Oxford City Council has completed flood prevention work in Northway and Marston, protecting 110 homes from flooding.
110 homes are now at a significantly reduced risk from surface water flash flooding as work has now been completed for the Northway and Marston Flood Alleviation Scheme which began in November 2016.

Local rescue services will benefit from £1 million grant boost to help ensure safety of water users across the UK.
Made available by the ‘Inshore and inland rescue boat grant scheme’, the money can be used to buy lifesaving equipment, such as life jackets, safety gear and boats.
The scheme has helped over 80 charities since its launch in 2014.
Earlier this year, Portsmouth and Southsea Voluntary Lifeguards used a lifeboat funded by the scheme to save the lives of those on board two different vessels near the coast of Portsmouth.

Northumberland County Council is receiving a £10,064 funding boost which will see the creation of a sculpture trail in Berwick’s parks.

The opening of a new £105,000 accessible Changing Places facility in Harlow enables children and young people with disabilities to have fun.

A plan that has been launched to bring smart energy technology into homes and businesses is set to save up to £40 billion.
The plan, set out by the government and Ofgem, seeks to upgrade the energy system, put consumers in control and support innovative new technologies as part of the Industry Strategy.
It will transform how homes and businesses store and use energy, by developing a smarter, more flexible energy system. The system will remove barriers to smart and battery technology, which will reduce costs for consumers.

Oxfordshire’s six councils need £9 billion for infrastructure to support growth, a new report says.
The report by AECOM was commissioned by Oxfordshire’s councils who make up the Oxfordshire Growth Board. These include Cherwell District Council, Oxford City Council, Oxfordshire City Council, South Oxfordshire District Council, Vale of White Horse District Council and West Oxfordshire District Council.

Cardiff Council will have to find £24 million to balance the books next year.
The figure was revealed in the authority’s Budget Strategy Report 2018/19 which will go to cabinet for approval on Thursday 27 July.
The report also reveals that the council expects to have to bridge a gap of £74 million over the next three years.
The council’s total budget stands at £587 million, but £378 million of this is currently spent on schools and social services. Both areas are facing rising demand pressures as the population in Cardiff grows.

A £13.5 million investment to install a new Metro bridge and wider road in South Gosford has begun.
The plans for Killingworth Road in South Gosford include the replacing of the Metro bridge and installation of wider road which can accommodate wide pavements and facilities for cyclists, a new bus lane and two car lanes.
Newcastle City Council are working with Nexus on the scheme, as well as bus operators and other partners like Highways England, in order to prepare for the closing of the commuter route and to minimise disruption. The route is now closed until Spring.

The Edinburgh and South East Scotland City Region has secured a £1.1 billion deal from the UK and Scottish governments.
The deal is hoped to drive investment and address inclusion across the area.
It is being signed by First Secretary of State and Minister for Cabinet Office, Damian Green, Cabinet Secretary for Economy, Jobs and Fair Work, Keith Brown, and Leader of the City of Edinburgh Council, Adam McVey on behalf of local authority partners.

Contracts have been exchanged with regards to the sale of Brighton & Hove City Council’s Grade II listed building.
The building, located on Hove seafront and formerly occupied by the council, has been sold at a fixed sale figure of £26,125,000.
The purchaser is a joint venture development vehicle between local developer Rego Property and London based Pacific Investment called Mortar Nova Grand Avenue.
The council formerly occupied the building but relocated to Hove Town Hall and Bartholomew House in October 2016 as part of an efficiency programme.