36 h. ago The Scottish authority that has hiked council tax by record 15% as SNP minister makes 'big bang' claim

The decision by Orkney comes after sharp council tax rises were agreed by a host of councils across Scotland, including Edinburgh and Glasgow

Politics

49 h. ago Council BANS Christian prayers being said before meetings in case they 'exclude or alienate individuals of different faiths or those with no religious beliefs'

Traditionally, a Christian prayer has been said at the start of all St Albans City and District Council meetings.

Politics

69 h. ago Council tax band: how to check my council tax bands online for bill reduction or pay discount

April’s bill hikes are coming – but one simple check could save you money 💸

Economics

3 d. ago Markets climb as defence stocks, euro and pound rally on Europe’s Ukraine peace push – business live

German stock market records biggest gains after Starmer announces ‘coalition of the willing,’ as investors expect big splurge in defence spending Eurozone inflation has dipped, moving closer to the European Central Bank’s 2% target, ahead of a widely expected drop in interest rates at the central bank’s meeting on Thursday.Headline inflation fell from 2.5% to 2.4% in January, while core inflation, which strips out volatile energy and food costs, dropped from 2.7 to 2.6%, Eurostat said this morning.After quite a strong January reading, February eurozone inflation came in soft. Core inflation ticked down after having been stable at 2.7% since September.The weak economic environment seems to trump an increase in reported input costs for the moment. For the European Central Bank, this is a dovish sign as the governing council mulls over how low it should bring rates. Continue reading...

Economics

7 d. ago ‘Testing ground for Project 2025’: behind Oklahoma’s rightwing push to erode the line between church and state

With Trump back in the White House, the state’s superintendent is making efforts to install Christian viewpoints in governanceRyan Walters bowed his head in prayer at his desk in the Oklahoma state superintendent’s office.“Dear God, thank you for all the blessings you’ve given our country,” the rising star on the Christian right said in the mid-November video. “I pray for our leaders to make the right decisions. I pray in particular for President Donald Trump and his team as they continue to bring about change for our country.” Continue reading...

Politics

7 d. ago ‘Dangerous’ moment for Hillingdon as council faces brink of bankruptcy

Hillingdon Council ‘must deliver’ £34 million in savings outlined in its budget this year or face the possibility of declaring bankruptcy due to reserves reaching a critical position.

Politics

8 d. ago The playbook for bombing hospitals in war: deny, deflect, justify. The law must close these loopholes | Maarten van der Heijden

Cynical actors exploit the legal ambiguities around targeting healthcare facilities, as seen in Gaza. Unequivocal protections are neededHospitals in Gaza have “turned into battlegrounds”, the World Health Organization’s representative for the West Bank and Gaza stated at the UN security council in January. He warned that the healthcare system was being “systematically dismantled and driven to the brink of collapse”.Israel’s attacks on medical centres in Gaza have prompted widespread condemnation from civil society, academics and news agencies, many labelling these strikes as breaches of international law or war crimes. WHO director-general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus posted that: “Any attack of healthcare facilities is a violation of international humanitarian law.” Continue reading...

Events

1 week ago Nudists left up in arms after parish council attempts to ban 'lewd' naked sunbathing at a naturist beach

A parish council has sparked a row for attempting to ban 'lewd' naked sunbathing at a naturist beach.

Politics

1 week ago Adult social care must be ‘modernised’ to help London councils on brink of bankruptcy, says care minister

London’s boroughs have warned that they have faced ‘rocketing demand for social care’

Politics

1 week ago Grenfell survivor in ‘utter disbelief’ as banned contractor fights council decision

Emma O’Connor, who escaped in a lift from the 20th floor with her partner, said she was shocked to hear of Siderise Insulation Ltd’s legal challenge

Events

1 week ago Baha'i Faith explained after It Ends with Us star Justin Baldoni is accused of imposing religious beliefs

According to reports, Baldoni's religious beliefs played a part in how he acted on the set of It Ends With Us and even had an impact on the creative decisions he made as director.

Politics

1 week ago Revealed: London boroughs on brink of bankruptcy beg ministers for £500m and long term crisis solution

Seven councils in the capital have applied for emergency Government money

Politics

1 week ago Revealed: London boroughs on brink of bankruptcy beg ministers for £500m and a long term crisis solution

Seven councils in the capital have applied for emergency Government money

Politics

1 week ago Revealed: London boroughs on the brink of bankruptcy beg Ministers for £500m and a long term crisis solution

Seven councils in the capital have applied for emergency Government money

Politics

2 w. ago The ‘really sad’ mess that greets visitors to the capital of Wales

Cardiff Council has started cleaning up what it can on the river bank but it could take weeks

Politics

2 w. ago Council becomes first in country to ban smartphones from all its schools

Council becomes first in country to ban smartphones from all its schools - new rule will affect 60,000 pupils  Daily Mail

Politics