Harry Fone: Parish councils can waste money too

The removal of the precept, a virtually guaranteed source of income, could well lead to greater fiscal prudence.

George Crivelli: Conservative councils have quietly got on with the job of getting laptops to children who need them

By contrast, some Labour boroughs in London are just sitting back and blaming central Government.

Peter Golds: Election fraud in east London – finally, a police investigation and a conviction

I very much hope that six years since the corrupt and flawed election, the residents of Tower Hamlets will be able to vote safely and securely.

Meirion Jenkins: The Conservatives have a real chance to win in Birmingham

With sufficient campaigning resource, we believe that we can bring the days of this failing Labour administration to a timely end.

Stuart Coster: Is Lib Dem election campaigning “essential activity”? A “reasonable excuse” for someone to leave home?

It is a stretch to imagine “voluntary services” extends, beyond helping those needing support during lockdown, to delivering political leaflets. 

Jenrick offers local people greater safeguards against “woke” indulgencies

A community veto against changing street names and destroying statues is not unreasonable.

Laura Evans: Burnham’s Mayoralty in Greater Manchester has meant four wasted years

Communities have been ignored. Crime has not been taken seriously. Investment opportunities have been missed.

Izzi Seccombe: Councils need simple and efficient public procurement to ensure the best value for public money

We must seize the opportunities from Brexit to provide services in a more efficient, flexible, and responsive way

Harry Fone: Reserves should be used to limit Council Tax rises. If this isn’t a “rainy day”, what is?

Plus: Why are Police and Crime Commissioners asking for more money for keyrings and stress balls?

Starmer opposes Council Tax rises. But he won’t say where the money would come from.

Offering extra billions to town halls from Whitehall, shows a reluctance to face up to tough choices.

Paul Mercer: Now that local government has arrived in the Zoom era, it should stay there

Some of our more technophobic members have readily embraced this change. Attendance at meetings has increased noticeably.

Gareth Lyon: We need a Public Sector Neutrality Act to rein in politicisation

This should apply to central and local government. Also those organisations funded by taxpayers.

John Bald: We need vaccination for teachers if schools are to reopen safely

The Education Secretary gave an effective performance in Parliament yesterday. But there remains considerable anger, which is justified.

Chris McGovern: School closures are a victory for the unions. What can be done to help the children catch up?

A start can be made by cutting back the forthcoming Easter break and by shortening the summer term holidays.

Louie French: We need to ensure that our pubs and clubs survive the winter

Support to much-loved community assets should be given priority. Or the legacy of isolation and loneliness will be permanent.