“The Chancellor has passed the responsibility to us. Can’t complain.” Council leaders respond to the Spending Review.

Some welcome the extra power to put up Council Tax. But they are reluctant to use it when their residents are already hard-pressed.

Steve Bell: Conservatives in Brighton and Hove are protecting the bats and the bees

The former show definitively why it is so important that Benfield Valley continues to exist as a green wedge in the city.

David Simmonds: Cutting early intervention in children’s services would cost more in the long term

The life-long human and financial costs associated with childhood trauma can be significant. We need a strong family foundation.

Chris Hossack: The costs of the lockdown have not been honestly presented. Not least that it is killing our high streets.

The blanket approach centred on regional and economic shutdown isn’t working.

Mary Douglas: Defending freedom of speech as a local councillor was a battle worth fighting

It is essential for good relationships and good choices. It enables us to explore together what it is to be human.

Shona Haslam: English “tiers”? Scottish “levels”? We need a national response to the pandemic. Not this confusion.

In Scotland they start at zero. So Level 5 is actually Level 4. Then the Scottish Government decided to change the numbers to letters.

Selina Seesunkur: Conservatives need to show more enthusiasm for online campaigning

Door knocking is excellent. But the epidemic has prompted us to find other ways of winning over voters.

Rakhia Ismail: I was a Labour Councillor in Islington for nine years. Here’s why I’ve joined the Conservatives.

While the Labour Party are very quick to accuse others of racism, they’re much slower to see it in their own ranks.

Jonathan Werran: To build back, we need strong and empowered communities

The effectiveness of voluntary groups and social enterprises in responding to the pandemic shows their potential.

Adrian Mason: Cancelling exams is a betrayal of Welsh children

Already bottom of the league of home nations in the PISA tables, this means we will fall further behind.

Kieran Neild-Ali: We need tougher auditing of council spending. But a new quango is not the answer.

We must continue to devolve power to council taxpayers themselves – building on the legacy of the abolition of the Audit Commission.

Judy Terry: The East of England Ambulance Service needs to be put under new management

“Special measures” are ineffective unless the failing culture is challenged. Local accountability is lacking.

John Hartley: Planning reform will protect us from aesthetically offensive development

The White Paper accepts that place-making and urban design play a vital role in the edification of the human person.

Gary Powell: Why is the Government giving councils £11 million to encourage unprotected sex?

The Government would be wise to encourage people to limit their casual sexual partners and to commit to safer sex using condoms.

Shaun Bailey: Let us remember the sacrifices made from across the Commonwealth for our freedom

My grandad was born and raised in Jamaica. He went on to fight for Britain in the Second World War. He’s the reason I’m here today.