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"Pressing need" for a general power of competence, says ACSeS president
10/03/10: There is a pressing need for local government to be given a general power of competence, the president of the Association of Council Secretaries and Solicitors (ACSeS) argued this week.

Government calls on councillors and MPs to challenge agencies over ASB
10/03/10: The government has published guidance for councillors, MPs and Welsh Assembly members on the tools and powers available to deal with anti-social behaviour, calling on them to challenge local agencies over inaction.

DCLG to consult on "green planning rulebook"
10/03/10: The government is to consult on three planning policy statements relating to climate change, the natural environment and coastal change. The proposals are intended to ensure sustainable developments are planned and built.

Statutory road works safety code to be extended to local authorities
10/03/10: Local authorities will have to abide by strict rules on safety and provide clear signage when carrying out road works, under proposals announced this week by the Department for Transport.

Tough love
Could a lack of resources mean that Family Intervention Projects fail to deliver on their initial promise? Grania Langdon-Down investigates.

Show me the money
Mark Hynes offers a personal reflection on how legal teams can make savings without damaging the service they provide or cutting large numbers of jobs.

Cuts both ways
How can councils make economies in their social services provision without falling foul of the law? Nicola Williams identifies the pitfalls for local authorities.

Going undercover
Significant changes to the way councils conduct covert surveillance are imminent. Ibrahim Hasan looks at the impact on local authorities.

Cheating the system
Fraudulent applications for school places are on the rise but the ability of admissions authorities to do anything about it is limited, writes Mark Blois.

Signed off
Long-term sickness absence can be a major headache for employers. Jolyon Berry provides some top tips on how to manage the problem successfully.