Party faces familiar problem of finding large-scale savings while avoiding unpopular choices
Rightwing populist group has inherited acute financial crises after election wins across England
Residents and promoters fight over the soul of the capital’s public green spaces
How to move funds and influence people
Locals are fighting plans by cash-strapped councils to close public spaces for events
Ruling raises questions about programme of events set to start next week in Brockwell Park
Inspectors find Warrington council does not ‘recognise severity of the issues it faces’
Industrial action has led to rubbish piling up across UK’s second city
Wealthy residents of UK’s second city can afford private rubbish collection as deprived areas watch waste pile up
Critics warn auction house is pressuring struggling authorities into selling public assets
Tees Valley Combined Authority to be issued with a “best value” notice by ministers
Birmingham city council is concerned about the health risk of 17,000 tonnes of rubbish going uncollected
Allocation to National Highways for 2025-26 lower than for current financial year
Businesses fear refuse piles will damage Birmingham’s reputation, while workers and council enter talks
Investment vehicles tell ministers continuing to operate independently will deliver best value for 6.7mn members
Near-80% jump in expenditure to £732mn reflects increasingly acute homelessness crisis, says charity
How to scheme it
Move comes as cash-strapped local authorities are expected to reduce contributions
Local government scheme is in surplus by £85bn, according to consultant Isio
Worsening surface conditions and infrastructure project delays have caused continuing problems
Increasingly complex local authority finances and shortage of accountants to sign off books has led to long delays
Town halls in England and Wales warn that requirement to take ‘principal advice’ from pools could create conflict of interest
Authorities in worst financial state have asked central government to bail them out
13 councils are considering postponing local polls in May, officials say
The public spending watchdog warns that the system is becoming ‘financially unsustainable’ for councils
