A decision taken by Thurrock Council in Essex to abandon plans for a fortnightly newsletter, set to cost £300,000 annually, has been hailed as a “victory for the local media”. Steve Lewis, editor of the Gazette, said that he hoped the decision would set a precedent, alerting other local authorities that tax-payer funded newsletters were a poor idea.

The leader of Essex County Council, Lord Hanningfield, has strenuously denied wrongdoing following claims that detectives investigating his parliamentary expenses are about to pass a file to the Crown Prosecution Service. Lord Hanningfield said: “The only accusations against me are those that have been made by Colchester MP Bob Russell, and, as I have said before, I can account for my expenditure and the House of Lords Authorities have no complaint.”

Castle Point Council looks set to miss its target of 32 new homes for social rent or shared ownership this financial year, expected to build only 20. Wendy Goodwin, cabinet member responsible for homes, said of the homes that have been built: “This development was taken up within days of being released. It shows how desperate people are for affordable housing.”

A Norwich taxi driver is lobbying the local council to change vehicle licensing restrictions to allow a new type of taxi onto the roads. Paddy Keenaghan argues that the Peugeot E7 would offer environmental benefits over current models, and provide better access for disabled passengers.