Page 94: The Private Eye Podcast 161: Unwise Councils
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Dec 2, 2025 Local government funding is in the spotlight as the panel dissects the Reform Party's controversial claims and the challenges of council cuts. They delve into leadership dynamics in places like Kent, revealing tensions over community fund reallocations. The discussion touches on the evolving roles of political leadership in both the UK and US, highlighting the implications of gerrymandering and internal party splits. Plus, there's a deep dive into media ownership battles that could reshape the landscape of political news.
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Savings Can Be Accounting Moves
- Reform Party local 'savings' often reallocate funds rather than cut spending, so headline figures mislead.
- Sabah Salman warns many claimed efficiencies are rhetoric over reality.
Local Power Is Limited By Statutory Duties
- Reform councillors often underestimate statutory responsibilities like adult social care.
- That mismatch makes radical local cuts politically and legally impractical.
Councillor Spins Chief Exec On Chair
- In Lisburn and Castlereagh, a councillor spun the chief executive's chair during a row, triggering police and ombudsman probes.
- Sabah Salman highlights this as emblematic of costly local misconduct.