Breaking down England's fiscal devolution plans
David Phillips of the IFS tells LocalGov why England's regional finance reforms are modest by global comparison and what ministers still need to get right.
Facial Recognition: Balancing safety, privacy, and trust in local communities
13/11/2025 Tony Oliver, Head of Physical Security, North, explores how facial recognition technology can help local authorities enhance public safety. |
Closure of community spaces has created riot ‘tinderbox’
29/07/2025 The loss of shared spaces – from pubs to parks – has undermined community cohesion and fed far-right extremism, a think tank has said. |
Notting Hill Carnival’s future in question
19/06/2025 The current levels of local government support are not enough to address safety concerns with the Notting Hill Carnival, leaked letter from organiser warns. |
‘Busybody’ fines surged 42% last year
09/12/2024 There was a 42% spike in the number of on-the-spot fines issued for offences like swearing, loitering, drinking alcohol and begging in England and Wales last year, new research has found. |
Council faces legal action over ‘foul language’ ban
20/08/2024 Thanet District Council could face a judicial review of new measures to ban certain activities, including the use of ‘foul or abusive language’. |
Historic Crooked House bricks to remain on site
23/08/2023 The foundations of the historic Crooked House pub and the building’s bricks will remain on site as hazardous materials are removed, the council has confirmed. |
Oxford hit by wave of protests over '15-minute city' backlash
21/02/2023 Approximately 2,000 people took part in demonstrations against Oxford's '15 minute neighbourhoods' plan, with protests and counter protests on Saturday. |
Council accused of undermining safety of sex workers
12/12/2022 Newham Council has been accused of undermining the safety of sex workers after the local authority set out proposals for a clampdown on ‘kerb crawlers’. |
Court upholds abortion clinic ‘buffer zone’
22/08/2019 The Court of Appeal has upheld Ealing Council’s protest-free ‘buffer zone’ which is located outside of an abortion clinic in the London borough. |
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Councils issue nearly 10,000 fines for ‘anti-social’ behaviour
23/04/2019 Campaigners have called for Public Spaces Protection Orders to be scrapped as new figures reveal there were nearly 10,000 on-the-spot fines issued in 2018. |
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Council scraps plans to fine rough sleepers using tents
28/11/2017 Stoke-on-Trent City Council has decided to scrap plans to fine homeless people £1,000 if they were found sleeping in tents. |
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Essex council forced to amend law banning ‘rough sleepers’
08/04/2016 An Essex council has amended a controversial law that criminalised ‘rough sleeping’ after public outcry. |
