The New South Wales government is investing $6.6 million to establish marked parking bays for shared ebikes across Sydney, aiming to reduce footpath clutter and improve safety. Local councils will receive funding and expanded powers to create parking zones and penalize operators for non-compliance, with a goal of thousands of new spots by year-end.
Melton, a rapidly growing and young area in Greater Melbourne, faces severe under-resourcing of its public libraries. Despite high demand and a significant birth rate, the region is served by only two libraries, leading to overcrowding and safety concerns. Advocacy groups highlight chronic underfunding, with state government contributions failing to keep pace with population growth.
Several English councils have cautioned residents against displaying the St. George's Cross on public property, citing safety and community cohesion concerns ahead of the World Cup. The debate intensified with a report on prison staff flag badges and criticism from politicians.
UK minister Kemi Badenoch plans to abolish the public sector equality duty, a law requiring public bodies to consider equality impacts. Critics argue this will legalize discrimination, while experts say the duty is misunderstood and not the cause of controversial diversity policies.
Gyeongnam's local councils show mixed results in the 6.3 local elections. While the People Power Party largely maintains a majority, the Democratic Party has seen significant gains in some areas, reshaping the political landscape.
A property investor family, the Schreibers, is accused of exploiting a tax loophole by hosting fake prayer sessions to avoid business rates on commercial properties. Simultaneously, a similarly named company provides temporary accommodation to councils, raising concerns about potential conflicts of interest and profit maximization.
The first results in England are expected between midnight and 2am BST; Scottish and Welsh parliament results are due from midday2026 election results: latest from local, Scottish and Welsh votesHello and welcome to the Guardian’s live coverage of election results in England, Scotland and Wales.Thursday’s votes covered the Scottish and Welsh parliaments and 136 local councils in England, where 5,014 seats were contested, including every one on all of London’s 32 borough councils, more than a dozen borough councils, six unitary councils, six county councils and three district councils. A further 73 councils held elections for half or a third of the seats available. Continue reading...
A report by the Campaign for Freedom in Everyday Life reveals that one in five local councils in England and Wales have banned swearing under Public Space Protection Orders (PSPOs), up from one in 20 in 2022. The research found 271 of 297 councils (91%) have at least one PSPO, with 1,268 new orders introduced containing up to 30 restrictions each. Penalties reached an all-time high with 25,000 fines issued in 2025, with 75% issued by private enforcement companies paid per fine.
A new report reveals one in five local councils in England and Wales have banned swearing under Public Space Protection Orders (PSPOs), up from one in 20 in 2022. The Campaign for Freedom in Everyday Life found 91% of responding councils have PSPOs, with over 1,000 new laws introduced containing restrictions on everyday activities. Private enforcement companies issued 25,000 fines in 2025, with 75% of penalties issued by firms paid per fine.
Over 2,000 people in England have faced legal action from their local council due to escalating home care costs, with some debts reaching over £15,000. Disability campaigners and the Local Government Association highlight a funding crisis in adult social care.
More than 1,000 workers across seven local councils in Melbourne are set to walk off the job next month on the same day the Victorian government releases its budget, with garbage collection to be impacted by the strike action.
More than 1,000 workers across seven local councils in Melbourne are set to walk off the job next month on the same day the Victorian government releases its budget, with garbage collection to be impacted by the strike.
More than 1,000 workers across seven local councils in Melbourne are set to walk off the job next month on the same day the Victorian government releases its budget, with rubbish collection to be impacted by the strike action.
