The number of government consultations and new pieces of legislation which continue to impact on councils have continued through the 'summer recess'.

Apart from the seemingly-obligatory planning consultation – this time, on Section 106 renegotiations – and the decision by ministers to reduce the publication limit on expenditure to £250, it was with some surprise one consultation and one piece of legislation put to an end any thoughts of a prolonged period of calm after a week's leave.