Phil Wilkinson-Jones

Cllr Karen May, cabinet member for communities, is now presenting her report

Cllr Richard Morris, cabinet member for adult social care, is presenting his report to council on the work that has been taking place in the past two years

Councillors are back from their break at Worcestershire County Council's full council meeting #LDReporter

The meeting has now paused for a lunch break and I think might, too #LDReporter

Another named vote taking place. Labour councillors the only members to vote against the motion, which calls for the government to reconsider inheritance tax changes for farmers

More councillors are speaking passionately on this subject. It looks like they'll run out of time to debate any more motions at today's meeting. There were another four on the agenda including one about National Insurance contributions

Craig Warhurst says a tax on farmland is a tax on food. Martin Allen says the government has set the threshold too low and that it should be £5m

Tory and Green councillors refused to back the amendment, so it has been defeated. Councillors will now debate the original motion

A named vote is called for on the amendment

Dan Boatright-Greene says this type of debate is the reason people don't vote

Josh Robinson says the debate isn't as respectful as the chairman called for it to be at the start of the meeting

Adam Kent says inheritance tax is abhorrent and "what the Labour government is doing is evil". Multiple points of order are being raised but dismissed by the chairman

Chaotic scenes in the chamber. Tory councillors are unhappy about an amendment brought by Labour and the Lib Dems to a Conservative motion on the farm inheritance tax

Tom Wells asks how often complaints are dealt with through 'out of court' settlements so that they don't reach the Local Government Ombudsman. Cabinet member Marcus Hart says that's "not commonplace at all, and that's all I can say"

Marcus Hart apologises on behalf of the council to families let down by the council. One child was left living in an unsuitable property for longer than necessary, another missed out on special educational provision

You can stream the meeting here: www.youtube.com/watch?v=1Ug0...

I understand urgent questions on this issue will be asked later in the meeting

Cllr Josh Robinson asks if leader Simon Geraghty or CEO Paul Robinson would be speaking about devolution or their proposal to cancel May's council elections, as they have described it as the biggest change to local government in 50 years. He is told there is nothing on the agenda

A number of farmers have spoken about the impact of Labour inheritance tax policy. Councillors are set to debate two motions relating to this in a little while

Watching Worcestershire County Council's full council meeting this morning #LDReporter

Council leaders discuss Worcestershire unitary authority plan COUNCIL chiefs have discussed plans for a Worcestershire unitary authority.

Unitary plans have been pitched to #Worcestershire's district council leaders, but only one was in favour #LDReporter #Devolution

Elgar's Birthplace will be transferred to National Trust on long-term lease Elgar's Birthplace is being transferred to the National Trust on a 999-year lease.

The historic cottage is being handed over to the @nationaltrust.bsky.social #Elgar #Worcester

Concerns over plans for 40 homes on edge of Evesham Concerns have been raised over plans for more homes on the outskirts of Evesham.

The scheme is the latest in a long list of developments planned for the area

www.eveshamjournal.co.uk/news/2480118...

Plan to regenerate town's 'aged' leisure centre unveiled Plans to extend Droitwich Leisure Centre have been unveiled.

A plan to demolish it was scrapped earlier this year #Droitwich #LDReporter

'Excessively tall' tree in front garden cannot be felled, says council A WORCESTER resident is not being allowed to cut down a tree in their front garden because the council says there is “insufficient evidence” for…

Worcester City Council says there isn't enough evidence to fell it #LDReporter

Worcestershire's councils could merge under new devolution plans WORCESTERSHIRE’S district and county councils could be merged under plans for a major shake-up of local government.

Fascinating news with huge implications for #Worcestershire's county council and six district councils

Should Palestine flag fly above the Guildhall? A CITY councillor has raised the idea of flying the Palestinian flag above the Guildhall.

The question was raised at a city council meeting this week

Crematorium refurbishment will not include 'unaffordable' extension Plans to upgrade Astwood Crematorium include the refurbishment of the chapel and a new roof.

The latest on plans to upgrade Worcester Crematorium 👇

Tributes paid to former mayor Brenda Sheridan and former @worcesternews.bsky.social journalist Mike Grundy

Can’t be at the Guildhall tonight so watching @myworcester.bsky.social full council online