Hackney (Parliament Politics Magazine) – Hackney Council reduces £67m budget gap with central government aid, despite criticism over ongoing service cuts, says Mayor Caroline Woodley. Following a “careful use of reserves” and a cash infusion from last year’s local government finance settlement,
UK (Parliament Politics Magazine) – Former Bank of England chief Mervyn King has criticised Chancellor Rachel Reeves’ tax policies, calling her pre-election promises “irresponsible.” The ex-central bank head blasts the chancellor’s pledges before elections and urges her to raise the income tax.
Lambeth (Parliament Politics Magazine) – Lambeth Council leader Claire Holland denies claims of hiding £1m library cuts in a 10-page spreadsheet, following accusations from an activist. Claire Holland expressed gratitude in the Labour authority’s “open and transparent” approach to the planned cuts
Havering (Parliament Politics Magazine) – Havering Council has refused retrospective planning permission for Lushi’s Lounge on Mawney Road, despite the venue already being open to the public. A retrospective application to convert the drugstore into a “cafe, drinking establishment and lounge” was
Croydon (Parliament Politics Magazine) – Croydon senior council official claims no knowledge of the Carers’ Centre closure or new service provider during a heated meeting in George Street. The abrupt decision to change the supplier of an essential part of the local
Havering (Parliament Politics Magazine) – Ardleigh Green Junior School in Havering has applied to lift restrictions on its refurbished swimming pool’s opening hours, aiming for better community access. Earlier this month, it was reported that Havering Council had accepted plans for Ardleigh
UK (Parliament Politics Magazine) – The Guardian analysis shows over 10% of Lords earn money from commercial firms offering political consultancy, raising concerns over public trust. Approximately 91 members of the House of Lords have received payments from commercial firms for political
Kensington And Chelsea (Parliament Politics Magazine) – A Grenfell Tower fire survivor is in ‘utter disbelief’ as a contractor banned by Kensington and Chelsea Council appeals the decision in court. Emma O’Connor, who escaped in a lift from the 20th floor with
UK (Parliament Politics Magazine) – Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson calls the 2.5% UK defence spending goal “ambitious” and says Keir Starmer won’t reveal the defence budget this week. A senior minister suggests the Labour leader may not disclose a timeline this week
UK (Parliament Politics Magazine) – A Home Office contractor mistakenly sent private data on UK citizens while conducting routine checks on migrants’ finances, raising privacy concerns. The Home Office faces allegations of gathering information on “hundreds of thousands of unsuspecting British citizens”
