A new “demo” map released by the Department for Local Government and Communities locates more than180,000 assets owned by almost 600 public sector bodies, including Central Government and 87 councils. The purpose of the interactive map is to show the public exactly what places in any area are owned by the state and its departments. The Government hopes that putting this information in the public domain will encourage residents and councils to see if any could be better utilised or sold off to keep council taxes down. Secretary of State for Local Government and Communities, Eric Pickles, has said: “We need to know, now more than ever; exactly what assets are publicly owned. The general public probably have no idea of the sheer scale and scope of property and land on the public … Read entire article »