Jonathan Bunn
Politics
Brave reforms needed to stop local services reaching ‘breaking point’ – councils
Cross-party leaders of councils serving half the population of England say services can only be secured with ‘bold’ action from the next government.
30 May 2024
Politics
MPs warn councils need billions a year to end ‘out of control’ crisis
A report by the Levelling Up, Housing and Communities Committee called for reform of a ‘broken’ local government finance system.
1 Feb 2024
Politics
MPs call for action amid warning of 10,000 annual heatwave deaths
The Environmental Audit Committee said the Government is not moving quickly enough to prevent deaths caused by extreme temperatures.
31 Jan 2024
Politics
Council leaders push for reform after ‘short-term’ £500m social care boost confirmed
Communities Secretary Michael Gove has announced extra money for councils following pressure from Tory MPs.
24 Jan 2024
Politics
Councils to receive £500m emergency bailout to avert cash crisis
An announcement on late changes to the local government finance settlement is expected this afternoon.
24 Jan 2024
Politics
Councils face bankruptcy due to rising homelessness costs, leaders warn
An emergency meeting of 50 council leaders heard the Government could preside over the ‘end of local government’.
23 Jan 2024
Politics
Minister insists private equity is welcome in social housing sector
Social housing minister Baroness Scott is joined by the chief executive of Homes England in backing private investment to boost supply.
23 Jan 2024
Politics
Warnings that vulnerable child migrants at risk after ‘flawed’ age assessments
Campaigners call on the Government to take urgent action as data suggests children are not being protected from harm.
22 Jan 2024
Politics
Councils claim funding settlement benefits wealthier areas
Local authorities in some of the most deprived areas warned of further bankruptcies because of the way the Government distributes grants.
22 Jan 2024
Politics
What is Davos 2024, who is attending and what is on the agenda?
Global political and business leaders will seek influence and prestige at the annual meeting of the World Economic Forum.
16 Jan 2024
Politics
Adviser calls for more transparency on procurement to prevent future scandals
An expert with a role in developing the Cabinet Office plan for open government said action is needed quickly on a range of issues.
10 Jan 2024
Politics
Somerset executive considers 10% council tax hike and ‘heartbreaking’ cuts
Somerset Council may be forced to declare effective bankruptcy if the Government does not agree to grant financial flexibilities.
8 Jan 2024
Money
Doubts remain on first anniversary of Rishi Sunak’s ‘priorities’ speech
The deadlines for achieving all his five pledges remain vague, but progress is at risk during the run-up to the general election.
4 Jan 2024
Politics
What are Gove’s planning reforms, and will housing influence general election?
The Housing Secretary has announced a range of planning reforms aimed at boosting housing supply.
19 Dec 2023
Politics
Tory councils ‘bitterly disappointed’ by financial settlement
Michael Gove said the provisional settlement for 2024/25 shows the Government ‘stands behind councils up and down the country’.
18 Dec 2023
Politics
Mayors join calls for emergency cash to protect ‘on the brink’ councils
Labour regional mayors also said reforms were vital to ensuring councils can protect the vulnerable and boost growth.
15 Dec 2023
Politics
Councils in last-ditch plea to PM over ‘knife-edge’ finances
Analysis by the body representing councils outside London identified immediate threats to financial sustainability and crucial services.
14 Dec 2023
Politics
What happens to the Rwanda Bill now and what challenges remain for Rishi Sunak?
Conservative factions are considering their next moves after MPs backed the contentious Safety of Rwanda (Asylum and Immigration) Bill.
13 Dec 2023
Politics
Why is Rishi Sunak under pressure and what happens next to the Rwanda Bill?
Conservative factions will give their verdict on the contentious Rwanda (Asylum and Immigration) Bill.
11 Dec 2023
Politics
Michael Gove blames councils’ financial failure on poor leadership
The Levelling Up Secretary said he is concerned about local government finances but predicted that no ‘well run’ councils are at risk.
7 Dec 2023
Politics
Councils urge Michael Gove to intervene amid fears of financial failure
Tory local government figures have sounded the alarm over new burdens, cuts to statutory services and council tax rises in a general election year.
6 Dec 2023