Councillor allowances boosted in Cardiff

Chairing a committee is paid at the rate of over £2,000 per meeting.

Helping pensioners to downsize makes sense for everyone

Stamp Duty punishes those who could help free up the housing supply.

Schools should install defibrillators

There is a scandal of Councils wasting huge Public Health budgets – while refusing to fund modest schemes that would provide great benefits.

Councillors still have a key role in recruiting school governors

Despite the growth in academies, finding talented people willing to serve as governors remains crucial.

Localism should mean giving residents the chance to get rid of humps

We should also have local referendums on removing traffic lights.

Judy Terry: The arrogance of planning officers is blocking the chance of the new homes being built that we need

Endless housing conferences organised by the public sector have been held without a single developer or industry representative being invited to speak.

Jennifer Glover: Councillors need to seek new ideas from the community

At a time of budget cuts there is an opportunity for residents to help improve value for money.

Peter Golds: Voter corruption is prosecuted in Scotland, and it should be in England too

The Crown Prosecution Service and the police are still failing to uphold democracy in Tower Hamlets.

Andrew Snowden: We are delivering our manifesto for the people of Lancashire

We are prudently managing the finances while filling potholes and re-opening libraries.

South Hams Council’s “betrayal” as opportunity for beautiful homes is abandoned

This act of sabotage can only undermine the public trust that is needed to increase the housing supply.

Council by-election results from yesterday

The Conservatives gained a seat from Labour in King’s Lynn and West Norfolk – but lost a seat to them in Worthing.

Janet Finch-Saunders: Welsh taxpayers spend millions each year subsidising trade union activities

This cost should come from members’ subscriptions.

Pressure grows for council transparency on fire safety

The Information Commissioner also backs openness from housing associations.

Study confirms tower blocks are energy inefficient

Electricity use in a high-rise is nearly two and a half times greater than in a low-rise.

Welsh Government proposes allowing votes for prisoners in council elections

Thousands of inmates could become a significant proportion of the electorate in particular local wards.