Communities secretary, Hazel Blears, has urged on the ‘real sense of urgency' between central and local government to fight the recession. A summit, between the LGA and Government ministers, described by both sides as ‘constructive and helpful', led to a series of proposals aimed at battling the downturn. Both sides will step up awareness of the powers councils have to help people and review procurement to support apprenticeships. Improving data sharing between agencies, extending planning permission deadlines and reviewing business rate relief are among the initiatives. They will meet again in four weeks'. Councils could also get the powers to take over empty shops, which Ms Blears is ‘very keen' to take forward. Ms Blears told The MJ: ‘Local government is the place people turn to and the challenge is for councils to step up to the plate.'
