The Department for Communities and Local Government (DCLG)

Floods Recovery Minister John Healey today allocated funding to 39 local authorities who were worst affected by the July floods.

UNESCO's designated International Day for the Remembrance of the Slave Trade will be marked by the opening of the International Slavery Museum in Liverpool – the first museum of its type to open in the UK.

Local Government Minister John Healey has today issued a discussion paper for local authorities on a proposed approach for the implementation of new unitary authorities in the nine areas where councils are now moving towards unitary status.

The Government has today submitted an application to the European Commission for support from the European Union Solidarity Fund (EUSF) to help recovery from the recent flooding in the UK. Flood Recovery Minister John Healey said that a provisional assessment of damage caused by the June and July floods lies at over €4billion - significantly above the €3billion threshold required for a Member State to make an application.

The Government has today announced that Home Information Packs (HIPs) and Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs) will be rolled out to three bedroom properties from 10 September 2007.

This statistical release presents figures on new house building starts and completions in England and its regions up to the quarter ending June 2007. Tables for the UK, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland are also included. (The detailed figures are presented in the accompanying Excel tables.)

The Chairman of the Housing Corporation, Peter Dixon, has had his second term of appointment extended, by up to two years from 1 October 2007, or until the launch of the new homes agency, if sooner.

Communities Secretary Hazel Blears has announced that 36 local authorities affected by the July floods will receive a share of £6.2m of Government funding to help the people in their communities in the greatest need.

Many shops, offices, pubs and clubs could soon be powered by renewable energy, under changes to planning rules that will make it easier for businesses to install 'green' technologies like solar panels and wind turbines.

The mix-adjusted average house price in the UK in June 2007 stood at £214,222, up from £210,793 in May 2007 (not seasonally adjusted).

A new generation of role models from within local communities is needed in order to tackle underachievement among Black boys and young men and counter a culture of low aspiration, a major report said today. Too often the role models for young Black men are celebrities and rappers - who can glamorise crime, guns or gangs.

The latest national fire statistics covering the 12-month period up to 30 September 2006 continue to show a fall in the total number of primary fires - down 5 per cent and now at their lowest total since 1985.

Minister for Housing and Planning Yvette Cooper, has appointed Stan Hornagold to the London Thames Gateway Development Corporation (LTGDC) Board. This appointment has been made following a public advertisement and an independent recruitment process regulated by the Office of the Commissioner for Public Appointments.

Housing Minister Yvette Cooper today hailed an agreement with housebuilders and councils which will make zero carbon housing a reality within 10 years - and urged other partners in the industry to follow suit and 'sign the green pledge' by emailing her Department.

Communities Secretary Hazel Blears today warned households in flood-hit areas to guard against cowboy builders as she outlined Government commitment to support communities on the long-term task of reconstruction.

Efforts to increase race equality and unlock the potential of people from ethnic minority backgrounds to progress in education and business need to be accelerated, Cohesion Minister Parmjit Dhanda said today.

Floods Recovery Minister John Healey today urged people in communities hit by the July floods to seek free and impartial insurance advice before signing up with third parties who offer to help settle insurance claims.

A new system to help homebuyers get green grants worth hundreds of pounds to lower their fuel bills and make their homes greener has been announced today, linked to the introduction of Home Information Packs and Energy Performance Certificates.

Flood Recovery Minister John Healey today announced the Government’s intention to lodge an application to the European Commission for support from the European Union Solidarity Fund (EUSF) to help recovery from the recent flooding in the UK.

The Government is today seeking views on plans to beef up powers for local authorities to tackle illegal or botched construction.