Reform, Buses, and Taking Over from Dan Norris: Helen Godwin’s First 100 Days as WECA Mayor Thursday, August 14, 2025 weca helengodwin transport publictransport housing labour metromayor reformuk westofengland localgovernment sport Helen Godwin, now 100 days into her tenure as West of England Combined Authority (WECA) Metro Mayor, is focused on proving the value of Labour leadership in the region. Having narrowly won the mayoral race against Reform UK’s … Read More
Reform, Buses, and Leadership: Helen Godwin’s First 100 Days as West of England Metro Mayor Thursday, August 14, 2025 helengodwin weca transport housing pragmatism labour reformuk publictransport localgovernment leadership sport Helen Godwin marks 100 days as the West of England Metro Mayor with a clear ambition: “I want to get elected again in four years' time.” After narrowly winning the May election by a three percent margin against Reform UK’s … Read More
Tributes Paid Following the Sudden Death of Glastonbury Councillor Nick Cottle Tuesday, August 12, 2025 glastonbury somerset politics council tribute nickcottle liberaldemocrats community publicservice localgovernment The community of Glastonbury and Somerset has lost a beloved figure with the sudden passing of Councillor Nick Cottle at the age of 68. Known as a “positive man and colourful character,” Mr. Cottle’s dedication to … Read More
Somerset Struggles with Unauthorised Traveller Encampments Amid Lack of Transit Sites Sunday, August 10, 2025 somerset travellers encampments transitsite council enforcement communities gypsyromatraveller landuse localgovernment Somerset Council has acknowledged that unauthorised traveller encampments across the county will continue until a permanent transit site is established. Over the summer, multiple public open spaces— including Stoney Furlong … Read More
Somerset Council ‘Betting the House’ on Transformation to Avert Financial Crisis Wednesday, August 6, 2025 somerset council transformation bankruptcy budget austerity localgovernment restructuring publicservices governance Somerset Council is taking a high-stakes gamble on the next phase of its transformation programme to prevent an effective bankruptcy. Established in April 2023, the newly formed council inherited legacy systems and staff from … Read More
Questions Raised Over Lack of Council Scrutiny for Controversial Bin Collection Change Monday, August 4, 2025 bath wastemanagement businesswaste councilscrutiny bincollection localgovernment policychange pilotprogram businesscosts publicconsultation Councillors have expressed concern over the council’s decision to change bin collection times in Bath city centre without prior scrutiny, a move that could cost local businesses thousands of pounds each year. In July, Cabinet … Read More