DCMS place targeting
DCMS sets out a new place‑targeting approach to concentrate its programmes where community outcomes need most improvement, intending to focus resources on areas with greatest need.
UK policy, filtered.
Everything government, Parliament, the statistical agencies and the major policy institutes published — read, summarised and ranked so you can skim the day in a minute.
5,510 articles · 37 live sources · updated Just now
Overview of the planning system (England)
Describes how the planning system in England operates, covering application decisions, local planning authorities’ roles, appeals and circumstances under which planning permission can be overturned.
Local authority revenue expenditure and financing England: 2025 to 2026 individual local authority data - outturn
Individual local authority outturn data for revenue expenditure and financing covering April 2025 to March 2026, providing detailed council-level spending, income and financing figures for England.
Arts Council of Northern Ireland: 2025/26 Annual Investment Survey findings
Analysis of the 2025/26 Annual Investment Survey setting out how funding and investment were distributed across Northern Ireland's arts and cultural sector, identifying patterns in grants, revenue and capital support.
Environment Agency submits Portreath flood defence plans
Plans for Portreath propose stream channel upgrades, new footbridges, erosion protection and improved flood defences to reduce local flood risk and coastal erosion, submitted to the planning authority by the Environment Agency.
MHCLG small and medium enterprises (SME) action plan: 2025 to 2028
MHCLG sets out an SME action plan for 2025–28 aiming to improve small businesses’ access to public sector supply chains and cut unnecessary burdens and costs, positioning the department as backing growth and procurement inclusion for SMEs.
Live tables on planning application statistics
Provides live national and local authority-level tables on planning application activity, enabling users to view submissions, decisions and backlog data across England’s planning system.
Learning from the DevoLab #5: How mayors and local leaders can create a shared vision for growth
Mayors and local leaders can create shared visions for growth by aligning strategic priorities, engaging stakeholders and using devolved powers effectively, drawing lessons from the DevoLab series to improve local economic planning and partnerships.
Why not find out first, spend second?
Argues the £210m high-street regeneration pledge is backward: spend decisions should follow local demand research. Notes online sales now represent about 25% of retail, implying less physical High Street space is needed before redesigning uses.
Alcohol licensing: how to object to a licence
The Commons Library explains how to object to an alcohol premises licence: objections must relate to one or more statutory licensing objectives, such as preventing crime and disorder, to be admissible.
This all seems a little swift to be honest
Contends councils should be able to compel repair or reuse of long-neglected properties, citing international examples of prolonged urban decay and arguing for sensible time limits and enforcement powers for local authorities.
Lap dancing clubs: how are they licensed?
Lap dancing clubs in England and Wales will ordinarily require a local authority sex establishment licence, with licensing processes and conditions set by councils to regulate operation and activities.
Quarterly bus fares statistics: April to June 2026
Quarterly statistics published for April–June 2026 report local bus fares across Great Britain, providing the latest data on fare levels and short-term changes for that quarter (details in the full release).
Local government in Scotland is critical to reducing poverty
This JRF summary of Poverty in Scotland 2026 outlines public attitudes to local government, argues for reform of local funding and urges councils to use all available levers to reduce and prevent poverty locally.
Anti-social behaviour incidents in Northern Ireland, period ending 31 August 2026
Monthly Police Service of Northern Ireland update reporting counts and trends of anti‑social behaviour incidents in Northern Ireland for the period ending 31 August 2026.
Radical leader
Interview profile of Ann McGauran reflecting her long commitment to local government reform and community work, republished from The MJ, exploring leadership and practical approaches to civic renewal.
Sellafield Ltd helps unlock £9.8 million investment for Egremont
A £9.8 million injection has been secured to support a major improvement project in Egremont, with Sellafield Ltd helping to unlock the funding to deliver town regeneration and related local infrastructure works.
Historical and discontinued planning live tables
Archives historical and discontinued planning live tables, offering past datasets on planning applications for reference and longitudinal comparison.
Spotlight: Involving people in decision-making – Learning lessons from Camden Council and South Staffordshire
Summarises lessons from Camden and South Staffordshire on involving residents in decision‑making, drawing on the Waves digital democracy programme and practical examples for local participatory practice.
That devolution idea didn’t last long then
Argues that English mayors should face greater central scrutiny to prevent devolution being undermined by poor local decisions, criticising current arrangements and calling for tighter oversight of mayoral powers.
Birmingham waste company to clear site and pay nearly £24,000
Environment Agency prosecution concluded against a Birmingham waste company that ignored permit conditions and enforcement notices; the firm must clear the site and pay nearly £24,000 in penalties.
Northern Ireland Local Growth Fund Consultation
Government is consulting on investment proposals to establish a new Northern Ireland Local Growth Fund, inviting views on how the fund should be structured and what projects or areas should receive support.
UK’s 250th banking hub opens in Chepstow, keeping access to cash and face-to-face banking in the town
Treasury Minister Lucy Rigby opened the UK's 250th banking hub in Chepstow, maintaining local access to cash and face‑to‑face banking services for residents and businesses in the town.