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
Senior council leader ‘confident’ of more spending review support for the poor
The head of a group of authorities in deprived areas across the North and the Midlands also called for capital investment in ‘left behind’ places.
9 Jun 2025
Business News5 Jun 2025
Landlords say homes energy efficiency schedule is ‘detached from reality’
The organisation representing private landlords warned the current timeline for implementing improved minimum standards is unachievable.
Politics
Speaker warns that abuse and threats are undermining democracy
A survey by the cross-party Speaker’s Conference found about half of MPs had experienced anxiety and depression due to intimidation.
2 Jun 2025
Politics28 May 2025
Which Reform UK policies did Nigel Farage confirm in his speech?
The Reform leader’s wide-ranging speech attacking Sir Keir Starmer’s Government came after the party secured widespread support in local elections.
Politics
Which parties are leading hung councils after the local elections?
All 10 councils left with no party in overall control after ballots this month have confirmed their executive arrangements.
22 May 2025
Business News
At a glance: What has been agreed in the UK-EU deal?
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said he wanted ‘practical solutions which get the best for the British people’.
19 May 2025
Politics
MPs say Government is ‘oblivious’ to the scale of violence against women
A report by a cross-party committee calls for improved cross-department working amid concerns about access to underfunded support services.
16 May 2025
Science
Watchdog’s investment body findings prompt concern over UK research ‘leadership’
The National Audit Office identified problems at UK Research and Innovation, an arm’s length body considered key to Government priorities.
15 May 2025
Politics
Labour seats set to suffer worst economic impact of welfare reforms – study
MPs have been urged to consider the wider impact of changes to eligibility requirements for the personal independence payment.
2 May 2025
Politics
Department for Education stifling efforts to boost skills, warns Andy Burnham
The mayor of Greater Manchester said there is an urgent need to devolve more powers over skills but he is facing resistance in Whitehall.
29 Apr 2025
Politics
Senior Labour council leader says Government must do more to counter Reform UK
Sir Stephen Houghton, chairman of the body representing metropolitan district councils, questioned benefits changes and investment strategy.
29 Apr 2025
Politics
Ministers move to axe early public consultation phase for infrastructure schemes
Ministers insist that forthcoming amendments to flagship planning reforms will protect community input and boost the economy.
23 Apr 2025
Politics
Charities and councils warn of children’s social care ‘breaking point’
Organisations providing support for children said they are working in ‘progressively challenging circumstances’.
17 Apr 2025
Politics
Waiting times for large social homes hit 100 years in some areas – analysis
Campaigners and charities call for further Government investment amid concerns about the safety and costs of temporary housing.
9 Apr 2025
Politics
Fears of local government financial collapse ‘pessimistic’, says top civil servant
The Local Government Association said councils in England were facing a funding gap of more than £8 billion by 2028/29.
3 Apr 2025
Politics
MPs call for urgent action to end child deaths linked to temporary accommodation
A cross-party committee called for new requirements on councils to ensure vulnerable families are protected.
3 Apr 2025
Politics
What changes were made to welfare reforms in the spring statement?
Rachel Reeves announced some adjustments to key plans for benefits announced last week.
26 Mar 2025
Politics
Council tax bills rise by 5% for third year in a row as cost pressures bite
Government figures show variations in average annual council tax increases across different types of councils.
20 Mar 2025
Money
Council tax to be 18% higher in the North East than London – study
Analysis highlighted a huge regional disparity in households’ council tax costs.
20 Mar 2025
Politics
MPs warn public sector accounts were undermined by local audit backlog
The Public Accounts Committee called for swift action to address delays in independent assessments of council finances.
19 Mar 2025