Home ownership is managing a modest recovery

The evidence suggests a slight increase in the rate of owner-occupation over the last couple of years.

Each household may be required to have a row of specialist dustbins

The changes are being introduced to meet the requirements of the EU. But will greater complexity mean it disrupts the recycling process?

Free schools must be set free

We need more of them. But they also need the chance to offer something different.

Brexit will lose local government an alibi for red tape

Amidst all the regulatory muddle, there has indeed been “gold plating” of EU regulations. All the more reason to leave.

James Palmer: Devolving adult education is helping to give young people the skills that they need

The previously centralised direction of spending was unimaginative and bureaucratic. Funding went into leisure courses.

Matthew Barber: The police need proper powers to deal with illegal encampments

If the Conservative Party believes in anything, it should be private property and the liberty of the individual.

Tim Passmore: Joint working is the way to fight crime in Suffolk

The One Public Sector Estate programme provides far better value for money – and the co-location of the workforce has significant operational benefits.

Rob Lee: A business-friendly council would let Hastings meet its potential

We also need more focus on homelessness and rough sleeping to ensure it becomes a cleaner and greener town.  

Abi Brown and Dan Jellyman: We are witnessing the Conservative urban revival in Stoke

In 2011, we only had a couple of councillors. Now we lead it. Labour’s complacency has given us the chance to grow.

Mark Hook: One size does not fit all when it comes to planning

In Gosport, employment is a greater priority than new housing. Top down targets fail to allow for local needs.

Council by-election results from yesterday

The Conservatives lost a seat to the Lib Dems in Worcester. But the Conservatives held a seat in East Northamptonshire.

David Sidwick: The facts show you are safer with a Conservative Police and Crime Commissioner

Comparing the data of the best and worst performing forces, we can see the difference made by applying Peelian principles.

Sean Woodward: How Spitfires are helping the Council Taxpayers of Fareham

Pleasure flights from Solent Airport are proving a lucrative source of income for our local authority.

Judy Terry: The lesson of tragic fires are still being ignored

Sprinklers offer a sensible way to protect our historic buildings. But they are not being installed.

Alison Hernandez: Joint working is strengthening neighbourhood policing in Devon and Cornwall

The Tri-Service Safety Officer combines the skills of a trained firefighter, a co-responder paramedic and has community safety accreditation from the police.