Environment
Pressure mounts on councils to recycle food waste
English councils have been urged to speed up the roll-out of food waste collections as figures reveal 1,000 tonnes a day end up in landfill.
Flood prevention the holistic way
Heavy flooding and the activation of the emergency Bellwin scheme saw North Yorkshire CC calling for the system of Government support for councils to be overhauled. Nick Fraser believes a holistic approach will improve flood risk management
We’re here when times get tough
East Lindsey DC took on the chairmanship of the Strategic Recovery Group following heavy rainfall and a subsequent river relief channel breach. Rob Barlow reviews the emergency response and recovery phase.
Councils push for powers to regulate Airbnb accommodation
Bath & North East Somerset Council has joined calls for powers to regulate Airbnb accommodation.
North Yorkshire mulls utilities flood defence funding
North Yorkshire CC is to look at funding flood defence work through contributions from utilities companies.
Council contributes to first UK sandscaping scheme
North Norfolk DC has contributed to the UK’s first sandscaping scheme to prevent further erosion and flooding along its coastline.
Call for leaders to be given seat at top table
A council of UK civic leaders chaired by the Prime Minister and mayors on the Privy Council are among the calls from a think-tank.
How 5G Will Make Cities Smarter
Local authority funding has dropped by 21% in the last decade. Head of BT surveillance argues Brian Jackson argues that rescue could come in part from the arrival of 5G
We need to invest in community action to deliver on environmental promises
Graham Duxbury says Michael Gove’s recent speech on the Environment Bill missed out the education, infrastructure and peer pressure that’s needed to make change happen.
Right time for the Western Powerhouse
Lord Kerslake says the launch of the Western Powerhouse complements the Northern Powerhouse and the Midlands Engine and sets out a programme of action to address the growing inequalities between London and the wider South East and the rest of the UK
The South East can deliver just when the UK needs it most
Productivity in the South East is the same as it was a decade ago, says David Covill. It’s a trend that needs to be reversed, he argues.
Council halts some recycling collections for two months
Some recycling collections have been halted by Allerdale BC due to issues with its new service.
Serco signs deals worth £120m
Serco has put pen to paper on local authority contracts worth £120m this year.
Cities slam Government over clean air hold-up
England’s two largest councils have blamed the government for ‘significant’ delays to their plans to introduce charging Clean Air Zones (CAZs) to tackle air pollution.
Clearing the air – a moral duty
Metro Mayor of the Liverpool City Region Steve Rotheram outlines the action the combined authority is taking to improve air quality and address the threat posed by climate change.
Contractor prepares to cut losses from Derby waste agreement
The future of a troubled energy-from-waste project in Derby hangs in the balance as a partner in the deal prepares to write-off its investment.
Government accused of trying to 'dictate' recycling rules
Local government figures are resisting proposals to standardise recycling across the country.
Herts renegotiates Veolia incinerator contract
Hertfordshire CC has renegotiated a contract with Veolia as it awaits a decision on plans for an incinerator.
Contractors' fears over extending council waste collection powers
Waste firms have warned of dire consequences if the Government proceeds with proposals to hand powers over collections from businesses to councils.
Flinging v singing
With all this talk of milkshake flinging, Diary is concerned that the political protest movement has been hijacked by a wider debate.