The Labour council in Stoke on Trent was the only one to bid for money to return from fortnightly to weekly rubbish pick-ups

New law will allow homeowners to borrow up to £10,000 at 7.5 per cent interest rate

BP, Rio Tinto and Dow Chemical accused of using the 2012 games to 'greenwash' their reputations

The controversial tax has created uncertainty for business, divided opinion and slashed government approval

Environmentalists welcome Ayrshire Power's withdrawal of plans for coal-fired station at Hunterston due to financial concerns

UN chief urges leaders to be more ambitious after concerns they will sign a pre-negotiated text but won't commit on key issues

Commons committee chairman Tim Yeo says heads of state must intervene, after EDF casts doubt on its UK investment

Lagarde says world risks falling incomes, environmental damage and social unrest without more sustainable approach to growth

Heathrow expansion proposals can be submitted and upcoming government policy revamp could head off BAA legal action

Cod, haddock and herring could be fished in more numbers, but conservationists say policy will damage stocks