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.
Category : Search result: local government reorganisation
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.
State Library of Victoria job cuts spark outcry
The State Library of Victoria's plan to cut nearly 40 jobs and halve its reference librarians has provoked fierce criticism. Critics warn it undermines a vital public institution. Read more on the proposed changes.
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.
Progressive Surge in Swing States Alarms Democratic Elites
A new wave of progressive Democrats is winning local elections across US swing states, challenging the party establishment and reshaping its future. Discover the key figures and the political upheaval they represent.
City of London accused of 'culture of non-transparency'
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'.
20ft naked statue returns to Wigan after ban
Wigan's controversial 20ft golden statue is back for Christmas after locals campaigned for its return. The Roman gladiator figure had been removed following council complaints.
Cottenham theatre legend Clive Borrow dies aged 85
Remembering Clive Borrow, Cottenham's amateur theatre icon who performed in 76 shows and directed 26 productions. Discover his remarkable legacy in Cambridgeshire arts.
Wandsworth Council accused of breaking crime pledge
Wandsworth Labour faces accusations of twisting a manifesto promise on law enforcement officers as a political row erupts over crime figures ahead of local elections.
Tourist Tax Approved for England in Budget
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.
Richmond Council drops legal challenge over funding
Richmond Council withdraws legal action after government revises funding formula, avoiding £45m cuts. Council leader welcomes 'significant improvement' in local authority funding reforms.
Tourist Tax Introduced for Overnight Stays in England
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.
Tory Cuts Leave Councils as 'Social Care Factories'
Labour's municipal reforms face uphill battle against Tory legacy. Councils need financial sustainability to move beyond crisis management after a decade of austerity.
Council pays £5k after SEND support failures
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.
Croydon Council Tax Rise Capped at 5%
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.
London's Best Independent Christmas Gift Shops
Discover 7 unique independent London shops for Christmas 2025. From handmade fragrances to sustainable fashion, find gifts with stories that support local makers.
Autistic child left without school for 9 months
Croydon Council failed to provide legally required support to an autistic child, leaving them without education for nine months. The Ombudsman ordered compensation and systemic changes.
Reform UK's £331m Council Savings Claim Questioned
Experts challenge Reform UK's claimed £331m council savings as EV cuts and IT deals face scrutiny. Are the numbers real or political rhetoric?
Musk's Government Efficiency Department Closes Early
Elon Musk's Department of Government Efficiency has been dissolved months before its scheduled end date, with staff moved to other roles. Discover what happened.
Speed Wins $80,000 NSW Music Prize
Sydney hardcore band Speed has won the first-ever NSW Music Prize, an $80,000 award designed to support local artists against international streaming competition. Discover their inspiring story.
Rosemary Church, Faringdon Historian, Dies Aged 86
Tribute to Rosemary Church, a primary school teacher and dedicated local historian who founded the Faringdon and District Archaeological and Historical Society.
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