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.
Category : Local Councils
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.
North London off-licence raided over illegal tobacco sales
A Kentish Town off-licence owner faces losing his premises licence after police found illegal tobacco hidden in a lollipop holder and staff sold alcohol to a minor. Read the full investigation details.
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.
Reform UK revokes membership of council leader over racism
Reform UK has revoked the membership of Staffordshire county council leader Ian Cooper following an investigation into alleged racist abuse directed at Sadiq Khan and others. Read the full story.
Driver fined after council paints disabled bay around his car
A Croydon man received two parking fines after council workers painted a disabled bay around his legally parked Audi. The council has apologised and cancelled the charges.
Disabled bay painted around parked car, driver fined
A London musician was issued two parking fines after council workers painted a disabled bay around his legally parked Audi in Croydon. He calls it 'madness' and 'bullying'.
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.
Edmonton Leisure Centre reopens after £7.5m refurb
Edmonton Leisure Centre in north London has fully reopened following a major £7.5 million refurbishment. The two-year project included a full revamp of the swimming pools and facilities.
Greenwich and Woolwich foot tunnels to get major refurb
Greenwich Council announces a major refurbishment plan for the historic Greenwich and Woolwich foot tunnels, including new lifts. Critics remain unconvinced about the timeline.
Giant Inflatable Santa Sparks Festive Neighbour Row
A festive father-to-be in south-west London is defying a 'Grinch' neighbour's poison pen letter demanding he remove his 20ft inflatable Santa and snowman. Discover the full story of the Christmas decoration dispute.
London council cyber attack disrupts key services
Westminster City Council reveals which services are impacted after a major cyber attack and advises residents on how to get help. Critical services for vulnerable people are the priority.
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.
Reform UK Council Leader Accused of Racist Posts
Staffordshire council leader Ian Cooper is under investigation by Reform UK over alleged racist social media posts. Labour MPs demand his resignation. Read the full story.
London council services may take months to recover from hack
Kensington and Chelsea Council warns residents of prolonged disruption after a 'serious' cyber attack. Bin collections continue but digital services face weeks of issues. Full review promised.
Neighbour's angry letter over 20ft Christmas decorations
A Chessington dad-to-be received an anonymous complaint branding his giant Santa and snowman 'tacky'. He vows to keep the festive display up despite the threat of council action.
Reform UK council leader accused of racism in posts
Staffordshire council leader Ian Cooper faces racism allegations over social media posts targeting Sadiq Khan and others. Reform UK launches urgent investigation.
North London off-licence approved despite crime concerns
A new off-licence in Stonebridge, once dubbed London's 'gun capital', gets approval with strict conditions after 60+ objections. Will it undermine crime reduction?
Council legal action over last police front desk closure
Richmond Council launches legal action against the Met Police and Mayor over the 'unlawful' closure of Twickenham's front desk, leaving the borough without any public police counter. Read the full story.
London councils push for ban on Tube gambling adverts
Five London boroughs join a campaign to ban gambling advertising on the Underground, citing public health risks and strong public support for restrictions. Read the full story.
First look at £55m Holborn 'liveable neighbourhood' plans
Camden Council reveals designs for a £55m 'liveable neighbourhood' in Holborn, featuring new cycle lanes, traffic restrictions, and green spaces. Public feedback is now open.
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