May 2007 News from the UK

Update: Timber Frame, Construction & Property News

• Major planning reforms for a sustainable future (21/05/2007) www.communities.gov.uk
  

Communities Secretary Ruth Kelly has unveiled major reforms of the country's planning system to make it fit to tackle new challenges in the 21st century - speeding up the system alongside improved community consultation.

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• Government's continuing commitment to build sustainable communities (20/05/2007)
  

  www.communities.gov.uk

As the Sustainable Development Commission report recognises, there has been considerable progress in the delivery of our major long-term regeneration and growth programme. Particular improvements have been made in the provision of public services and public transport. The report authors strongly welcome our clear commitment to tackling climate change.

Date: 20/05/2007

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News: Environment, Climate & Attitudes

• Smarter working could help environment(18 May 2007)

Home working and flexible hours could help tackle environmental problems like carbon emissions and traffic congestion, according to champions of new work structures.
At a London summit held to kick off Work Wise Week - which mischievously runs from a Wednesday to a Tuesday - leaders from business and politics gathered to celebrate progress made in moving away from a rigid 9am to 5pm grind to the benefit of public health, society and, of course, the environment.

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• Edie Environmental Legislation Summary May 07

Recent changes to legislation which will impact on the environmental sector in the UK, Europe and internationally come under the spotlight in this Semple Fraser and Edie News monthly round-up of new law and policy. Among the developments this month we see the EU authorising the use of six chemicals found in pesticides, new rules on greenhouse gas emission trading in the UK, while Northern Ireland sees a host of new water and sewerage service regulations come into force.

Two thirds of investors quizzed on the factors which would influence their decisions on how to place their cash said climate change would be a consideration.

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News: Society, Community & Responsible Business

• The joy of housework (21/05/2007)
  

As more than 400,000 people in 65 countries sign up to a website that gives tips on housework, Michele Kirsch explains why domesticity needn’t be a chore.

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News: Finance & Economy

• Surprise fall in mortgages raises fears of an imminent slowdown
  

  Gabriel Rozenberg, Economics Correspondent (22/05/2007)
  

A sudden drop in mortgage approvals recorded by building societies has sparked fears that the long-awaited correction in the housing market is about to begin

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• How to avoid paying inheritance tax (www.timesonline.co.uk)
  

The simplest way to avoid inheritance tax (IHT) is to make gifts while you are still alive.

Every tax year you can give away £3,000 of assets and they will not count towards your estate for IHT. If you do not use up the full exemption in one year you can carry it forward, but for one year only. Gifts of up to £250 to an unlimited number of different individuals are also tax-exempt, but you cannot use both exemptions to give to the same person.

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