Watchdog criticises 'unprecedented' local election delay plan
The elections watchdog has criticised the government's offer to postpone 63 council votes, warning it risks public confidence. Five councils have already requested delays.
Category : Search result: local government
London council plans £90 weekly rent rise for TA tenants
Westminster City Council proposes a £90 weekly rent increase for 352 temporary accommodation households from February 2026 to tackle a £12.5m budget overspend. Over 90% of residents will be protected by housing benefit.
Cyber Hackers Target London Council Staff on Microsoft Teams
Westminster, Kensington & Chelsea, and Hammersmith & Fulham councils hit by November cyber attack. Staff warned after hackers target individuals via Microsoft Teams. Supplier payments delayed.
China's rural protests surge as migrant workers return home
A 70% surge in rural protests across China reveals a crisis of returning migrant workers and local government debt, sparking clashes over land and livelihoods. Explore the deepening social fissures.
Local elections could be delayed again in 2025
Plans to reorganise local councils in England could push the next local elections back to 2026. Read the latest on the government's devolution agenda and its impact on voters.
County Council Elections Delayed Again Until 2027
Elections for councils serving millions in England could be postponed to 2027, sparking accusations of a political 'stitch-up'. Read the latest on the local government reorganisation delays.
Five London Boroughs to Hike Council Tax Above Cap
Kensington and Chelsea, Westminster, Wandsworth, City of London and Hammersmith and Fulham can raise rates above 5% in 2026/27. Find out why and what it means for residents.
Michigan residents fight 'uniquely evil' $7bn data centre
Residents of Saline Township, Michigan, are battling a massive data centre backed by tech tycoons, fearing soaring bills, pollution, and the destruction of their rural community. A classic David vs Goliath story unfolds.
Rowans Bowling Alley Under Threat in Haringey Plan
Haringey Council's draft Local Plan suggests the Rowans Tenpin Bowl site is suitable for tall buildings and 190 new homes. The public consultation ends Friday, December 19. Have your say now.
Croydon gains £120m in Fair Funding review
Croydon Council is set for a £120m funding boost over three years after a historic government review. The new Fair Funding 2.0 model aims to better reflect local need, but the borough's massive debt remains a challenge. Read the full story.
Starmer's May Election Reset with New King's Speech
Facing potential heavy losses in May's local elections, Keir Starmer plans a new King's Speech to reset his government's agenda. Critics see May as a pivotal moment for leadership challenges.
Council Tax Set to Rise as New Funding Formula Unveiled
A new 'Fair Funding' formula reshapes council finances, boosting deprived areas. But with most councils still hiking tax, is the crisis over? Explore the winners, losers, and impact on your bill.
Funding boost for England's most-deprived councils
Manchester, Bradford and outer London boroughs gain spending power in a new three-year settlement, while affluent southern councils face cuts. Will it restore local services?
North London Bowling Alley Threatened by 190-Flat Plan
Beloved Finsbury Park bowling alley, Rowans Tenpin Bowl, could be demolished for flats under Haringey Council's new local plan. Public consultation ends December 19.
Croydon's £9m transport plan for safer roads and buses
Croydon Council reveals how a £9m funding pot will tackle urgent transport issues, including dangerous Portland Road, new bus lanes, and cycling links. Discover the two-year plan.
Reform UK's First Council Test in Lancashire
Reform UK took control of 10 councils, including Lancashire. Seven months on, we examine the party's 'anti-woke' agenda, financial cuts, and a wave of complaints. Listen to the full report.
Council pays £9,6k for failing disabled teen's support
Brent Council has paid nearly £10,000 in compensation after a Local Government Ombudsman investigation found it failed to provide a disabled teenager with vital educational therapies for over a year.
Five Labour councillors in Brent defect to Green Party
Five sitting Labour councillors in Brent have joined the Green Party, criticising Labour's shift from socialist principles. The defections signal a 'Green surge' in London ahead of local elections.
London councils spend £555m on private firms in 2024
Exclusive report reveals London councils' £555m reliance on consultants and outsourcing firms for basic services, raising democratic concerns. Read the full investigation.
Mum awarded £5k after council failings led to rough sleeping
A North London mother received £5,250 compensation after Brent Council's errors left her and her children without a home for over a year. Read the full Ombudsman report.
Greenwich Council sells car parks amid budget crisis
Greenwich Council is selling three underused car parks to raise funds for essential services, sparking backlash from local businesses and shoppers. Public auction set for December 11.
10 Unique Gift Ideas to Support UK Small Businesses
Discover 10 thoughtful gift ideas from UK small businesses this festive season. Support local entrepreneurs and find unique presents. Start your ethical shopping now!
Ex-Labour housing chair joins Southwark Greens
Sam Foster, former Chair of Southwark's Housing Scrutiny Commission, has left Labour for the Green Party, citing asylum and housing policies. It's the second defection in a month.
Labour candidate defects after 'wrong ethnicity' claim
Fiona Mulaisho quits Labour, alleging a 'toxic culture' and discriminatory remark about her ethnicity. She will now stand for the Liberal Democrats in Queen's Park. Read the full story.
Council pays £250 to domestic abuse victim over poor communication
A West London council has apologised and paid £250 to a domestic abuse victim after a watchdog found poor communication caused her 'frustration and uncertainty' over her housing situation.
Mayoral Elections Delayed Amid 'Cancelling Democracy' Accusations
Ministers postpone new mayoral votes in four English regions until 2028, triggering fierce accusations of 'dictatorial' behaviour from opposition parties. Read the full story.
UK neighbourhoods in flag wars as tensions simmer
From Birmingham to Sheffield, residents face harassment in a covert battle over flags. Discover the local identity disputes dividing communities and the authorities' struggle to respond.
Crossbench fury over Labour's 'undemocratic' FOI changes
Opposition and crossbench MPs slam the government's proposed Freedom of Information reforms, including new fees and extended response times, warning of a threat to democratic accountability.
Ofsted: Children's home providers prioritising profit over need
Ofsted warns of a crisis as children's homes surge in cheap areas, not where needed. Vulnerable teens face unsafe, unregistered placements costing up to £30k a week. Urgent reform demanded.
The Secretive Process of Joining a Government Board
An insider's look at the opaque and often baffling process of securing a seat on a UK government board. Discover the unspoken rules and hidden pathways to public appointments.
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