Jonathan Bunn
London28 May 2026
Reform leader hits back at Farage’s call over Havering leaving London
Keith Prince said they will not waste time pursuing ‘Hexit’ for Havering
Politics
Chancellor urged to fix ‘broken system’ as council bailouts ‘normalised’
Overall, 42 councils have accessed more than £5 billion through exceptional support since its introduction in 2020/21.
17 Oct 2025
Politics
Farage denounces ‘cretins’ in charge of the economy as he pledges ‘big bang two’
The Reform UK leader has pledged to boost trade in digital assets if his party forms a government.
13 Oct 2025
Politics
Counties warn small-scale councils could ‘break’ social care and hit taxpayers
Councils have submitted competing proposals for reorganisation and are awaiting Government approval.
10 Oct 2025
Business News
Raise alcohol taxes to tackle job-related drinking ‘productivity crisis’ – think tank
Research found workers’ productivity and economic growth is being stifled by the impact of alcohol consumption at work events.
8 Oct 2025
Politics
Poll suggests most Reform UK voters back investment in renewable energy
Research by YouGov showed some politicians had ‘grossly misjudged voters’ views amid criticism of net zero efforts, according to investment body.
8 Oct 2025
Politics2 Oct 2025
London council missed 1,100 emails about vulnerable residents
The local government ombudsman discovered the messages during a probe into a ‘shocking’ case involving a man suffering seizures
Politics
Labour local government leader backs Starmer ‘without emerging alternative’
Sir Stephen Houghton said the Prime Minister is facing a dangerous public ‘mindset’ after weeks of Government turmoil.
16 Sept 2025
Tech
Solving AI and copyright issue ‘will not be kicked into long grass’, says Nandy
The Culture Secretary told MPs that the debate on artificial intelligence and its impact on creatives had become binary and promised a new approach.
10 Sept 2025
Politics
Phillipson insists workers’ rights Bill will not be watered down
The Education Secretary and candidate for Labour’s deputy leadership was addressing the TUC conference.
9 Sept 2025
Politics
Who might runners and riders be in race to become Labour’s new deputy leader?
The contest to become deputy Labour leader is set to be an intriguing and potentially divisive process.
8 Sept 2025
Politics
County councils say rural taxpayers to face unfair burden under funding reforms
Concerns have been raised about the Government’s plan to boost resources at councils with lower council tax receipts.
19 Aug 2025
Politics
Councils warn new funding formula will ‘devastate’ children’s services
The Government is consulting on proposals it says will establish a fairer funding system for local government.
1 Aug 2025
Politics
MPs call for local authorities to be handed control of council tax
A select committee report said the link between tax and the quality of services is broken and risks undermining democracy.
23 Jul 2025
Politics
What happened the last time a Labour government opted to lower the voting age?
There are parallels between the political conditions which faced Harold Wilson and Sir Keir Starmer’s current challenges.
17 Jul 2025
Business News
Analysis finds devolved tax powers could add £4 billion for local services
A report commissioned by county councils suggests fiscal devolution would boost growth and local government finances.
16 Jul 2025
Money15 Jul 2025
Watchdogs insist reducing regulation will not increase risk of financial crisis
MPs raised concerns that a move to cut red tape typically comes before major financial turmoil.
Politics
Government promises community control as ‘new dawn’ Bill introduced
The legislation includes measures to boost the power of mayors and deliver a ‘radical reset of local government’.
10 Jul 2025
Politics
Survey finds larger lower-income families most likely to borrow for essentials
Research suggests the cost of living is still ‘grinding down’ many families a year on from Labour’s general election victory.
10 Jul 2025
Politics
MPs suggest Government treats councils’ financial woes as ‘normalised noise’
A report by the Public Accounts Committee highlighted perceived flaws or a lack of urgency in the Government’s approach to local government reforms.
18 Jun 2025
Politics
Ex-watchdog chair warns of loss of public trust over business appointments
Lord Pickles called for changes to the advisory process for former ministers and senior civil servants taking on jobs in the private sector.
10 Jun 2025