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Daniel Esson, Local Democracy Reporter

Daniel Esson joined the KM Group in September 2022 as a Local Democracy Reporter, covering second-tier local authorities.

Daniel Esson, Local Democracy Reporter

Sheltered housing scheme for elderly to be reformed after more than £200k shortfall

18 June 2025
Sheltered housing scheme for elderly to be reformed after more than £200k shortfall

A council’s entire housing budget is under “severe pressure” due to a scheme providing laundry and overnight support losing £200k.

Thousands of drivers receive £70 fines as bus gate cameras switched on

18 June 2025
Thousands of drivers receive £70 fines as bus gate cameras switched on

Thousands of drivers have been slapped with £70 fines after cameras were installed to enforce bus gates in a “rat run” road.

16

Council backs ‘much needed’ housing estate deemed ‘considerable risk’

17 June 2025
Council backs ‘much needed’ housing estate deemed ‘considerable risk’

Plans have been unveiled for apartments and new homes where a former leisure centre once stood.

Council overspent by almost £1m due to staff shortages

17 June 2025
Council overspent by almost £1m due to staff shortages

A council has overspent by almost a million pounds in the past year as it can’t recruit enough planning professionals.

22

‘Many politicians these days are more likely to operate online than in the real world'

13 June 2025
‘Many politicians these days are more likely to operate online than in the real world'

Local democracy reporter Daniel Esson looks at the changing political landscape, with new and future MPs more likely to operate online than in person.

45

Shop that sold litre of vodka to teen, 16, given new alcohol licence on ‘probation’

13 June 2025
Shop that sold litre of vodka to teen, 16, given new alcohol licence on ‘probation’

A shop that sold vodka to a child who later required hospital care has been granted a fresh licence — despite strong opposition from police.

17

Charity shop hit by surge in shoplifting resorts to hiding shoes and boarding up fitting rooms

12 June 2025
Charity shop hit by surge in shoplifting resorts to hiding shoes and boarding up fitting rooms

Charity shop workers have revealed a “constant battle” against thieves has led them to close fitting rooms and hide shoes in a bid to tackle crime.

14

‘We’ve had enough of wannabe gangsters - this isn't the Bronx!’

12 June 2025
‘We’ve had enough of wannabe gangsters - this isn't the Bronx!’

People have been left living in fear as their town is increasingly plagued by violent and anti-social youths branded “wannabe gangsters”.

27

The alternative to 2,000 homes campaigners insist will still make uni ‘millions’

07 June 2025
The alternative to 2,000 homes campaigners insist will still make uni ‘millions’

Campaigners are urging university bosses to ditch plans for 2,000 homes on rural land and instead create a “biopark”.

1

Reform’s KCC leader asks government for more time to consider revamp plans

06 June 2025
Reform’s KCC leader asks government for more time to consider revamp plans

KCC’s new leadership has requested a four-month extension to an “almost impossible” deadline for the reorganisation of local government.

61

Analysis: Does Reform turmoil mean Kent’s Doge is already done for?

06 June 2025
Analysis: Does Reform turmoil mean Kent’s Doge is already done for?

Reform UK’s chairman and the man probing KCC’s spending have both quit days after visiting County Hall - but what does it all mean for Kent?

9

Indian restaurant used illegal workers ‘like terrified slaves’

05 June 2025
Indian restaurant used illegal workers ‘like terrified slaves’

An “unscrupulous” Indian restaurant has been stripped of its licence after using illegal workers like “slaves” and ignoring £120,000 of fines.

7

Multi-million pound plans for conversion into council flats set to be approved

04 June 2025
Multi-million pound plans for conversion into council flats set to be approved

Multi-million pound plans to convert a building into 10 new council homes are set to be approved.

Pub where staff warned punters to hide drugs keeps licence

04 June 2025
Pub where staff warned punters to hide drugs keeps licence

A pub has avoided losing its licence after a barmaid was overheard warning customers to ditch drugs moments before police arrived with sniffer dogs.

11

Plan for new music venue opposite retirement home rejected

03 June 2025
Plan for new music venue opposite retirement home rejected

Divisive plans for a music venue opposite a retirement complex have been rejected amid claims it will “bring public nuisance into people’s homes”.

7

Basement nightclub with ‘thumping music’ to reopen - despite licence snub

02 June 2025
Basement nightclub with ‘thumping music’ to reopen - despite licence snub

Residents cheered as a nightclub’s bid for a premises licence was rejected - but its defiant boss says he will open this weekend anyway.

5

‘Our tower block has been left to rot - and we're paying the price'

31 May 2025
‘Our tower block has been left to rot - and we're paying the price'

Furious residents in an iconic tower block claim they are being hit with “extortionate” service charges because the building has been “left to rot”.

21

Curry house could lose licence after hiring illegal workers for 10 years

30 May 2025
Curry house could lose licence after hiring illegal workers for 10 years

A top Indian restaurant could have its licence stripped after a decade of hiring illegal workers on little to no pay.

28

Estate residents looking to force out management firm

28 May 2025
Estate residents looking to force out management firm

Fed-up residents who are looking to kick a management firm off their estate say they’re being charged “more and more for less”.

9

‘We’re not lovin’ it!’: Plans for McDonald’s approved despite traffic fears

23 May 2025
‘We’re not lovin’ it!’: Plans for McDonald’s approved despite traffic fears

Plans for a new McDonald’s have been approved despite residents claims there is “no need” for one.

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