Council by-election results from yesterday
The Conservatives gained a seat from Labour in Fife. But Labour held seats in Carlisle and Tameside.
Tim Warren: In Bath and North East Somerset, the Conservatives are delivering for the young and the old
Our achievements include providing more school places and greater choice and independence for the elderly.
Philip Read: How we have turned round Children’s Services in Bexley
Ofsted has judged us “outstanding.” Six years ago it found us “inadequate”. One big achievement is that we are now relying much less on agency staff.
Ian McCord: Bay of Pigs, Challenger Space Shuttle, Northants County Council – groupthink destroyed them all
Too often local government lacks proper scrutiny. There is a closed-mindedness that ignores warnings and fails to consider long-term consequences.
Ben Houchen: An “Amazon Tax” won’t save the high street
Shopping online will remain a popular choice. But reforming Business Rates is the best way of helping hostelries and independent retailers.
Alex Walker: Why we need more young councillors
Digital is changing the way we live our lives. Councils can’t keep up unless the younger generation are part of the decision making process.
Hustings meetings being held across London for candidates shortlisted to be the Conservative candidate for Mayor
This evening Shaun Bailey, Andrew Boff and Joy Morrissey will be in Croydon. Voting starts on September 17th.
Council by-election results since August 9th
In recent contests the Conservatives lost seats to the Lib Dems in Knaresborough and East Hertfordshire, while Labour lost a seat to an independent in Neath Port Talbot.
John Bald: This year’s exam results are another milestone on the road to restoring rigour in education
At the local level, there is also good news in the successful reform of Great Yarmouth Charter Academy.
State land banking: New housing along our canals gives an example of what can be achieved
5,000 new homes are being provided alongside our waterways in the next five years. The proceeds are used to keep our canals, rivers, reservoirs, and docks in good repair.
State land banking: Natural England owns 470,000 acres
It is quite possible to build attractive new homes – and to use some of the proceeds to enhance the environment.
State land banking: The Mayor of London is sitting on 1,576 acres
That figure doesn’t include Transport for London’s land – which totals 5,700 acres, equivalent to the size of Camden.
State land banking: The Ministry of Defence owns 553,000 acres
That is bigger than the size of Surrey. The MOD also holds “rights” to another half a million acres.
State land banking: Network Rail owns 128,000 acres
Only a thousand acres are being released for housing, despite far more being surplus to requirements.
Judy Terry: Next year will see the creation of West Suffolk Council – offering a better deal for residents
It will be a strong voice for an area with a growing population. Providing new housing and infrastructure is essential for it to thrive.