Launched with a flurry of grand statements, the ‘Levelling up the UK’ White Paper promised to ‘break the link between geography and destiny, so that no matter where you live you have access to the same opportunities’.
As a former chief fire officer, I was delighted to be invited to deliver a series of workshops on good governance at the LGA’s recent annual fire conference in Gateshead.
Councillor Doug Pullen returned from the Ukraine/Poland border, where he helped transport people to safety and deliver essential supplies as part of humanitarian efforts to help those fleeing the war in Russia.
As the horror unfolds in Ukraine, it is impossible to not be moved by the fight of the Ukrainian people, in the face of an aggressive neighbour led by a tyrant and a bully willing to do anything to achieve his goals.
As I write this article, the Prime Minister has just made history… but for all the wrong reasons.
On 5 May, people across the UK will vote in a set of local elections, choosing more than 6,000 councillors and assembly members, the outcome of which will be crucial in deciding who runs services in your area and how much you will pay for them.
As you read this, hundreds of Independent, Green, Plaid Cymru and smaller party candidates are out and about in their communities and working hard online, organised and determined to focus on getting the very best for their local residents.
More than two months after Russia’s invasion, I know some of you have been able to welcome Ukrainians fleeing the fighting into your communities – and your own homes too, via the Homes for Ukraine scheme.
One in 10 car journeys made today needs to be made by bus by 2030 if the UK is to remain on track for its net-zero goals, according to the independent Climate Change Committee.
Southend-on-Sea has featured in many national headlines, most recently thanks to the huge honour of a royal visit by the Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall, to bestow city status on ‘City Day’.