The neighbourhoods agenda remains a key priority for the forthcoming White Paper, despite rumours that it would be sidelined after the departure of its key backer, David Miliband.

Local government minister, Phil Woolas, told a conference of parish councillors last week: ‘Our direction has not changed. We have talked about double devolution, and of course, we include parish and town councils in these proposals.' He added: ‘Neighbourhoods are a very important part of this agenda and will remain a main theme of the White Paper.'