Most people know which council collects their bins and recycling. Just as most know who charges them for parking.     But ask someone in the street which council is responsible for providing care for the elderly or disabled, or ensuring there is adequate education provision for all local school children and the answer might not be quite so forthcoming.     Fundamentally, most people do not mind who provides these services. What they want, first and foremost, is for them to be delivered...

According to reports, Keir Starmer is planning to lay a bill that could lead to closer regulatory ties with Brussels, particularly on agrifoods.

My office is now closed for the festive break. While my emails will be monitored until the office reopens on Monday 5th January, only urgent casework will be dealt with. In the meantime, here are some useful contact details if you are in an emergency, as well as some local organisations that are open over the next two weeks.