St Albans council leader Paul de Kort has called on fellow Lib Dems to consider an end to the pensions triple lock and introduce higher property taxes. Speaking at the party’s conference in Bournemouth in support of the Leading the Way policy paper on equitable economic growth, he said he was...
A lack of clear communication over major changes to local government which affect every resident living in the city and district of St Albans was at the forefront of a debate over the proposals. The recent meeting of SADC’s city neighbourhoods committee – made up of councillors and representatives of local...
Major improvements to the district’s three cemeteries at Hatfield Road, Westfield Road and London Road are moving forwards as part of a £730K programme. Cemeteries superintendent Kate Mercer told SADC’s public realm committee that a new garden of rest will be installed in Westfield Road Cemetery in Harpenden, including the renovation...
A vast swathe of St Albans city centre could be left without direct representation by a local elected councillor under Labour’s plans for local government reorganisation. The abolition of SADC and HCC and their replacement with new unitary authorities by 2028 will completely change the way services are provided locally. The new...
A massive increase in the number of homeless families across the district has placed unexpected pressure on SADC’s finances – and will require urgent action to balance the budget for next year. Demand for temporary accommodation has far exceeded the number of available properties in the district, with 81 out of...
Controversial plans for up to 150 new homes on Green Belt land to the north of St Albans have been reluctantly approved by councillors. The scheme, by Cala Homes, is for land to the rear of 112-156B Harpenden Road, and will provide a residential development plus associated garages, parking, landscaping, open...
Financial experts are invited to take a deep-dive into the district council's accounts. SADC's unaudited draft accounts for the year ending March 31 have been published on its website, and public inspection is open until September 17. Council leader Cllr Paul de Kort explained: “Auditing for the accounting periods since covid were...
Whether central St Albans should have its own parish or town council is one of the issues which will be addressed as part of SADC’s Community Governance Review (CGR). The review follows the Government’s decision to restructure local government at district and county level to create more unitary authorities by May...
Harpenden businesses have refuted suggestions by SADC leader Cllr Paul de Kort that they are in any way happy with the on-street parking charges in the town. And they have urged him to actually speak to retailers to find out how they really feel. Speaking at last week’s Full Council meeting, Cllr...
The tenancy of iconic nightspot Batchwood Hall will be going out back on the market following the collapse of pub company Oakman Inns. The firm, which was supposed to be giving the venue a new lease of life as an upmarket restaurant, bar and hotel, announced it had gone into administration...
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