only meet legal requirements but to promote long … Continue reading →

Local authorities are approving planning applications at their fastest rate in over a decade, the homelessness charity Shelter has revealed, as it points to the ‘myth’ whereby ‘Developers… blame the planning system for their failure to build the kinds of … Continue reading →

Cambridge City Council (CC) has announced it will return to providing cultural services directly after Cambridge Live struggled to meet financial targets. image: LocalGov website

New analysis from the business and financial adviser Grant Thornton UK LLP has found that over a third (36%) of all councils in England are at risk of financial failure in the next ten years. image: LocalGov website

RAC Foundation analysis indicates that thousands of structures are operating with weight restrictions and that almost 3,500 council-maintained road bridges in Great Britain are substandard.

Michael Gove has launched a consultation on plans to create greater protections for trees in urban areas, with a closing date of February 28. image: Open Government Licence v3.0

Plans to introduce a £2 tourist tax in Edinburgh have won support in a recent public consultation. image: Fiona Newton

The number of libraries across the country has continued to decline as cash-strapped councils reduce their spending on the service and rely more on volunteers, a new survey has revealed. image LocalGov website

The British Council has launched a publication exploring ‘Soft Power’ entitled ‘Soft power superpowers Global trends in cultural engagement and influence’.

The National Trust has offered views on some of the key recommendations from the The Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Committee’s recently released report on the Scrutiny of the Agriculture Bill. image: P Badcock

England’s Ministry for Housing Community and Local Government (MCHLG) continues to offer updates on documents linked to the review of ‘Building Regulations and Standards’ following Grenfell Tower findings, including most recently ‘Environmental monitoring following the Grenfell Tower fire’, air quality … Continue reading →

Lead with inscriptions dating to the 18th Century has been stolen from a church in the New Forest after thieves climbed 35ft (10m) up the bell tower of St George’s Church in Damerham to steal the lead sometime after New … Continue reading →

Historic Environment Scotland seeks views on the content and functionality of two ‘Managing Change in the Historic Environment’ Guidance Notes, before closing the survey on 15 February: Demolition of Listed Buildings The Use and Adaptation of Listed Buildings.

Cadw will be delivering a brand new website in 2019 and wants to provide a valuable information and services informed by a survey.