Councils are begging staycationers looking to head back to the coast today and soak up the sun to stay away from beaches after record numbers packed the seafront yesterday – with little signs of social distancing. Thousands of sun-seekers flocked to the seaside despite Government warnings on what was the UK’s hottest August day since … Read more
Councils can BULLDOZE contaminated homes and crush cars as a last resort under new laws to stop second wave of coronavirus Boris Johnson remains determined to avoid a second nationwide lockdown Councils able to draw on laws to impose lightning closures of public buildings As last resort the 1984 Control of Disease Act allows for … Read more
Council chiefs in infection hotspots around England are launching action plans in a bid to stop a surge in coronavirus cases and prevent more local lockdowns. Eden in Cumbria, Sandwell in the Midlands, Northampton, Peterborough, Rotherham and Wakefield were yesterday revealed as six places which are on the government’s coronavirus ‘watch-list’, but have yet to … Read more
Councils who have – or plan to – narrow or close roads to motorists to allow for more cycle lanes and car-free zones could face legal action, says a campaign group. The Alliance of British Drivers claims it is in consultation with lawyers regarding the legality of authorities shutting roads, widening cycle lanes and extending … Read more
Health Secretary Matt Hancock FINALLY bows to pressure from councils to hand over names and testing data of Covid patients to help tackle local outbreaks in latest Government U-turn Local authorities calling for full access to ‘named patient data’, reports suggest Matt Hancock set to announce councils will be able to access the named data … Read more
Speed cameras are being used by police and councils in ‘good hunting grounds’ to fine drivers and make money rather then preventing accidents, watchdog report reveals Claim was made in a report by inspectorate of police and fire services in the UK It shows speeding fines handed out grown by 41 per cent between 2011 … Read more
Councils in England are preparing to make significant cuts in jobs and services after losing income on investments in airports, cinemas and offices amid the coronavirus pandemic. Data from the Institute for Fiscal Studies suggests more than 30 local authorities obtain around a quarter of their annual income from commercial investments, many of which have been … Read more
Councils face ‘economic shock’ after losing MILLIONS of pounds in parking fees and charges during coronavirus, figures show Councils across England are in for an ‘economic shock’ from lost parking income Motorists have been allowed to park for free in town centres during lockdown Authorities are now considering reintroducing charges, though fear it could damage … Read more
Gavin Williamson yesterday warned councils, parents and teaching unions not to block the return to school. The Education Secretary insisted youngsters must have full-time education in England from September. He signalled a clampdown on councils and schools that refuse to welcome all year groups back, with parents facing fines for children’s non-attendance. The hardline stance … Read more
Council leaders in areas threatened by Leicester-style lockdowns have rejected the idea – while claiming figures released by the Government detailing the highest coronavirus infection rates are out-of-date. Bradford, Barnsley and Rochdale were identified as three of the areas of England most at risk of being hit by a ‘local lockdown’ like the one imposed … Read more