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
Councils warn of acute pressures despite funding boost next year
Councils in urban and rural areas have raised concerns about ongoing pressures on services following changes to the draft settlement for 2025-26.
18 Dec 2024
Business News
Councils get £700m funding boost under revised settlement
Local government minister Jim McMahon has confirmed a significant uplift in funding across local government in 2025-26.
18 Dec 2024
Politics
MPs warned large providers of children’s homes could ‘game’ a profit cap
A sector leader said private providers have become a ‘political target’ because of the conduct of some offshore companies.
17 Dec 2024
Politics
Why have changes been made to planning policy and what are they?
The Government said it will intervene if councils do not co-operate fully in a push to deliver 1.7 million new homes.
12 Dec 2024
Politics2 Dec 2024
Sir Chris Wormald confirmed as UK’s new top civil servant
The current permanent secretary at the Department of Health and Social Care will succeed Simon Case as Cabinet Secretary
Politics
Counties voice concern as council funding shake-up announced
The Government said it will move to a fairer system of allocating money as it published the local government financial settlement for next year.
28 Nov 2024
Politics
Spending watchdog refuses to sign off ‘inadequate’ public sector accounts
A lack of clarity on local government spending due to a backlog in audits led to an unprecedented decision by the National Audit Office.
26 Nov 2024
Politics
Government confirms intervention over failings at ‘toxic’ council
Local government minister Jim McMahon said officials will be appointed to oversee improvements at Tower Hamlets Council.
12 Nov 2024
Politics
Study finds a third of vulnerable children placed in settings far from home
Research highlighting the growing costs and impact on children of many social care placements should be a ‘turning point’, councils say.
12 Nov 2024
Politics
Rise in bailout requests ‘likely’ as councils warn of bankruptcy threat
The number of councils applying for Government financial support is expected to rise significantly without an improved funding settlement.
22 Oct 2024
Money
Landlords call for Budget tax breaks to boost supply and control rents
Organisations representing the private rental sector said landlords are facing uncertainty ‘on a number of fronts’ as demand grows.
17 Oct 2024
Politics
Record level of child abuse inquiries prompts council calls for emergency cash
New Government child protection figures were described as ‘disturbing’ amid a financial crisis in local government.
9 Oct 2024
Politics
How has the team in Number 10 changed and what are the potential implications?
A period of turmoil for the Government has prompted the Prime Minister to appoint new senior officials as he seeks stability.
7 Oct 2024
Politics
Councils warn Chancellor of widespread bankruptcies without funding boost
Analysis of councils serving nearly half the population of England found communities could lose ‘essential services’ because of budget pressures.
3 Oct 2024
Politics
Councils warn ‘weakened democracy’ amid planning reform could empower developers
Authorities in largely rural areas have voiced concerns that housing targets outside metropolitan areas are too high and may be undeliverable.
27 Sept 2024
Politics
Urban councils outside London warn Angela Rayner of financial failure
In a letter to the Deputy Prime Minister ahead of Labour’s autumn conference, cities including Liverpool, Manchester and Nottingham call for clarity.
19 Sept 2024
Politics13 Sept 2024
Sharp dip in public backing for Starmer and Reeves, poll shows
Research found 32% of people viewed the PM favourably, a six-percentage point drop since August
London12 Sept 2024
One in 50 Londoners live in temporary housing costing £90m a month
Housing crisis ‘wreaking havoc’ in capital as London Councils demand funding in Autumn Budget
Politics
Bill creating ‘level playing field for powerless tenants’ to be introduced
The Renters’ Rights Bill will ban no-fault evictions and go further than the previous government’s plan, Labour said.
11 Sept 2024
Politics
Budget looms large after recess as Labour bids for renewed momentum
A look ahead at what are set to be the main themes during the new session of Parliament.
3 Sept 2024