Reform UK's flagship Kent council votes to spend tens of thousands on political assistants, facing accusations of hypocrisy after promising to cut waste. Details on the budget crisis and controversial appointee inside.
Five London boroughs are among six councils given permission to raise council tax above 5% in 2026/27. Some have pledged not to, despite facing major budget gaps. Read the latest on the Fair Funding Review.
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.
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.
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.
Abu Dhabi Finance Week 2025 united 35,000 attendees from 175 nations, showcasing the UAE's strategy to become a global financial nexus. Explore the key announcements on fintech, infrastructure, and sustainable finance.
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.
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.
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.
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?
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.
James Pirie, a senior director at Houlihan Lokey, has left the investment bank. Explore the details of his departure and the firm's recent performance in London.
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.
Exclusive report reveals London councils' £555m reliance on consultants and outsourcing firms for basic services, raising democratic concerns. Read the full investigation.
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.
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.
Ministers postpone new mayoral votes in four English regions until 2028, triggering fierce accusations of 'dictatorial' behaviour from opposition parties. Read the full story.
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.
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.
The UK government faces criticism for a £1.1bn loan guarantee to a TotalEnergies gas project in Mozambique. Critics argue it contradicts climate pledges and raises security concerns. Read the full analysis.
Exclusive analysis reveals nearly 40% of City of London Corporation committee items were held in private. Critics accuse the body of being 'too focused on its own interest'.
Wrexham AFC received £18m in Welsh government grants despite Hollywood ownership. Explore the controversy surrounding taxpayer funding for the celebrity-backed football club.
English mayors gain power to impose tourist taxes on overnight stays. Discover how much revenue this could generate and which cities are embracing the change.
Abu Dhabi Finance Week positions UAE as global financial hub with dual focus on FinTech innovation and sustainable finance. Discover how digital assets and green capital shape economic future.
Richmond Council withdraws legal action after government revises funding formula, avoiding £45m cuts. Council leader welcomes 'significant improvement' in local authority funding reforms.
The government announces a new visitor levy for England, allowing mayors to charge for overnight stays to fund local transport and tourism infrastructure. Discover the impact.
Labour's municipal reforms face uphill battle against Tory legacy. Councils need financial sustainability to move beyond crisis management after a decade of austerity.
A West London mother receives £5,675 compensation after Ealing Council's failures left her disabled child without education and therapy for months. Discover the full investigation findings.
The UN's Cop30 climate summit in Belém concluded without a fossil fuel phase-out deal, leaving vulnerable nations exposed. Urgent action is needed to bridge the $310bn climate finance gap.
Croydon's Mayor commits to a maximum 5% council tax increase despite new government rules allowing higher rises for struggling councils. Get the latest on local finances.