Political pressure on major car manufacturers to switch to electric vehicles (EVs) has stimulated the development of new battery technologies to enable cars to go further between charging breaks. These new batteries are seen as potential solutions to other power issues such as emergency situations in towns and cities.

Local councils need the media. Radio and regional newspapers are a free, ever-ready and available means of keeping in touch with your community; but how do parish and town councils - who cannot afford to employ media or press officers - deal with journalists? Here are some suggestions from a former journalist.

This year marks the 70th anniversary of the first successful cataract surgery in the world, an operation carried out by Sir Harold Ridley at St Thomas' Hospital in London on 8 February 1950. It is estimated that more than 200 million people's sight has been saved with the same technique.

The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government has published a list of land owned by local councils which is not registered with the Land Registry. This includes village halls, recreation areas and even academy schools. All parish, town, district and borough councils are urged to check the list.

Independent shops in more than seventy towns across the UK will be taking part in the National Totally Locally Fiver Fest Campaign which runs for a fortnight from Saturday 15th February 2020. The aim is to support local independent shops and businesses and make local High Streets and shopping areas more viable and vibrant.

New regulations came into force for public sector bodies in 2018. They say local councils make their websites or mobile apps 'perceivable, operable, understandable and robust'. Many parish and town councils will need to ensure their websites meet the new standards by 23rd September 2020.