Every year the Police and Crime Commissioner has to put up the Council Tax by the maximum possible.  This year the increase has been set by the government at £14 for a Band D property.  There’s always a pretend consultation.  Here’s the message from the PCC: I am asking whether your household would be prepared […]

Parenting young children can be both joyful and challenging. Our Solihull – Understanding Your Child workshop is designed to support parents of children aged 4-11 by providing evidence-based strategies and insights. This 10-week programme covers a range of essential topics to help you better understand and connect with your child. Each session is 2 hours long and […]

At a meeting on January 9th WC resolved to support the so-called ‘devolution’ proposals.  Here’s my reasoning for not supporting: 1 It’s not really devolution.  Power is moving up not down. 2 There’s been no consultation.  There will be one, but it’ll be after the event so will be meaningless. 3 The financial benefits are […]

Parenting young children can be both joyful and challenging. Our Solihull – Understanding Your Child workshop is designed to support parents of children aged 0-5 by providing evidence-based strategies and insights. This 10-week programme covers a range of essential topics to help you better understand and connect with your child. Each session is 2 hours long and […]

The full planning application 2023/0864/FUL for the ‘Erection of 74 dwellings, 1 no. children with disabilities home, including means of access, drainage, landscaping and associated works’ at the fields off Packsaddle Way in Frome was refused by a majority of Somerset Council’s Planning Committee – East on Tuesday 7th January. It was recommended for approval […]

Cornwall Liberal Democrats are strongly opposing Cornwall Council’s proposal to cut the Handyperson Service, a vital resource for vulnerable residents across Cornwall. The service, which supports people aged 60 and over, as well as those with a disability, provides affordable and reliable assistance for everything from minor repairs to more significant household maintenance. The Conservative-controlled […]

Parenting teenagers can be challenging, but with the right tools and support, it can also be incredibly rewarding. Our Parents Plus Adolescents Programme is designed to help parents of young people aged 12-19 build stronger relationships and create a positive home environment. This 9-week workshop covers a range of essential topics, including: Workshop Details: Each session is […]

Oldham Council finally updates information for dealing with stray dogs   Liberal Democrat Group Leader councillor Howard Sykes MBE has welcomed updates to Oldham Council’s policy for dealing with stray dogs.  Residents had been complaining that support and information available via the council’s website was outdated or incomplete.     Councillor Sykes said, “It’s about time this […]

The Isle of Wight Council’s draft planning strategy is soon to go through its formal public examination by planning inspectors. The inspectors have published a “Matters, Issues and Questions” document. I was pleased to see questions relating to the allocation to Camp Hill and Noke Common and on the proposed masterplanning approach.

I’m surprised (pleasantly) about how quickly this Newtonhill project is moving forward. It was on 18 December that it was announced that the Bettridge Centre had won its bid to get the solar panels and batteries for the centre from the Just Transition Participatory Budgeting Fund. More than £40,000. And here we are, just a […]