Just eight of 173 high-rise social housing blocks fitted with aluminium cladding have been found to pass building regulations linked to fire safety.

Councils in England have started imposing stealth taxes on residents by charging more for services such as waste collection.

Rural residents are more concerned about deteriorating healthcare services than any other issue, a new survey has found.
The survey of 1901 people was conducted on behalf of Rural England Community Interest Company by researchers from the Countryside and Community Research Institute based at the University of Gloucestershire, and in partnership with the Rural Services Network.
Health came top of the list of topics of most concern to rural residents, before public transport, rural housing and rural crime.

The UK has become one of the first nations to commit to an agreement to reduce emissions from appliances so as to help prevent global warming.
The Kigali amendment to the UN Montreal Protocol commits nations to reducing hydrofluorocarbon greenhouse gases (HFCs) by 85 per cent between 2019 and 2036.
A move by the UK to cut down on harmful emissions from appliances such as air conditioning units and refrigerators means harmful greenhouse gases could be prevented by rising up to 11 per cent by 2050.
The UK will be one of the first countries to approve the agreement.

Jon Clancy was battling for his political survival today as he faced down calls to quit over the long-running bin dispute.
The MJ reported that a leadership challenge is in preparation, with three Labour councillors trying to replace Clancy but the group split on who should stand against him.
The council recently announced it was issuing redundancies to protect its legal and financial position but there would be no job losses.
Clancy agreed to the move recommended despite striking an alternative deal with trade union Unite.

Government plans to base supported housing allowance on private rates threaten over 90 per cent of its accommodation for people experiencing homelessness.

Angus Council has warned its workforce could reduce by 800 full-time posts over the next three years as it faces a funding deficit of £40 million.
The council workforce has already reduced by over 500 in the last six years.
Bob Myles, council leader, warned Angus Council would not be able to deliver the same volume of services in the future in the council’s new five-year agenda.

Ofsted has warned that ‘widespread and serious failures’ in children’s services in Croydon are putting some children at risk.
The watchdog said Croydon Council has failed to improve children’s services quickly enough.
The report said: “Inspectors identified a legacy of poor practice characterised by drift and delay in the provision of key services.

Youth organisations will receive £40 million to boost the skills and life chances of young people living in disadvantaged areas, it has been announced.

Sadiq Khan has urged the government to allow London’s boroughs to increase council tax bills for high-value homes that are left empty.