The Homes and Communities Agency has its formal launch on 1 December, charged with fostering housebuilding and regeneration. The economic climate could barely be more daunting – but Matt Ross finds its new head, Sir Bob Kerslake, characteristically relaxed

As the top lawyer for two large Whitehall departments, Richard Heaton operates at the heart of the delivery environment. Here, he tells Matt Mercer about the role of government lawyers, and running his departmental law firm.