Thomas Kerr: In Glasgow, the SNP is punishing business

The City will see increased parking charges across the city as well as higher Council Tax. Road maintenance is neglected, yet £800,000 a year is spent on PR.

Houchen challenges Cleveland Police chiefs for “failing in their duty”

The appointment of a new chief constable who was criticised over his investigation into Edward Heath is seen as the latest saga to afflict a “broken force”.

Ferris Cowper: Our ambition is to abolish Council Tax in East Hampshire within four years

Our experience is that voters admire our radical approach and respect our resolve to find a new way of financing the public sector.

Paul Mercer: Standing up to ‘hate crime’ mission creep

It is a serious issue – but by forever expanding the definition to include anyone who perceives that they have been insulted for any reason ultimately undermines our ability to address the most serious cases.

Council by-election results from yesterday

The Conservatives gained two seats from the Lib Dems in Dorset and a seat from an independent in North Kesteven. But the Conservatives lost a seat to the Lib Dems in Arun and to an independent in the Scottish Borders.

Liam Booth-Smith: Westminster Council’s voluntary levy on the wealthy is to be applauded

Conservatives should restate the moral case for taxation and at the same time find innovative ways of revenue raising that are both popular and effective.

Kevin Davis: We are freezing the Council Tax in Kingston because it is the right thing to do

Other public services could learn that less money to spend means rethinking what you do.

Councils should not pass byelaws they don’t mean to enforce

In practice, children in Wandsworth will still be allowed to climb trees in local parks. It is a mistake for local authorities to adopt rules which suggest otherwise.

Gareth Bacon: Brexit wounds must be healed in London

The Mayor should take the responsibility to be a unifying figure with a positive message – not just churn out doom-laden predictions.

Judy Terry: A central register would help to circulate great works of art around the country

Local authorities don’t always appreciate the potential of special exhibitions to develop tourism – as well as the opportunities for schools and colleges.

Council by-election results from yesterday

The Conservatives lost two seats to the Lib Dems in Teignbridge and another in North Norfolk. But the Conservatives gained a seat from UKIP in Tendring.

Charlie Elphicke: Momentum threatens to take London back to the past

Red Ted Knight and the then Militant Tendency were a disaster for Lambeth. The hard left has returned – new bottles, yet very much the nastiest of old wine.

Shaun Bailey: The Mayor is failing on knife crime, Londoners deserve better

The Metropolitan Police Service should be a world leader in embracing innovative technology, yet it’s often years behind other law enforcement agencies.

Sue Chalkley: We are proving that good quality design is the key to boosting support for new homes

Rural communities will welcome development – if it fits the local vernacular and genuinely meets community needs.

Kevin Beaty: Rural and urban areas in the UK should be working together in a sense of common fellowship

I am setting up a think tank to explore how we can sensibly use the countryside as part of the wider economy.