Damian White: How we are making a difference in Havering

If returned in May, supporting our children to benefit from being physically active would be a cornerstone of our offering.  

Local elections in depth: Ipswich – a town at ease with itself and an important political bellwether

We continue our series, putting last year’s local elections under the magnifying glass to find changes and trends.

Joseph Baum: Pavement politics is how the Conservatives will beat the Lib Dems in Chesham and Amersham

Buckinghamshire Council has a zero-tolerance policy on fly tipping, which is now leading to successful prosecutions.

Harry Fone: Cut the number of councillors, not just their allowances

Plus: Gwynedd Council should not take the day off for St David’s Day. In Warrington, the nightmare that is council energy companies returns.

Matthew Evans: Labour is in retreat in Newport

I sincerely hope our city can release itself from the shackles of socialism- which still hold back its potential.  

Council by-election results from yesterday and forthcoming contests

The Conservatives gained a seat from the Yorkshire Party in Selby. The Conservatives also held a seat in East Lindsey.

Jonathan Cook: In Wandsworth, we are doing what we can to help with higher energy bills

We intend to freeze those costs under our control – council heating and hot water charges – for the coming year.

Why pressure on the Prime Minister to quit after the local elections may be less than some suppose

Most Tory MPs either have no elections in their seats or only for a minority of their councillors, often in a minority of wards.

Simon Danczuk: Labour has mis-diagnosed social housing as a class war issue

The tenants know it’s really about a lack of organisational leadership, a failure of adequate checks and balances, and incompetence going unchallenged.

Nicholas Boys Smith: Why the journey to more homes runs through South Tottenham

A small community has shown how to intensify existing streets in a way that is sustainable, attractive and popular.

Council by-election result from yesterday and forthcoming contests

There was only one contest this week. The Green Party gained a seat from the Conservatives in Wychavon.

Rebecca Smith: Let’s use the planning system to get more beautiful and sustainable landmarks

Following robust questions as to why a building had no solar panels on the roof, the developer said he would look at how he might incorporate them.

Kevin Hollinrake: Listening to bold ideas from cities like Bradford could be key to the success of “levelling up”

Relaxing planning policy in designated development areas could overcome problems caused by low land values and thus kick-start private investment.

Local elections in depth: Stevenage is among the “new towns” that has quietly been turning away from the Labour Party

We continue our series, putting this year’s local elections under the magnifying glass to find changes and trends.

Harry Fone: Councils need to get back to basics on their spending priorities

From failing energy companies, to white elephant projects, many local authorities have continued to pour public money down the drain.