What it is: Centre for Cities has published its Outlook 2010 report, which says that poorer cities will fall further behind rival cities in the recession.
When it came out: 18 January 2010
Why it is important: The report studied 64 cities and found that areas like Stoke, Burnley and Doncaster had a much tougher economic in 2010 because of their weaker private sectors. It said areas like Reading, Milton Keynes, Brighton and Cambridge were better placed to recover in 2010.
To read the full report click here: Centre for Cities Outlook 2010

What it is: The European Institute for Urban Affairs – part of Liverpool John Moores University – has published the results of a study into the effect of the economic slump on regeneration in the north. The work was led by professor Michael Parkinson.
When it came out: 15 January 2010
Why it is important: While the private sector has been hit hard by the economic downturn, investment from the public sector is currently at record levels. However, the government is looking to make cuts if it is going to reduce a public …

What it is: Law firm Brodies has surveyed all 33 planning authorities in Scotland to find how many are using the new system of Schemes of Delegation – which entered law on 3 August 2009 – as much as they could.
When it came out: 13 January 2009
Why it is important: It shows that only three out of 33 local planning authorities in Scotland are using the Schemes of Delegation laws as much as they could.
To read the full report click here: Brodies on Schemes of Delegation

What it is: The Department for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs has published guidance for planners on using the planning system to reduce emissions.
When it came out: 11 January 2010
Why it is important: It gives guidance for how planners should factor in the environmental impact of proposed developments when they are making planning decisions.
To read the full guidance click here: Low Emissions Strategies – Jan 10

What it is: The Policy Through Procurement Action Plan is the Office of Government Commerce strategy for making savings from the £220bn that the government spends each year on procuring goods and services.
When it came out: 11 January 2010
Why it is important: It sets out the OGC strategy for government to forward its policy aims of encouraging small and medium sized enterprises to bid for government contracts, and using procurement to reduce the government’s carbon dioxide emissions.
To read the full plan click here: Policy Through Procurement Action Plan

What it is: The Office of Government Commerce has launched guidance for public sector procurers and private sector developers on the Remedies Directive, new rules on EU procurement that entered UK law on 20 December 2009.
When it came out: 7 January 2010
Why it is important: These three guidance documents explain the impact of new rules that make it easier for losing bidders for Official Journal of European Union contracts to challenge the contract award.
To read the full guidance click on the links below:
OGC Remedies Directive guidance – part one
OGC Remedies …

What it is: The Public and Commercial Services Union has released a report about its vision for the Land Registry, which is under financial pressure because of the decline in the number of housing transactions.
When it came out: 6 January 2010
Why it is important: In October 2009, the Land Registry announced plans to cut or outsource 1,500 jobs because it needed to restructure because of the lack of work from the housing market. Here, the union sets out plans for the Land Registry, which it says could be tasked with …

What it is: The register of surplus public sector land gives information on the availability of surplus publicly-owned land throughout England.
It aims to ensure that wider government objectives such as housing needs and regional economic and housing strategies, are factored into decision-making before surplus land is disposed of.
When it came out: 4 January 2009
Why it is important: It gives public sector bodies an early opportunity to bid to use surplus land before the private sector is notified of it.
Once the disposing agency has provided details of a site, there is …

What it is: CB Richard Ellis has released a briefing document on the impact of the new Planning Policy Statement 4 (PPS4) on town centre retail planning.
When it came out: 29 December 2009.
Why it is important: This briefing note explains some of the key changes in the new PPS4, the tests that councils will need to implement, and what this means for development.
To read the full briefing note click here: CB Richard Ellis PPS4 briefing December 2009

What it is: Planning Policy Statement 4: Planning for Sustainable Economic Growth has been launched by government department Communities and Local Government to change planning policies for town centres.
When it came out: 29 December 2009
Why it is important: This statement replaces the existing Planning Policy Statement 6 and introduces new tests that planners must take into account when considering planning applications in town centres.
To read the full statement click here: Planning Policy Statement 4 – 29 Dec 09