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Local Government Minister Grant Shapps has today outlined plans to give councils a new power to review and revoke outdated byelaws.

This means that old local rules, like those about dickey straps in Hammersmith, fish frying in Gloucester, and carpet beating in Blackpool will be a matter for these areas, rather than central government.

Local Government Minister Bob Neill praised Dartford Council for listening to the public on keeping weekly bin collections alive on a visit to the area today.

Mr Neill applauded the innovative public poll that showed 94.5 per cent of residents who took part wanted to keep weekly collections, and urged other councils to follow suit. Councils across the country have been moving to fortnightly collections over the past few years despite public support for weekly rounds.

A Winson Green resident who pretended to be a needy citizen when he actually owned his property has been jailed after a benefit fraud investigation by Birmingham City Council.

Chaman Teji, 45, fraudulently obtained Housing Benefit worth £4,396.20 and was sentenced to nine months’ imprisonment at Birmingham Crown Court today (August 20).

The public will be given the power to veto excessive council tax rises says Local Government Secretary, Eric Pickles.

Council tax bills across England have doubled since 1997, pushing the average bill to £120 a month on a Band D home. The police authority levy imposed on council tax has trebled since 1997.