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.
Category : Local Councils
Hackney approves anti-racism strategy for schools
Hackney Council has approved a new 'child-centred and anti-racist' education strategy to tackle disproportionate exclusions of Black and SEND pupils. Learn what the plan entails.
North London cafés await fate as council delays decision
Five beloved North London cafés, backed by Benedict Cumberbatch, face an anxious wait as the City of London Corporation delays announcing their future. Campaigners demand urgent clarity.
Greenwich Christmas bin dates and council service changes
Greenwich Council announces revised bin collection dates and holiday hours for services including leisure centres, libraries, and housing support from December 22.
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.
Thousands of school run parking fines could be void
A tribunal victory for a driver over inadequate signage threatens to invalidate over 25,000 fines worth £678,690 issued under Medway Council's School Streets scheme. Discover if your fine could be challenged.
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.
Camden's 'trauma passports' for homeless amid 26% rise
Camden Council introduces personal 'passports' for homeless individuals to prevent re-traumatisation. The scheme launches as rough sleeping in the borough surges by 26% this year.
Police probe fraud at Tower Hamlets Council
The Met Police is investigating suspected fraud and money laundering by a former Tower Hamlets Council employee. The case, dating to 2018, involves procurement and conflicts of interest.
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?
Legal challenge over Hampstead Heath ponds access to be decided
A High Court judge will decide in the new year whether a judicial review challenging trans access to Hampstead Heath's single-sex ponds can proceed. The case follows a landmark Supreme Court ruling on the meaning of 'sex'.
Westminster Council warns personal data copied by hackers
Westminster City Council confirms hackers likely copied sensitive resident data in a November cyber attack. The council is investigating the breach's full impact. Find out which services are affected and how to get help.
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.
Council ignored warnings on builder before firm collapsed
Westminster City Council continued to contract a financially unstable builder, Geoffrey Osborne, which later collapsed, leaving homes unfinished and costing taxpayers an extra £27.5m. Discover the full investigation.
Islington Council threatens Lime and Forest e-bike ban
Islington Council has issued a final warning to Lime and Forest e-bike hire firms over dangerous parking and rider behaviour. Failure to act could see them banned from the north London borough.
Greenwich Borough Hall licence saved with earlier Saturday close
Greenwich's Borough Hall has avoided a licence suspension after noise complaints. Its Saturday hours have been cut by one hour and new noise controls imposed following a council review.
Bristol to Site Van Dwellers in Wealthy Neighbourhoods
Bristol's Green-led council vows to open 250 temporary pitches for vehicle dwellers in the city's leafier, affluent areas, aiming for a fairer distribution of sites. Read the full story.
Landowner sends Lime £8k bill over dumped e-bikes
A London property firm has invoiced Lime nearly £8,000 for removing e-bikes from its private land, escalating the capital's battle with dockless bike clutter. Read the full story.
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.
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 cemetery fees to rise by up to 165%
Westminster City Council announces steep increases in burial and cremation fees at two cemeteries, with some costs jumping by 165%. Discover the full breakdown of council charge hikes.
Croydon market traders plead for free parking to boost trade
Traders at Croydon's historic Surrey Street Market say £60 parking fines are driving customers away. They are petitioning the council for 30 minutes of free parking to revitalise the struggling town centre.
Croydon Mayor refuses apology over disabled bay blunder
Croydon's Mayor faces backlash for his 'disgraceful' response after a resident's car was trapped by a new disabled bay and wrongly fined. Read the full story of the parking fiasco.
Liverpool Mayor's Quiet Strategy Delivers Major Regeneration
Liverpool City Region Mayor Steve Rotheram is delivering a 'once-in-a-generation' docklands revival. Discover how his low-profile strategy is securing billions for transport and housing.
Auditor warns Tower Hamlets Council needs urgent action
External auditors EY have identified ten significant weaknesses at Tower Hamlets Council, warning of a cycle of government intervention without urgent action. The council's leadership says it agrees with the findings.
Lambeth Country Show cancelled after council legal U-turn
Lambeth Council has cancelled the free Lambeth Country Show to allow Mighty Hoopla and other festivals to proceed in Brockwell Park, following a High Court ruling on event days. Read the full story.
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.
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