Helen Richardson

Durham County Council rejected plans for a battery energy storage system near South Hetton after hundreds of objections citing landscape harm and safety fears. Residents voiced concerns about fire risks, while experts called for clearer safety regulations. The company behind the project argued the facility was vital for decarbonising the grid and met safety standards, and the government emphasized the importance of battery storage to energy security and stated that fires remain rare.

The government plans to expand and toughen parenting orders, including raising fines for breaches, to address youth offending. Supporters argue greater parental accountability is needed, while critics warn that fines will deepen poverty and are ineffective in reducing anti-social behaviour. Data shows the use of parenting orders has sharply declined, and experts say families instead need earlier and better support. Ministers emphasise that stronger enforcement will be used rarely alongside increased early intervention.