Judy Terry: Why are there no empty shops in Berlin?
It has virtually zero business rates for small firms. The planning system is less skewed towards shopping centres and retail parks.
John Bald: What teachers can learn from tutors
Those who spend their time in classrooms and rigidly follow the handbook may fail to meet the individual needs of each pupil.
Aidy Riggott: Labour’s war on football in Chorley
First they say fans are unwelcome. Then instead of apologising, they continue weaselling around with contradictory claims.
Council by-election results from yesterday
The Lib Dems gained a seat from Labour in Chesterfield. The Conservatives held seats in Cambridgeshire and Hambleton.
David Williams: Social care costs are fuelling a funding crisis for many local councils
There is a strong case for a larger proportion of the recently announced NHS money to be invested into preventative services.
Mark Pengelly: Councillors are our local champions – select yours wisely
They can serve as living proof that politicians are public-spirited individuals who wish to drive positive change for their communities.
Robert Alden: Welcome back to Birmingham
Tourism is thriving but while the city looks forward, the council is stuck in the past – failing to manage its finances properly.
Council by-election results from yesterday
The Conservatives held a seat in Lichfield and gained a seat from Labour in Nottingham.
Bailey is chosen as the Conservative candidate for Mayor of London
Boff was the runner up. The election takes place in May 2020.
Joe Carlebach: With crime spiralling out of control, is it time for a Police and Crime Commissioner for London?
At least then we might see some dedicated focus on this issue. A lot of supposedly “minor” offences are not investigated at all.
Tom Bell: Councils should raise their readiness for cyber attacks
More than one in four councils was subject to a serious security breach in the last five years. Given the sensitive nature of the information held, security needs to be improved.
John Bald: Labour threatens to set our schools back by over a decade
The reality of local authority control of schools was not democratic, but rule by officers and party hacks.
Who is endorsing whom to be the Conservative candidate for Mayor of London?
As voting opens all three contenders have secured the backing from high profile figures – including council leaders and cabinet members.
Paul Scully: Conservative members in London still have time to vote for our Mayoral candidate
All three are great campaigners and proven grassroots workers across London. Winning is a challenge but the prize is definitely up for grabs.
James Hockney: Tackling revenge evictions
More protection is needed for tenants who complain about the condition of their property due to unscrupulous landlords