Jonathan Bunn

Westminster City Council warned it may need to raise council tax by up to 100% after government funding reforms are expected to halve its central grant by 2029–30. The council argues that the changes overlook poverty levels and pressure from high visitor numbers, and says efficiencies alone cannot cover the shortfall. Residents will be consulted on service priorities and willingness to pay more, while the Government’s approach is defended by Labour as targeting more deprived areas. Nationally, councils face a £7 billion funding gap within three years.

The Director of Public Prosecutions acknowledged that the collapse of a case against rapper Liam Og O hAnnaidh resulted from a missed deadline and constituted an embarrassing error for the Crown Prosecution Service. Evidence was submitted late, leading prosecutors to seek the Attorney General’s permission outside the required six‑month window, prompting courts to rule the charge unlawful and reject the CPS appeal. Stephen Parkinson denied suggestions of intentional misconduct and said new internal safeguards have been introduced. Political reaction included scrutiny from MPs and previous criticism from Sir Keir Starmer regarding the rapper’s planned performances.