We intend to freeze those costs under our control – council heating and hot water charges – for the coming year.
Ministers will be on much surer ground if they justify change on the basis of social habits.
From failing energy companies, to white elephant projects, many local authorities have continued to pour public money down the drain.
Our borough is being left behind by a Labour Party that takes its votes for granted. Council Tax is increased while services are cut.
The choices made by the failing Labour Council have broken our borough with bankruptcy, poor planning, and filthy streets.
Plus: Winchester’s woeful welcome. Test Valley Borough Council in Hampshire has managed to cut its stationery costs by £55,000.
In the run up to the White Paper on Levelling Up, our interview with the former Chancellor opens this week’s ConHome series on localism.
I want to ensure that every pound that goes into policing makes us safer, while also protecting the taxpayer.
Plus: Mismanagement continues in Slough. Bassetlaw Council spends £320,000 to improve the energy efficiency of a golf club it owns.
Residents know that their council is failing them and are fed up with being ignored. Our Council Tax goes up. But our services get worse.
Difficulty decisions are needed. But a funding floor for councils would make a transition to a fairer and simpler system politically acceptable.
Local residents need to know what their council is up to and how well portfolios are performing. Proper oversight is lacking.
Ministers cannot afford to focus on a few so-called priority areas – it will take bold and imaginative reform to deliver fairness for all.
Conservative governments can raise tax rates temporarily as part of a clear plan – which wasn’t the case with last week’s announcement.
There is nothing for productivity growth, ageing, minimum wage hikes, tailoring care to individual needs, or councils’ incentives to build more homes.