Initiatives designed to make its IT more environmentally friendly have earned Hampshire's local authority two green prizes – the first at the Cabinet Office's 'Greening Government' ICT awards, and the second at the national public sector IT Excellence awards. Council leader, Ken Thornber, said: "Green IT plays an important role in the business agenda partly because it accounts for two per cent of total global emissions - the same as the airline industry, but more so because it offers the potential to reduce energy costs and the carbon footprints of individuals, communities and businesses”.

The Local Government Association’s Labour Group has published a series of proposals, intended for inclusion in Labour’s manifesto ahead of the approaching general election. Among the suggestions are the “revaluation” of homes for council tax purposes, the introduction of “road pricing” schemes to more local authorities based on London’s congestion charge, higher local taxes on businesses, and the extension of fortnightly rubbish collection. The document has been branded a “tax bombshell” by Conservatives.

Preston has been chosen to host the UK Corporate Games in 2012, Britain’s largest sporting event for businesses. Council leader Ken Hudson said: "This is great news for Preston and a great boost for our local economy. Staging the games is worth over £3m in hotel stays and competitors spending money in the city”.

Anger has erupted at the news that Sandwell Council has spent more than £8 million on temporary staff in a year, at the same time as asking 1,000 permanent workers to accept a pay-cut as part of a new wage structure. Fiona McEvoym spokesperson for the TaxPayer’s Alliance, said: “This is an exorbitant amount to spend on temporary employees and just exemplifies the cavalier attitude of local government when it comes to our money”.