The number of new homes in England has risen by 15 per cent over the past year, new figures have revealed.
Sajid Javid, Communities Secretary, in a speech in Bristol, welcomed the figures and set out next steps in fixing the UK’s broken housing market.
Javid announced action against 15 local authorities that have failed to produce a local plan setting how and where they expect to meet their residents’ needs for new homes.

Hopes to rebalance the economy through the government’s Industrial Strategy risk failing without an urgent move to devolve funding and responsibility to local areas.

Cornwall Council’s cabinet met recently to discuss key decisions about the budget, investment plans and new proposals.
As well as the four year budget and business plan, the cabinet discussed a multi million pound investment programme in new homes, jobs and infrastructure in local communities, the new waste contract and proposals to transform adult social care and services for children, young people and families.

John McDonnell has demanded an ‘emergency Budget’ for public services, a week before the autumn Budget is presented to Parliament.

The Environment Agency has announced the completion of its work on the west bank of the River Ouse as part of a major flood defence scheme.
The Newhaven flood alleviation scheme was developed in partnership with Lewes District Council, East Sussex County Council, the Coast to Capital Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) and South East LEP.
The works will reduce flood risk to 244 homes, 88 commercial properties and vital infrastructure.
JacksonHyder are designing and building the scheme.

Proposals to balance Suffolk County Council’s budget in 2018/19 have been published.
The proposals include an option to increase the basic rate of council tax for the first time in seven years and a range of savings plans.
The proposed budget changes include the following savings from each service: adult and community services at £12 million; health, well-being and children’s services at £0.25 million; fire and public safety at £0.24 million; resource management at £1.71 million; and corporate services at £9.7 million.

The redevelopment of Croydon town centre has taken a leap forward as Croydon Council’s planning committee approved the £1.4 billion scheme.

Liverpool City Council has submitted a planning application for a new £50 million Cruise Terminal Facility on the River Mersey.
The council is looking to create an ‘international standard’ permanent facility which would let the city welcome the world’s biggest cruise ships.
The application includes the controlled removal of Princess Jetty and the construction of a new terminal set within a statement building, based on a new suspended deck structure in the river.

Cheshire East Council has published a budget report that outlines its financial plans for the next three years.
Its Pre-Budget Consultation 2018-21 sets out initial proposals for how the council could target resources more effectively and save money, while achieving a balanced budget.
It includes a proposal to earmark £2 million from the New Homes Bonus scheme which communities would decide how to spend, according to their own priorities.

Demand for crisis support for children is rising sharply as councils cut funding for preventative services, a new report warns.
Council spending on early help services that are designed to identify signs of neglect and abuse early on has fallen by 40 per cent between 2010/11 and 2015/16, while crisis support has risen by seven per cent to £6.1 billion.