MPs have launched an inquiry into student loans after, examining whether the recent decision to freeze the repayment threshold for many graduates in England is fair, with some graduates accumulating more debt than they’re paying off
ICYMI, this is why ⬇️
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A 2021 survey found that 75% of women and girls in and around Cheltenham reported feeling unsafe during Cheltenham Races, which kick off today. The council says it is taking firm action to deter and address harassment. We reported on the harassment problem in 2024.
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And, in The Valleys, we're asking why two councillors feel they have been banned from conversations about and actions taken regarding Ty Llwyd Quarry after raising concerns about toxic chemical. It's a big one, so grab a cuppa and dig in.
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In Blackpool, the iconic Pleasure Beach has come under fire after removing free passes for carers, with parents and carers now thinking twice about whether they'd visit.
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In Calderdale, John Greenwood looked at the figures that show Calderdale having the largest number of ‘economically inactive’ residents in the region. According to the research, of those classed as inactive, only 16.9 per cent wanted a job.
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Meanwhile, The Southport Lead was the only news outlet in attendance at last week's meeting between Sefton and Lancashire County Councillors and NHS chiefs about the future location of the combined Adult’s and Children’s A&E Services.
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Our Sunday editions of The Lead's local titles tell original, local journalism. Let's kick off with Lancashire, where water companies have promised investment and improvements - at the cost of the consumer.
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On International Women’s Day, The Lead hears from women facing down an increasingly hostile environment – and asks what needs to change to ensure women can serve their communities safely.
Across Britain, female councillors report intimidation, harassment and threats simply for doing their jobs. The abuse reflects a wider climate of misogyny that too often targets women in public life.
See more about the network of original, local reporting, embedded in communities, we are creating and how to support it
And @jamielopez.bsky.social reports on n Ainsdale home looks set to be allowed to be used by children in care despite neighbours rallying to block the attempted use.
Mould issues in homes that are being targeted for demolition and regeneration by Blackpool Council were likely made worse by a council-led project, @lukebeardsworth.bsky.social reveals
While in Teesside, @leighsus.bsky.social reports on tensions between the government and the Labour-run Hartlepool Borough Council
Our mid-week editions of The Lead's local titles tell original, local journalism - let's kick off with Lancashire and where all may not be seem in the 'war on potholes' declared by Reform
As Zack Polanski pledges to legalise and regulate drugs, Sarah Sinclair dives into the detail of this controversial policy – what does the evidence say?
@zoegrunewald.bsky.social latest column examines the Iran conflict, and what should Sir Keir Starmer do next as he faces increasing pressure, and criticism, from Donald Trump.
"The rule of law, our international obligations, and alliances grounded in shared values are the only safeguards left against being dragged into yet another unnecessary and bloody conflict.”
“Starmer’s supposed lawyerly instinct, to respect precedent and abide by the rules we have bound ourselves to, should be his compass.
Why do miners from the south Wales valleys feel indebted to Ukrainian miners? Read all about it, at The Valleys Lead.
@mickantoniw.bsky.social @alundavies.bsky.social @theleaduk.bsky.social
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The latest tranche of Epstein files reveals a troubling preoccupation with eugenics – heredity, racial difference, ‘intelligence’, and reproductive selection – and a concerted effort from the paedophile financier to embed that fascination within elite institutions.
The government has approved Sefton Council’s request for special allowances to enable it to set balanced 2026/27 budget.
Sefton is one of 37 local authorities to be granted exceptional financial support which does not include extra funding from central government.
A mystery buyer has bought Liberty Steel’s Hartlepool plant, just weeks after it was put up for sale.
Thousands of people have signed a petition requesting that the Specialist Palliative Care Unit in Mountain Ash remains open - we tell some of their stories in this edition
Taxpayer-owned “assets” in Blackpool will be sold off to balance the council’s books and address a £5m budget shortfall - and even more could be flogged if the local authority’s arm’s-length tourism company fails to make enough money, it has been suggested.
Good morning - earlier this week our local editions landed in thousands of inboxes bringing original local journalism to towns and communities outside the big cities.
Readers of The Lancashire Lead are no strangers to county councillor Luke Parker. He's been removed as Reform group whip.
