Publishing council spending online “is not a priority” according to the leader of Wokingham Borough Council. Communities secretary Eric Pickles has criticised “slowcoach” councils for failing to publish details on itemised spending. However, Councillor David Lee has responded by saying that his council is facing more urgent priorities. He said: “It will be done. It’s one of those things which will be done in line with how we need to do it but it is not a pressing thing”.

Birmingham City Council is planning to set up a trading company to sell its expertise to other local authorities and the private sector. The council is to place its Building Consultancy and Urban Design teams — which includes architects, engineers and surveyors — under the control of a new arms-length trading company as part of a drive to improve efficiency and increase income. Councillor Randal Brew said: “The plan that has been put together offers us a great opportunity to review operations and modernise and transform the services we offer as a city council”.

Liverpool City Council staff will hear today how they will be affected by cuts to the authority’s budget. The council needs to save £141m by 2013 in the wake of cuts in government funding and an existing budget shortfall. Barbara Hennessy, branch secretary at Liverpool Unison, said: “We have been given an assurance by the council and the city council leader that they will work with the trade unions to avoid any job losses”.

Cardiff City Council is considering collecting black bins every fortnight so as to increase the amount of waste it recycles. The five-year plan would also see weekly food waste and green bag collection, as well as fortnightly garden waste pickups. Councillor Margaret Jones said: "We believe this is the right way forward”.