Following the Declaration on Belarus made by EU Heads of Government at today's European Council, Minister for Europe Douglas Alexander said: Read more Comment (0), Email this.

The Competition Commission (CC) has formally cleared the completed acquisition by HJ Heinz Company (Heinz) of the HP Foods Group (HP). Read more Comment (0), Email this.

The Culture Secretary, Tessa Jowell, has appointed John Walter Jones OBE as the new Chair of the Welsh Fourth Channel Authority (S4C Authority). The term will be for a four-year period, from 1 April 2006 to 31 ... Read more Comment (0), Email this.

"I am overjoyed that Norman is free to come home and I am very grateful for all those who have helped secure his release. The government agencies and my family liaison officers have been of great help to me. Read more Comment (0), Email this.

UK Secretary of State for International Development Hilary Benn today (Tuesday 27 July) challenged world trade negotiators meeting in Geneva to reach an agreement delivering real benefits to the world's poorest ... Read more Comment (0), Email this.

International development minister Gareth Thomas today announced £10 million to support flood-affected people in Bangladesh. The funds, available to organisations involved in relief work, will be channelled... Read more Comment (0), Email this.

DFID has launched a new programme to help generate employment in southern Iraq. The £6m Southern Iraq Employment and Services Programme (SIESP) aims to provide 1.75 million days of employment throughout... Read more Comment (0), Email this.

An airlift of vehicles from the UK this week will boost the African Union mission in its bid to resolve the crisis in Darfur, Sudan. Read more Comment (0), Email this.

The UK government is to give at least £15m to help the victims of the Asian earthquake that struck on Boxing Day. Read more Comment (0), Email this.

Hilary Benn, Secretary of State for International Development, today offered to assist the Disasters Emergency Committee (DEC) in transporting any items purchased from the Tsunami Earthquake Appeal to affected people... Read more Comment (0), Email this.

A further 45 tonnes of bottled water and collapsible jerry cans are to be sent to the Maldives where there remains a pressing need for clean drinking water. The UK Department for International Development has booked... Read more Comment (0), Email this.

FOR ATTENTION OF FORWARD PLANNING AND NEWS DESKS OPERATIONAL NOTE: NOT FOR PUBLICATION OR BROADCAST Read more Comment (0), Email this.

Hilary Benn, UK International Development Secretary, who is in Nairobi today to attend the signing of the historic Peace Agreement between the Government of Sudan and the Sudan People's Liberation Movement, has ... Read more Comment (0), Email this.

Gareth Thomas, the Parliamentary Under-Secretary at the Department for International Development today met the French Development Minister, Xavier Darcos, as lobbying intensifies in support of the UK's proposals... Read more Comment (0), Email this.

International Development Secretary Hilary Benn today announced a multi-million pound package of funding to eradicate polio by the end of 2005 or early 2006 and to boost the effort to ensure the world stays polio... Read more Comment (0), Email this.

"A year ago today a devastating earthquake and tsunami took the lives of over 300,000 people across South Asia and East Africa. The impact of this disaster is still felt today. Many people not only lost loved ones... Read more Comment (0), Email this.

The Chancellor of the Exchequer, Gordon Brown today met with US Treasury Secretary John Snow and European Commissioner Charlie McCreevy to discuss progress in the EU-US Financial Markets Regulatory Dialogue and ... Read more Comment (0), Email this.

Issued on behalf of UKG72005 Read more Comment (0), Email this.

Part I: UK Government Foreign Currency Assets and Liabilities - November 2005 Read more Comment (0), Email this.

The Government's economic objective is to build a strong economy and a fair society, where there is opportunity and security for all. Read more Comment (0), Email this.

THE GOVERNMENT'S RESPONSE TO KATE BARKER'S REVIEW OF HOUSING Read more Comment (0), Email this.

A package of measures aimed at tackling tax fraud and avoidance was announced by the Chancellor today. These measures will protect the tax system from abuse and ensure that an unfair burden does not fall on the ... Read more Comment (0), Email this.

Rates and allowances for the Working and Child Tax Credits, Child Benefit/Guardian's Allowance, Income Tax, National Insurance Contributions and fuel duties are set out below. Read more Comment (0), Email this.

Skills in the UK: The long term challenge Read more Comment (0), Email this.

Check against delivery Read more Comment (0), Email this.

MEDIA ARRANGEMENTS Read more Comment (0), Email this.

After three years as Managing Director of Finance, Regulation and Industry, James Sassoon has decided to leave HM Treasury in the New Year. However, he will retain links with the Treasury in a newly created part... Read more Comment (0), Email this.

Chancellor of the Exchequer, Gordon Brown, today welcomed a Joint Declaration from Israeli and Palestinian business leaders urging private sector growth in the West Bank and Gaza. Read more Comment (0), Email this.

Check Against Delivery Read more Comment (0), Email this.

Check against delivery Read more Comment (0), Email this.

In the concluding statement to its Article IV examination of the UK economy, the IMF stated today: Read more Comment (0), Email this.

Following a Whitehall-wide competition, John Kingman has been appointed Managing Director of the Treasury's Finance and Industry Directorate. Currently Director of the Treasury's Enterprise and Growth Unit, John... Read more Comment (0), Email this.

Part I: UK Government Foreign Currency Assets and Liabilities - December 2005 Read more Comment (0), Email this.

Police and local authorities will have tough new powers to deal with families who blight communities with unacceptable behaviour, according to the Government's Respect Action Plan, launched today. Read more Comment (0), Email this.

As of today, the Chief Executive and Deputy Master of the Royal Mint, Gerald Sheehan, is leaving after four years in order to pursue other interests. Gerald has been instrumental in introducing changes to enable... Read more Comment (0), Email this.

The Chancellor of the Exchequer, Gordon Brown, met with pensioners in London today and set out the increased range of financial support and assistance from the Government to help older people keep warm, healthy ... Read more Comment (0), Email this.

John Healey, Financial Secretary to the Treasury, has today appointed Mr Joly Dixon CMG and Dr Isabelle Low to the Statistics Commission. He has also re-appointed two existing members, Professor Sir Kenneth Calman... Read more Comment (0), Email this.

The Treasury today announces that Dr Alan Greenspan KBE has agreed to be Honorary Adviser to the Chancellor of the Exchequer Gordon Brown. Read more Comment (0), Email this.

Paymaster General Dawn Primarolo today set out how, with the success of the tax credit system, the Government is responding to the challenge of the global economy: matching flexibility with fairness to achieve the... Read more Comment (0), Email this.

Part I: UK Government Foreign Currency Assets and Liabilities - January 2006 Read more Comment (0), Email this.

MONDAY 13 FEBRUARY The Chancellor of the Exchequer, Gordon Brown MP, will be participating in a series of events on Monday, 13 February of interest to the media. Read more Comment (0), Email this.

The Chancellor of the Exchequer, Gordon Brown, today set out new measures to strengthen further the financial system's ability to deny terrorists funds, identify and investigate terrorist networks and disrupt terrorist... Read more Comment (0), Email this.

'SECURING OUR FUTURE' SPEECH BY THE RT. HON. GORDON BROWN MP, CHANCELLOR OF THE EXCHEQUER, AT THE ROYAL UNITED SERVICES INSTITUTE (RUSI), LONDON Read more Comment (0), Email this.

The Spring Supplementary Estimates, presented to the House of Commons today, seek £9,946 million in resources and £7,638 million in cash. The Estimates seek increased resources and cash for existing... Read more Comment (0), Email this.

The Gowers Review of Intellectual Property today issued a call for evidence as part of its commitment to consult widely. Read more Comment (0), Email this.

he Chancellor will deliver his Budget Statement 2006 to Parliament at 12.30pm on Wednesday 22 March. Read more Comment (0), Email this.

Take up of tax credits is higher than for any previous system of financial support for families according to new research published by the Government today. Read more Comment (0), Email this.

Part I: UK Government Foreign Currency Assets and Liabilities - February 2006 Read more Comment (0), Email this.

The Chancellor of the Exchequer, Gordon Brown MP, today chaired the first meeting between the cross-departmental Ministerial Group on Youth Volunteering and the key stakeholders in the Government's national youth... Read more Comment (0), Email this.

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) is today publishing its report on the UK economy, along with the UK's statement to the IMF Executive Board, which sets out the Government's response to the report. Read more Comment (0), Email this.

The Chancellor of the Exchequer, Gordon Brown, today announced a £6 million grant to the Government of Pakistan as part of the UK's assistance in the battle against the illegal international drugs trade... Read more Comment (0), Email this.

President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva of Brazil announced today, during his state visit to the UK, that Brazil would be joining the International Finance Facility for Immunisation (IFFIm) and will be contributing $... Read more Comment (0), Email this.

The Chancellor of the Exchequer, Gordon Brown, today announced that he has established a new International Business Advisory Council for the UK comprising some of the world's leading business people. Read more Comment (0), Email this.

Updates for 2004-05 and earlier years for key series This release provides new estimates of financial year outturns for some key public expenditure series that are complied and published by HM Treasury as National... Read more Comment (0), Email this.

Speech...Page 1 Read more Comment (0), Email this.

Speech...Page 2 Read more Comment (0), Email this.

Speech...Page 3 Read more Comment (0), Email this.

Speech...Page 4 Read more Comment (0), Email this.

Speech...Page 5 (Final Page) Read more Comment (0), Email this.

The Government's economic objective is to build a strong economy and a fair society, where there is opportunity and security for all. Read more Comment (0), Email this.

Rates and allowances for Income Tax, National Insurance Contributions the Working and Child Tax Credits, Child Benefit/Guardian's Allowance, fuel duties, alcohol duties, vehicle excise duties and stamp duty land... Read more Comment (0), Email this.

Key stakeholders in London's financial sector are joining forces with the Government to promote London as the world's leading international financial centre. Twelve leading London markets and financial sector industry... Read more Comment (0), Email this.

HM Treasury, the Bank of England and the Financial Services Authority have today jointly published an updated Memorandum of Understanding for Financial Stability. Read more Comment (0), Email this.

Measures aimed at tackling tax fraud and avoidance were announced by the Chancellor today. By protecting the tax system from abuse, these measures will ensure that everybody pays their fair share of tax. Read more Comment (0), Email this.

The Chancellor has today announced to the House of Commons the appointment of Professor David Blanchflower to the Bank of England's Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) to succeed Steve Nickell. This appointment will... Read more Comment (0), Email this.

Check against Delivery Read more Comment (0), Email this.

ATTENTION PICTURE/NEWS EDITORS NOT FOR PUBLICATION Read more Comment (0), Email this.

The Committee on Standards in Public Life, chaired by Sir Alistair Graham, has started a series of public hearings in its inquiry to help establish whether current arrangements for promoting high standards of conduct... Read more Comment (0), Email this.

Witnesses for Tuesday 29 June in Belfast Read more Comment (0), Email this.

"GETTING THE BALANCE RIGHT: IMPLEMENTING STANDARDS OF CONDUCT IN PUBLIC LIFE" Read more Comment (0), Email this.

The Committee on Standards in Public Life, chaired by Sir Alistair Graham, has started a series of public hearings in its inquiry to help establish whether current arrangements for promoting high standards of conduct... Read more Comment (0), Email this.

Witnesses for Wednesday 7 July in Cardiff Read more Comment (0), Email this.

The sixth public hearing of the Committee's Tenth inquiry 'Getting the Balance Right: Implementing Standards of Conduct in Public Life' will take place on Tuesday 13 July at One Great George Street, Westminster, ... Read more Comment (0), Email this.

The seventh public hearing of the Committee's Tenth inquiry 'Getting the Balance Right: Implementing Standards of Conduct in Public Life' will take place on Thursday 15 July at One Great George Street, Westminster... Read more Comment (0), Email this.

ATTENTION PICTURE/NEWS EDITORS NOT FOR PUBLICATION Read more Comment (0), Email this.

WITNESSES FOR THURSDAY 9 SEPTEMBER IN LONDON Read more Comment (0), Email this.

Inquiry into Processes for Maintaining High Standards of Conduct in Public Bodies, Local Government and the National Health Service Continues: Witnesses for Tuesday 14 September in London Read more Comment (0), Email this.

The first results of a long-term research project into public attitudes towards conduct in public life were published today by the Committee on Standards in Public Life. Read more Comment (0), Email this.

Inquiry into Processes for Maintaining High Standards of Conduct in Public Bodies, Local Government and the National Health Service Continues: Updated Witnesses for Tuesday 14 September in London Read more Comment (0), Email this.

Inquiry into Processes for Maintaining High Standards of Conduct in Public Bodies, Local Government and the National Health Service Continues: Read more Comment (0), Email this.

The Rt Hon Baroness Jay of Paddington and Mr Lloyd Clarke QPM have been appointed to the Committee on Standards in Public Life. Both appointments, announced by the Prime Minister are effective from today 1 November... Read more Comment (0), Email this.

The Committee on Standards in Public Life, which was established by the then Prime Minister in 1994, has no mandate to investigate allegations against individuals. The Committee does not comment on individual allegations... Read more Comment (0), Email this.

The Committee on Standards in Public Life, which was established by the then Prime Minister in 1994, has no mandate to investigate allegations against individuals. The Committee has however previously inquired into... Read more Comment (0), Email this.

ATTENTION NEWS EDITORS/PICTURE DESKS Read more Comment (0), Email this.

Proposals to counter perceived cronyism in the public appointments system, and improve the investigation of complaints against local government councillors, are put forward in a radical report published by the Committee... Read more Comment (0), Email this.

1. After the publication of the Budd Report, Sir Alistair Graham, Chairman of the Committee on Standards in Public Life gave notice [PN 165, 22 December 2004] that the Committee would reflect on the Report and ... Read more Comment (0), Email this.

The Committee on Standards in Public Life welcomed today the publication of new research, produced by MORI for the Public Appointments Commissioner. This shows that in addition to a low level of public awareness... Read more Comment (0), Email this.

DIARY NOTE - NOT FOR PUBLICATION Read more Comment (0), Email this.

The Committee published its 2004 Annual Report today, Tuesday 22 March. Read more Comment (0), Email this.

STATEMENT BY SIR ALISTAIR GRAHAM, CHAIRMAN OF THE COMMITTEE ON STANDARDS IN PUBLIC LIFE Read more Comment (0), Email this.

STATEMENT BY SIR ALISTAIR GRAHAM, CHAIRMAN OF THE COMMITTEE ON STANDARDS IN PUBLIC LIFE Read more Comment (0), Email this.

The Committee on Standards in Public Life regrets the failure of Government to accept its recommendations on clarifying, simplifying, and making more transparent the rules on Ministerial involvement in senior public... Read more Comment (0), Email this.

The Committee on Standards in Public Life is today publishing a consultation paper setting out the key issues and questions on which it intends to focus during its Eleventh Inquiry into the mandate, governance and... Read more Comment (0), Email this.

The first Annual Open Meeting of the Committee on Standards in Public Life will take place on Thursday 9 March, in central London. The Committee will present its 2005 Annual Report and a standards check on areas... Read more Comment (0), Email this.

Launching the Committee's Annual Report for 2005 today (Thursday), Sir Alistair Graham is to pledge that the Committee will continue to press for changes to the system for inquiries into allegations of breaches ... Read more Comment (0), Email this.

The Committee welcomes the belated but positive response by the Government to its repeated warnings about the inadequacies of the present system for advising Ministers on potential conflicts of interest and investigating... Read more Comment (0), Email this.

The Kitchen Bathroom Bedroom Specialists Association (KBSA) has recommended clearer and fairer model contract terms to its members following discussions with the OFT. Draft model terms were submitted to the OFT ... Read more Comment (0), Email this.

The OFT has been officially recognised as one of the top 100 employers for lesbian, gay and bisexual staff in the UK. Read more Comment (0), Email this.

OPERATIONAL NOTE FOR THE ATTENTION OF PICTURE AND NEWS DESKS Read more Comment (0), Email this.

The British Association of Removers (BAR) Consumer Code of Practice has successfully completed the first stage of the OFT's Consumer Codes Approval Scheme. Read more Comment (0), Email this.

OFT and DTI launch Scams Awareness Month Read more Comment (0), Email this.

The OFT has launched an investigation into MasterCard's new arrangements for setting the fallback interchange fees that apply to all UK domestic transactions made using UK-issued MasterCard credit and charge cards... Read more Comment (0), Email this.

Consumers, business and the UK economy will be the winners from a close working partnership between the OFT and the Trading Standards Service, said John Fingleton, OFT Chief Executive and Philip Collins, OFT Chairman... Read more Comment (0), Email this.

The OFT today referred the completed acquisition by Railway Investments Limited (a wholly owned subsidiary of English Welsh & Scottish Railway Holdings Limited)(EWS) of Marcroft Holdings Limited and its wholly owned... Read more Comment (0), Email this.

The OFT has decided today not to refer the anticipated acquisition by Boots plc of Alliance UniChem plc to the Competition Commission provided that satisfactory undertakings to address the competition concerns arising... Read more Comment (0), Email this.

Do the OFT quiz and become a scambuster Read more Comment (0), Email this.

The OFT is to review undertakings given by BAE Systems plc following its acquisition of Marconi Electronic Systems from the General Electric Company plc in 1999. Read more Comment (0), Email this.

The OFT has today accepted the undertakings offered by Hilton Group plc and Ladbroke Racing (Reading) Limited (Ladbroke). It has decided that the undertakings offered address the competition concerns which arose... Read more Comment (0), Email this.

The OFT has decided today to accept the undertakings offered by William Hill plc. It has decided that the undertakings offered address the competition concerns which arose from the completed acquisition by William... Read more Comment (0), Email this.

On the most romantic day of the year, the OFT warns consumers: don't fall victim to an online dating scam. Read more Comment (0), Email this.

Convicted second-hand car dealer Christopher Fulke-Greville has had an application to purge his contempt dismissed. Read more Comment (0), Email this.

An Essex-based dental practitioner has had his application for a consumer credit licence refused by the OFT. This decision will not take effect until the end of an appeal process (see note 5). Read more Comment (0), Email this.

Younger, more affluent consumers are just as likely as older consumer to be targeted by scammers, new research by the OFT has revealed. Read more Comment (0), Email this.

Window and conservatory supplier St Helens Glass Limited (SHG) has given undertakings concerning the goods and services it will provide, following action by the OFT. Read more Comment (0), Email this.

John Fingleton, OFT Chief Executive, today welcomed the publication of the preliminary report of the European Commission's Energy Sector Inquiry. Read more Comment (0), Email this.

Shoppers in Ipswich are being targeted by the OFT with advice on shoppers' rights as part of a major consumer awareness campaign. Read more Comment (0), Email this.

OPERATIONAL NOTE FOR THE ATTENTION OF PICTURE AND NEWS DESKS Read more Comment (0), Email this.

The OFT will be holding a conference on scams and releasing the preliminary results of its major scams research project on the morning of Wednesday 22 February at the Barbican Centre, 4th floor, Silk Street entrance... Read more Comment (0), Email this.

The OFT has today fined 13 roofing contractors around £2.3 million in total (reduced to around £1.6 million by leniency) after they agreed to fix the prices for flat roofing and car park surfacing... Read more Comment (0), Email this.

FOR THE ATTENTION OF PICTURE AND NEWS DESKS Read more Comment (0), Email this.

TV 'Bad Girl' launches OFT internet sweep and web chat Read more Comment (0), Email this.

The OFT has decided to make a prohibition order against Manchester estate agent Martin Corrick Levy, banning him from engaging in estate agency work. The order will not come into effect until the end of an appeals... Read more Comment (0), Email this.

The OFT has decided to refuse the application for a consumer credit licence of a Wiltshire motor dealer, Devizes Motor Company Limited, which trades under the name of Pickwick Car Centre. Read more Comment (0), Email this.

The OFT yesterday, 27 February, issued an interim measures direction to the London Metal Exchange (LME) to prevent LME from extending the hours of trading on its electronic trading platform, LME Select. The OFT ... Read more Comment (0), Email this.

Legislation is needed to protect consumers using credit card cheques, says the OFT in its response to the DTI consultation paper on credit card cheques (see note 1). Read more Comment (0), Email this.

Issued by the Payment Systems Task Force, chaired by the Office of Fair Trading Read more Comment (0), Email this.

A company distributing misleading premium rate scratchcard promotions, which charged consumers up to £9 to discover what they had 'won' has been stopped, following action by the OFT. Read more Comment (0), Email this.

Robert Bosch Ltd's Bosch Car Service (BCS) code of practice has completed Stage One of the OFT Consumer Codes Approval Scheme, which aims to promote and safeguard consumer interests. The code's membership consists... Read more Comment (0), Email this.

The SafeBuy Consumer Code of Practice has successfully completed the first stage of the OFT's Consumer Codes Approval Scheme. Read more Comment (0), Email this.

The OFT has accepted commitments from Associated Newspapers Limited (ANL) clearing the way for a new afternoon or evening newspaper to be distributed to London commuters. Read more Comment (0), Email this.

The OFT is issuing this statement in order to clarify the position in relation to the interim measures direction issued to the London Metal Exchange on 27 February. Read more Comment (0), Email this.

The OFT is warning UK householders to beware of a group of Dutch salesmen who are denying consumers their rights in their sales of kitchenware on consumers' doorsteps. Read more Comment (0), Email this.

The OFT has raised new concerns about the supply and distribution of opium derivatives within the UK in a review of undertakings given by pharmaceutical supplier MacFarlan Smith Ltd (MSL). Read more Comment (0), Email this.

The former directors of an inventions promotion company have been warned as to their future conduct after the company ceased trading without resolving the OFT's concerns over its advertising, contract terms and ... Read more Comment (0), Email this.

The OFT has issued High Court proceedings against Magno-Pulse Limited, and its officers Derek and Wendy Price. It is seeking an injunction against them under the Control of Misleading Advertisements Regulations ... Read more Comment (0), Email this.

The OFT has today signalled its intention to refer the market for the supply of groceries by retailers in the UK to the Competition Commission for more detailed investigation, and has published its analysis of the... Read more Comment (0), Email this.

The OFT will issue a fresh draft Opinion for consultation on the compatibility of newspaper and magazine distribution agreements with competition law. This decision follows an internal review, requested by senior... Read more Comment (0), Email this.

Black cab manufacturer LTI Limited has stepped in to explain that its dealers can use non-LTI approved spare parts following a complaint made to the OFT. Read more Comment (0), Email this.

Supermarkets offering grocery shopping online have agreed to give customers better price information, following action by the OFT. Read more Comment (0), Email this.

Shoppers in Swansea are being targeted by the OFT with advice on shoppers' rights as part of a major consumer awareness campaign. Read more Comment (0), Email this.

The OFT has decided to make prohibition orders against two West London estate agents, Christopher Taylor and Harunur Rashid, banning them from engaging in estate agency work. The decision will not come into effect... Read more Comment (0), Email this.

The Financial Services Authority (FSA) and the Office of Fair Trading (OFT) are to produce an action plan, published by the end of April, setting out how they believe they can deliver benefits to consumers and firms... Read more Comment (0), Email this.

The OFT has decided to release TV Eye from some of the commitments it gave in 2005 regarding its media agency registration and credit listing business (see press release 93/05). TV Eye, which was the first undertaking... Read more Comment (0), Email this.

The OFT will continue its study into the Pharmaceutical Price Regulation Scheme (PPRS), the system used by the UK Department of Health to control the price of branded drugs prescribed in the NHS. Read more Comment (0), Email this.

OFT sets out tips for consumers following judgment Read more Comment (0), Email this.

Ann Pope has been appointed to be the first head of OFT's new competition Preliminary Investigation Unit (PIU). Read more Comment (0), Email this.

New pilot projects intended to improve and speed up the planning process for large and complex developments were launched today by Housing and Planning Minister Yvette Cooper. Read more Comment (0), Email this.

'One-stop shops' for older people based on the Sure Start family services model are to be introduced by the Government. Read more Comment (0), Email this.

The Government is making £121 million available for the Disabled Facilities Grant (DFGs) in England this year, up 17 per cent on last year. Read more Comment (0), Email this.

Findings from the Survey of English Housing (SEH), focusing on the issues of domestic fires and fire safety measures were published today by the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister (ODPM). Read more Comment (0), Email this.

The first Two Year Settlement, providing local government in England with stable and truly predictable funding, was confirmed today by Local Government Minister Phil Woolas. Read more Comment (0), Email this.

Homebuilding on previously developed land has hit a new record high of 72 per cent, new figures show today. Read more Comment (0), Email this.

Miliband hosts debate on structure and leadership Read more Comment (0), Email this.

More authorised sites and better enforcement are needed to prevent the problem of unauthorised Gypsy and Traveller sites in inappropriate locations, the Government said today. Read more Comment (0), Email this.

Over 250 local authorities in England will be awarded in excess of £105 million for 2005/06 under an incentive scheme aimed at encouraging business growth, Local Government Minister Phil Woolas has announced... Read more Comment (0), Email this.

Statistical Release Read more Comment (0), Email this.

Arms Length Management Organisations (ALMOs) are to receive further funding of £538m over the next two years. Read more Comment (0), Email this.

The Government will legislate to modernise the Housing Corporation's decision-making, enabling the Agency to delegate decisions from Board level and bringing it into line with other Non Departmental Public Bodies... Read more Comment (0), Email this.

e Attwood Green regeneration project in Birmingham has won the Deputy Prime Minister's Award for Sustainable Communities 2005. Read more Comment (0), Email this.

Local planning authorities (LPAs) have surpassed tough government standards for e-planning, new figures show today. Read more Comment (0), Email this.

A new community made up of well-designed, energy efficient, flexible homes is planned for a former hospital site in Coxheath, near Maidstone, Kent, as part of the Deputy Prime Minister's Design for Manufacture competition... Read more Comment (0), Email this.

Statistical Release This statistical release presents figures on new house building starts and completions in England and its regions up to the quarter ending December 2005. House building figures are also provided... Read more Comment (0), Email this.

The year 2004 had the lowest number of fire related deaths in the UK for 45 years according to Government statistics published today. Read more Comment (0), Email this.

The Government today confirmed the allocation of £525 million Neighbourhood Renewal Funds for the majority of the areas who are serving their communities well and making a difference. Read more Comment (0), Email this.

Communities across London and the wider South East received a major boost today after being allocated a share of a cash pot worth almost £300m for more than 85 vital infrastructure schemes that will support... Read more Comment (0), Email this.

Local Government Minister, Phil Woolas, has announced the appointment of three new members of the Standards Board for England. Paul Gott, Elizabeth Hall and Judith Simons have joined the Standards Board, with effect... Read more Comment (0), Email this.

The Government has tightened the time for the building industry to comply with new climate change regulations, Housing and Planning Minister Yvette Cooper announced today. Read more Comment (0), Email this.

The Government's drive to bring long-term empty homes back into use, improve landlord management of their properties through licensing, as well as increasing the health and safety of dwellings, has entered the next... Read more Comment (0), Email this.

Ten schemes from 15 local authorities were today awarded £126 million over three years in a new Government programme to boost the economies of some of the most deprived areas in England. Read more Comment (0), Email this.

The latest national fire statistics covering the 12-month period up to 30 June 2005 continue to show a fall in the total number of fire related deaths - now the lowest since 1958. Read more Comment (0), Email this.

Full details of a comprehensive programme of engagement on the future of local governance, including the issue of local government reorganisation, were confirmed today, with dates and locations now finalised for... Read more Comment (0), Email this.

The introduction of a Code of Best Practice has made a significant improvement in community consultation for planning for mobile network development, a study published today has revealed. Read more Comment (0), Email this.

PHOTO CALL/OPERATIONAL NOTE Read more Comment (0), Email this.

New fire safety rules affecting all non-domestic premises in England and Wales will come into force in October the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister has announced. Read more Comment (0), Email this.

England's cities have the best chance since the end of the 19th century to join Europe's top performing cities, according to a landmark report published today. Read more Comment (0), Email this.

Housing Minister Yvette Cooper today announced an increase in social housing for families in London as part of a new programme of work to address the problem of overcrowding and impact on children. Read more Comment (0), Email this.

OPERATIONAL DETAILS It is a pooled media facility. For broadcast footage, words and stills please contact the ODPM Press Office on 020 7944 3143. The visit is due to take place at 3.20pm Wednesday 8 March 2006... Read more Comment (0), Email this.

The Government announced today it will strengthen the Code for Sustainable Homes alongside the introduction of new tougher building regulations, in order to address climate change. Read more Comment (0), Email this.

Statistical Release Read more Comment (0), Email this.

Statistical Release Read more Comment (0), Email this.

The number of households becoming homeless has dropped by 27 per cent, and those in temporary accommodation have also fallen by 2%, compared to the same period the previous year. Read more Comment (0), Email this.

Statistical Release Read more Comment (0), Email this.

A rise in people living by themselves will account for 72 per cent of annual household growth up to 2026 according to the latest household projections published today by the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister. Read more Comment (0), Email this.

West Northamptonshire Development Corporation (WNDC) will gain new planning powers from 6 April 2006 to enhance the regeneration of the area. Read more Comment (0), Email this.

Revised building regulations that increase energy efficiency standards for new buildings were laid in Parliament today. The new measures taken together with changes to strengthen Building Regulations in 2002 will... Read more Comment (0), Email this.

A week-long exhibition showcasing the ground-breaking home designs in the Design for Manufacture competition - the Government's challenge to build a good quality home for a construction cost of £60,000... Read more Comment (0), Email this.

Key milestones for the Home Information Pack programmes are published today, setting out what Government and industry need to do to ensure that Home Information Packs are successfully launched to consumers on 1 ... Read more Comment (0), Email this.

Students residing in accommodation managed and controlled by universities and colleges of higher and further education, will benefit from the Government's drive to improve management standards of Houses in Multiple... Read more Comment (0), Email this.

Households in deprived areas and other topics Read more Comment (0), Email this.

The Office of the Deputy Prime Minister (ODPM) has published its Sustainable Development Action Plan to highlight progress in implementing its commitment to sustainable development through its policies for creating... Read more Comment (0), Email this.

Innovation by local authorities in delivering quality public services was recognised today at the seventh annual Beacon Scheme awards ceremony. The Deputy Prime Minister, John Prescott, and Local Government Minister... Read more Comment (0), Email this.

- support for families and first time buyers driving forward plans to making housing more affordable - Read more Comment (0), Email this.

Local Area Agreements drive improved outcomes for communities Read more Comment (0), Email this.

Professor Ronald Barham SBStJ has been appointed as a member of the Valuation Tribunal Service (VTS) for a period of three years from 1 April 2006, Local Government Minister Phil Woolas has announced. Read more Comment (0), Email this.

Local authority sponsorship of the Government Connect programme is to migrate from Bolton Metropolitan Borough Council to the North West e-Government Group, under the sponsorship of Tameside Metropolitan Borough... Read more Comment (0), Email this.

The Deputy Prime Minister, John Prescott, today announced a further £482 million of investment to regenerate some of England's most run down estates. Read more Comment (0), Email this.

A £40m contract to deliver the Anti-Structures Munition, a new shoulder-launched weapon which will allow the British infantry to more precisely and safely defeat hardened structures such as buildings or... Read more Comment (0), Email this.

Admiral Sir Jonathon Band KCB is to assume the appointment of First Sea Lord and Chief of the Naval Staff on 7 February 2006. He succeeds Admiral Sir Alan West GCB DSC ADC who was appointed on 17 September 2002... Read more Comment (0), Email this.

The 'unsung heroes' who maintain and fly the RAF's Fleet of Chinook helicopters play a vital role in modern military operations, the Armed Forces Minister, Adam Ingram, said today. Read more Comment (0), Email this.

The British four-man bobsleigh at the Winter Olympics in Turin will have an all-military crew, it was announced today. It will comprise three Royal Marines and an RAF airman. Read more Comment (0), Email this.