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
Children’s charity to close after 81 years citing ‘pernicious economic context’
Children England is the collective body for children’s charities and was formed during the Second World War.
20 Sept 2023
Politics
What is happening to local government finances and why are councils struggling?
Birmingham is set to be the latest council taken over by Government commissioners.
19 Sept 2023
Politics
Boris Johnson’s conduct questioned as review calls for constitutional reform
A report concluded that constitutional weaknesses were exposed by a tumultuous period in politics that damaged the UK’s reputation.
19 Sept 2023
Politics
Rishi Sunak’s leadership questioned as studies sow levelling up doubt
Two reports by influential think tanks have been critical of efforts to address regional inequalities.
14 Sept 2023
Politics
Tory faction denies push to ban some students from going to university
The New Conservatives group has called for student loans to be restricted, with those achieving low grades denied access to boost apprenticeships.
11 Sept 2023
Business News
What are the UK’s economic challenges and how can they be addressed?
Experts provide perspectives on issues such as barriers to growth and improving living standards as the main parties prepare for a general election.
8 Sept 2023
Politics
Analysis finds rise of ‘muscular unionism’ is out of step with public attitudes
Analysis of a survey of attitudes to the union found a ‘striking ambivalence’ about retaining all four nations in the UK.
7 Sept 2023
Politics
Nearly a third of councils in poor areas considering bankruptcy
A survey has found 14 of 47 councils in the North, the Midlands and on the south coast may go bust this year or next.
28 Aug 2023
Politics
Poll suggests jobcentre staff focus on sanctions over support
Universal Credit claimants report concern over employment advisors’ approach as changes are set to bring more people into ‘intensive’ regime.
23 Aug 2023
Politics
Lib Dems demand ambulance staff boost before winter pressures
Figures obtained by the party show a 51% increase in staff departures at all 10 ambulance trusts in England since 2019-20.
22 Aug 2023
Politics
Poorer areas missing out because public funding system has broken down – study
The Institute for Fiscal Studies said the Government’s use of old data meant the allocation of funding often fell short.
15 Aug 2023
Politics
What is London’s ultra low emission zone and its political impact?
The Ulez scheme garnered national attention after an unexpected Conservative by-election victory.
11 Aug 2023
Politics
The ECHR, why it is back in the spotlight and the implications of the UK leaving
The UK may leave a major international human rights agreement to help tackle small boats crossing the English Channel.
9 Aug 2023
Politics
MPs question ‘haphazard’ approach to moving civil servants from London
A cross-party committee said the Government has provided limited evidence to justify its approach to a key element of levelling up.
27 Jul 2023
Politics
Bus ‘revolution’ questioned as rural services hit new low
A study has found urban areas received the majority of funding allocated under the Government’s national bus strategy.
19 Jul 2023
Politics
MPs warn audit backlog threatens transparency over £100 billion spend
The Public Accounts Committee said the Government must act to prevent further financial failure in local government.
23 Jun 2023
Politics
Majority of councils in poorer areas are ‘uncertain of meeting budgets’
Local authorities in some of the least well-off areas have raised the alarm over spending plans set four months ago due to inflation pressures.
19 Jun 2023
Politics
Rapid reduction in services warning caused by council’s ‘culture of complacency’
A risky investment strategy and ‘unconscious incompetence’ at Thurrock council in Essex led to a financial meltdown.
15 Jun 2023
Politics
What happens now the Privileges Committee’s report on Johnson has been released?
Here is a look ahead at the implications of the damning report by the Privileges Committee into the former prime minister’s conduct.
15 Jun 2023
Politics
Data shows a majority of councils missed accounts deadline as reserves fall
Two-thirds of councils had not published details of spending by the date set by the Government as concerns are raised over audits and transparency.
13 Jun 2023