In 2018 I was successful in making Brentwood a 'no tolerance borough' as far as parking in disabled spaces was concerned. No ifs, no buts... if you were parked in a disabled bay without a valid blue badge you got a ticket. It was one of the highlights of my lengthy council career as this was agreed cross-party, unanimously and the result met with a round of applause - unusual for an opposition member! Having been rendered disabled by an accident in 2015, it meant a lot to me as I understood first-hand how vital these accessible and convenient spaces are.

Over the last 2 weeks, members have been nominating candidates to stand as the next leader of the Liberal Democrats.

This is the first time that the system has been run mostly online and also the first time we have published these totals.

We decided to publish the totals as we felt it gave candidates a chance to demonstrate some of the key skills they'll need as leader.

Sizewell C Development Consent Order application hits the Planning Inspectorate's desk, but what now for its future?

By Jon James

This week householders in parts of East Suffolk coastal areas have received a summary of EDFs proposals for Sizewell nuclear plant as the planning application is accepted for examination by the Planning Inspectorate.

Bedford Borough Liberal Democrat Councillors have expressed dismay that care home and home care workers are facing a hostile environment from the government following the Prime Minister's remarks that care homes did not follow national guidelines at the outset of the coronavirus outbreak.

At a meeting of the Adult Services Overview and Scrutiny Committee councillors unanimously decided to thank care workers at all levels after senior officials confirmed that no care home in Bedford Borough had failed to follow the guidelines.

What are Party Awards?

Party Awards recognise publicly those who have given the party outstanding service and commitment in the past year. They are presented at Autumn Conference (national conditions allowing) and each winner receives a trophy to keep and a special mention.

Candidates must themselves be party members, and be nominated and seconded by two party members.

Bedford's Embankment is looking glorious this summer, with the Council planting over 20,000 plants along this stretch of river.

These plants are now flowering, bringing a swath of brightness and colour to Bedford's Embankment and valuable nectar sources for Bedford's bugs and bees. Planting includes sunflowers, marigolds, petunias, salvias, geraniums, cosmos and verbena giving a beautiful variety of flowers over the summer period.

Yesterday's Business Insider scoop of a leaked letter from Trade Secretary Liz Truss to two Cabinet colleagues is a major crack in the Brexit edifice.

The story reminds among other things that international law trumps domestic law, be it based on WTO, EU or any other treaty-based agreement, and that such commitments can land a country in trouble if they are not met. It also shows how replacing all the benefits of our EU membership by the end of this year continues to be a Tory fantasy.

Last week NFU deputy president Stuart Roberts and ALDC chief executive Tim Pickstone co-hosted a one-hour webinar on topics faced by rural communities post-Brexit and post-Covid that is now available to replay.

Further details and links to related resources here.

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Liberal International President of Honour, First Speaker of the Northern Ireland Assembly and former leader of the Alliance Party Lord (John) Alderdice will give a talk on Re-imaging the United Kingdom on Monday 13 July from 6pm on-line. Further details and Zoom registration here.

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Countless families are facing serious financial hardship due to the COVID-19 crisis. More than a million people have lost their jobs and many more are worried about losing theirs in the weeks and months ahead.

We are also facing big challenges in deep-seated inequality and the climate emergency.

We must ensure no one is left behind.