The report, led by local democracy reporter Rufus Pickles, uncovered that Reform UK councillor Caroline Gladwin, who now sits on the council’s adult social care, public health and housing needs committee, was served with three legal notices by the Isle of Wight Council in early 2023.

The notices, issued under the Housing Act, related to a two-bedroom flat in Shanklin and cited a series of serious hazards, including damp and mould, rotting timbers, exposed wiring, defective guttering, and a front door without a working lock. At the time, the council assessed both Category One and Category Two risks to tenants’ health and safety.

The revelation has drawn criticism from fellow councillors, with Independent Socialist councillor Geoff Brodie calling the situation “deeply troubling.”

Tribunal documents confirmed that Councillor Gladwin appealed the notices in September 2023. While minor wording changes were made, the tribunal upheld both the hazard awareness and emergency remedial action notices. The improvement notice, which referenced further risks including excess cold, broken electrics, and lack of fire safety measures, was also upheld with modifications.

Councillor Gladwin, who represents the Central Rural ward, strongly defended her position, saying she was unaware of the extent of the damage and blamed a former tenant whom she described as “very difficult.” She claimed the experience left her so distraught that she chose not to let the property again.

However, records have shown she has since declared another property as a rental, though the exact location has been withheld from public view under a “sensitive interest” exemption approved by the council’s deputy monitoring officer.

The Isle of Wight Council has not commented publicly on the notices, but concerns have been raised about the transparency of councillor declarations. Councillors are required to declare property interests, yet exemptions can be granted where disclosure is deemed sensitive.

The County Press’s story has raised questions over the role of councillors in shaping housing policy while also participating in the rental market themselves, with Pickles’ reporting sparking debate over ethical standards, conflict of interest protocols, and the robustness of property enforcement in the Isle of Wight.

This story highlighted broader concerns regarding transparency in local government, emphasising the crucial role of local media in holding public authorities accountable.

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The revelations centre on claims that Mr Chilton, a former counter-terrorism officer and head of more than 5,600 officers, staff and PCSOs across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight, failed to disclose a relationship formed earlier in his policing career while serving in a senior role.

The investigation was triggered earlier this year during a separate misconduct hearing, when a former detective alleged that Mr Chilton had engaged in an affair with a junior officer. The claim led to a mandatory referral to the Independent Office for Police Conduct, which launched an investigation into whether the chief constable had breached professional standards by failing to declare a potential conflict of interest.

Mr Chilton remained in post while the inquiry progressed. However, in a significant development revealed by the Echo, a second referral was later made to the watchdog, leading to a further investigation into potential gross misconduct – this time involving an additional relationship believed to have taken place during his time as chief.

Just weeks after the Echo’s reporting brought the new probe to light, Mr Chilton announced his immediate retirement, ending a 33-year career in policing.

The Echo’s investigation has shed light on the leadership of one of the South’s largest police forces and raised serious concerns about the culture of accountability within senior ranks. Questions are now being asked about the systems in place to ensure openness and transparency when allegations are made against senior officers.

The IOPC has confirmed its investigation into Mr Chilton remains ongoing despite his resignation. While no formal findings have yet been made, the Echo’s reporting has triggered renewed calls for consistent national standards in handling police misconduct and for greater transparency when those at the top are accused of breaching public trust.

What began as an exclusive investigation by the Southern Daily Echo has now become a moment of reckoning for police oversight and a powerful reminder of the role local journalism plays in holding public institutions accountable.

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The campaign was sparked by a stark reality. Despite Scotland’s targets to eradicate child poverty, The Herald found efforts were falling short. In 2023–24, 22 per cent of children were living in relative poverty, well above the interim target of 18 per cent. Even more alarming, the Herald found 80,000 children were now living in what has been described as “very deep poverty”, facing the harshest consequences of deprivation.

The Herald also found that another 17 per cent of children live in absolute poverty, where current income was less than 60 per cent of the UK median in 2010 and that nine per cent of children were considered to live in material deprivation – households without basic goods and services.

In a bold editorial move, the paper published an open letter as its front page to First Minister John Swinney, urging him to act. The letter, co-signed by a coalition of charities including Barnardo’s Scotland, Save the Children, and the Child Poverty Action Group, described the proposed increase as “life-changing” and “a policy that is working – but needs to work harder and reach further”. The Herald has also called on the Prime Minister to scrap the two-child benefit cap.

The campaign has already sparked political reaction. In an exclusive interview, First Minister John Swinney described the current levels of child poverty as a “matter of shame.”

With the backing of a broad coalition and the weight of public opinion, the Herald’s campaign is a rallying cry for change. As the open letter puts it: “First Minister, you have the power to make a profound and lasting difference to the lives of Scotland’s children.” 

Catherine Salmond, editor of the Herald, said: “This week, we have heard the human stories behind the statistics and from those charities fighting for a better quality of life for Scottish children.

“Together, we are now calling on the Scottish Government to increase the Scottish Child Payment to £40 to help them have a better life. This marks the start of our campaigning for change.”

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Tindle committed its news brands to sustained editorial coverage across its titles in Wales, the South-West of England, Sussex and Surrey, ensuring that FareShare’s mission and campaigns received visibility.

Charities and community groups receiving food via the FareShare network include schools, refuges, community centres, faith groups and homelessness shelters. The food provided supports local charities to provide a range of essential services to people in need, while also enhancing employability, reducing isolation and helping to build important connections.

The partnership also included a call to action for Tindle staff, encouraging them to volunteer at FareShare centres in their regions – a reflection of how this partnership showed Tindle’s strong public service ethos, reinforcing the publisher’s role as an active participant in the communities it serves and helping to make a tangible difference in people’s lives.

Tindle Newspapers managing director Scott Wood said: “We know because of our presence in towns and communities across Southern England, Wales and the Isle of Man that families are feeling the pinch.

“That is why we are delighted to announce this partnership with three of FareShare’s network partners, to publicise their amazing work and help to promote their campaigns and appeals.”

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The campaign was sparked by a series of stories highlighting how cancer patients and others with life-altering conditions have been denied access to the scheme, despite facing serious mobility challenges. Among them is a 79-year-old man with leukaemia, a tumour and heart problems, who was refused a badge despite needing a stairlift and mobility scooter. Another local resident was turned down even after a cancer diagnosis, a toe amputation, and blood clots in her lungs that severely limited her ability to walk.

The campaign is being led by reporter Elli Hodgson, who said: “As soon as we published the first story on this issue, we knew there was a much larger problem. We were – and continue to be – inundated with messages from people who clearly need a temporary Blue Badge. We’re really proud to be fighting for our readers in this way, and we’ve been delighted that so many MPs have decided to back the campaign. Already, there is a lot going on at Westminster which we hope will have a positive effect.”

The campaign has already gained the support of three Kent MPs, including Helen Grant, MP for Maidstone and The Malling, who has herself battled cancer. She said: “I think anything we can do to help people to be mobilised and to access goods and services while they are going through these difficulties is important.”

Currently, Blue Badges are issued by Kent County Council in line with Department for Transport guidance, which requires applicants to demonstrate that their condition will affect them for at least three years. This rules out many people with temporary but severe disabilities, leaving them without the support they need during some of the most difficult periods of their lives.

KentOnline’s Blue Badge Battle is calling on Ministers to review the criteria and introduce greater flexibility for those with serious, short-term conditions. The campaign aims to ensure that compassion and common sense are at the heart of the system – and that no one is left behind.

The campaign continues to gather momentum, with every Kent MP now backing the call for urgent reform to the Blue Badge system. MPs Helen Grant, Tris Osborne, and Mike Martin have together written to Kent County Council and Medway Council, urging greater flexibility in how the rules are applied and calling on the government to legislate for temporary Blue Badges.

In response, Councillor Vince Maple, leader of Medway Council, has signalled his support and confirmed that officers are actively exploring what more can be done. He has invited the Kent County Council to join a coordinated meeting to discuss a unified approach across local authorities.

In a major step forward, Helen Grant secured a Westminster Hall debate on the issue. The campaign has also received backing from Shadow Transport Secretary Gareth Bacon, following a successful meeting with campaigners and MPs, and from Ruth Cadbury, Chair of the Transport Select Committee.

KentOnline’s Blue Badge Battle is now not only a local campaign – it is a national call for compassion and legislative change. It seeks to ensure that people facing serious health challenges are not left without the support they need simply because their condition doesn’t fit a rigid definition.

The recent Westminster Hall debate marked a significant step forward and highlighted the growing impact of Kent Online’s Blue Badge Battle campaign. What began as local reporting on a clear injustice has helped spark a national conversation. MPs from across the political spectrum shared moving accounts of how the current Blue Badge rules are failing many individuals, such as those with cancer. In response, the Under-Secretary of State for Future of Roads, Lilian Greenwood, said she is “open to the possibility of change” and will review existing guidance, including looking at temporary models such as the one used in Wales. The government has also agreed to meet with campaigners – a powerful sign of what local journalism can do for its communities.

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The Courier in Dundee led the charge with its Trapped by RAAC campaign. The title was joined by the Aberdeen Press and Journal which highlighted the plight of homeowners in Dundee, Stirling and Aberdeen who have been told they must evacuate their properties. The homes, many purchased through the Right to Buy scheme, were constructed using the same unstable concrete that forced emergency closures of schools and hospitals across the UK last year.

In Dundee alone, nearly 900 homes are affected – more than anywhere else in Scotland. Residents now face the impossible choice of paying tens of thousands of pounds for repairs or selling their homes at a loss for demolition.

Courier editor David Clegg said: “Dundee is at the epicentre of Scotland’s RAAC housing crisis – and too many people are being left to face it alone.

“Nearly 900 homes in the city contain the defective concrete, more than anywhere else in Scotland. Many of the affected homeowners bought their properties through Right to Buy, unaware of the risks they were taking on. Now, their homes are losing value, their futures are uncertain, and they have nowhere to turn for help.

“This isn’t just about statistics. It’s about real people facing the possibility of bankruptcy and homelessness because of a problem they didn’t create. They need help – and they need it now.”

The campaign has drawn comparisons to the Post Office scandal – another case of ordinary people being failed by systems meant to protect them. Thousands have already backed a petition demanding urgent government intervention.

The campaign is calling for:

• Immediate government action to support affected homeowners
• Clear and transparent communication on the scale of the issue
• Fair compensation and practical solutions for those trapped in unsellable homes

The Press and Journal hosted an online debate to explore solutions, while reporter Lindsay Bruce addressed Aberdeen Council directly, urging leaders to show creativity and compassion in their response – emphasising the vital role of journalism in holding power to account and giving voice to those caught in the crisis.

Lindsay Bruce, who had been leading the campaign for the Press and Journal, said: “My call was for creativity and compassion, to bring about these solutions in a way that doesn’t see homeowners penalised further, whether mentally, physically or financially.

“As I said in my deputation, good journalism is robust in its ability to cover these stories and to question those in power positions at the heart of a crisis. We are also uniquely positioned to help give voice to the voiceless.

“We’re doing all we can to do just that. I hope I did the homeowners and their plight justice.

“Their ask is deliverable and measurable. It should not make them even worse off. I believe our leaders have it within them to buck the trend of ‘no obligation within the law’ to leading by example.”

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Her work, published through BirminghamLive and her paid-for newsletter Inside Birmingham, laid bare the devastating reality behind the statistics. In some of the city’s most deprived wards, three in every four children are growing up in poverty. In total, 46 per cent of Birmingham’s children now live below the poverty line – the highest rate since records began.

The campaign, titled Birmingham: A Child Poverty Emergency, is a call to action. It exposes the systemic failures that have allowed this crisis to deepen – from austerity-driven cuts and housing shortages to racial inequality and the collapse of youth services. It also highlights the resilience of families, schools, charities and communities fighting to protect children from the worst effects of deprivation.

The campaign is built around eight urgent demands:

1. End the two-child benefit cap
2. Provide free school meals to every child in poverty
3. Create a city “aid bank” for baby and child essentials
4. Protect children’s and youth services
5. Create a permanent, multi-year Household Support Fund and increase Discretionary Housing Grants
6. Set up child health and wellbeing hubs in the city’s most deprived neighbourhoods
7. Appoint a Birmingham Child Poverty Tsar
8. Provide free public transport for young people

The campaign is grounded in powerful storytelling – from children like Aya, Isaac and Forest, living in temporary accommodation or without beds of their own, to parents skipping meals to feed their children. It also draws on hard data, showing how poverty intersects with race, disability, housing, health and education.

Jane Haynes and the BirminghamLive team have not only exposed the scale of the crisis – they have also shown what needs to change. Their reporting has already prompted responses from local leaders, national charities and government ministers. With the Labour government pledging to tackle child poverty, the campaign is urging immediate action.

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Within just 24 hours, the community responded with extraordinary generosity, raising £40,000 – enough to keep the pool open for at least another year.

The campaign drew support from across the region, including major contributions from local businesses. One firm, Winner Winner Chicken Dinner, donated £30,000, while Lincs Tyres pledged £8,000. Fundraising efforts continue to help meet the pool’s full £60,000 annual running costs.

Gemma Rylatt, Trustee and Business Manager at Humberston Park School, told GrimsbyLive: “It’s been chaos – we’ve had an amazing response and have been inundated with messages and phone calls. We are so grateful because it’s making a huge difference.”

This campaign is a testament to the power of local journalism and community spirit – mobilising support, driving action, and delivering real-world impact in record time.

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Though fewer than 40 miles apart, Manchester and Liverpool remain frustratingly disconnected by outdated Victorian infrastructure. Journeys between the two are often slow, unreliable, and unfit for a modern economy. Now, the two leading regional titles are speaking with one voice to demand change.

The campaign, launched to coincide with the government’s Spending Review, called for full funding of a fast rail link that would slash journey times to just over 30 minutes, with express trains running every 10 minutes. It’s a plan that promises to unlock economic growth, create jobs, and connect communities across the North West.

Editors Sarah Lester (MEN) and Maria Breslin (Echo) issued a joint statement: “Today, two great Northern cities and two historic Northern brands are coming together to call on the government to fully finance a vital fast train route between Liverpool and Manchester – starting to correct years of unfair funding to transport infrastructure in the North West.

“It is absurd that Manchester and Liverpool are just 40 miles apart but a journey between the two is rarely straightforward.

“This plan has the potential to supercharge the economy of the North West and wider regions and link together two of the UK’s great cities.

“It will bring potentially life-changing opportunities to those who live in Manchester and Liverpool, creating jobs, and driving regeneration in the way the Elizabeth Line has done in London.

“It is unprecedented for the Echo and the MEN to come together in this way but we feel the potential benefits to the region outweigh any traditional rivalries.”

The campaign also had the backing of the region’s political leaders, including Manchester mayor Andy Burnham. The campaign spotlighted the disparity in transport investment, where London continues to receive more than double the per-person funding compared to the North, and made the case for a modern, efficient rail link that reflects the ambition and potential of the region.

In June, MEN reported that the Chancellor of the Exchequer had set aside funding for a Manchester-Liverpool railway line.

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Endometriosis affects an estimated 1.5 million women in the UK – a painful and often debilitating condition where tissue similar to the lining of the womb grows elsewhere in the body. It can cause chronic pain, infertility, and have a devastating impact on quality of life. But for many, the battle doesn’t stop at symptoms – it continues through years of misdiagnosis, long NHS waiting lists, and the financial burden of private treatment.

Endo the Battle is telling the stories of women who’ve waited decades for a diagnosis, travelled thousands of miles for surgery, or been forced to pay privately for care. Some have waited nearly 11 years just to be heard.

The campaign is spearheaded by Sarah McCann, a health writer at National World who herself lives with the condition.

National World reported that in November 2024, new research revealed that gynaecology waiting lists in the UK had doubled, with around 750,000 women waiting for an appointment. The average wait for an endometriosis diagnosis is now eight years and 10 months in England and Scotland, and even longer in Northern Ireland and Wales.

National World launched their campaign to call on the Health Secretary, Wes Streeting and devolved governments to take urgent action to cut NHS waiting times and remove the barriers that are forcing women to choose between pain and exorbitant medical fees.

The campaign shared stories from across the UK – stories of resilience, frustration, and hope – amplifying the voices of those who feel they have been left behind. Sarah writes: “We are telling the stories of those who have had to seek care in the private healthcare sector, or travel abroad, to make those in power aware of the huge impact this can have on both them and their families.”

National World have encouraged members of the public to get in touch to share their story of what it has been like living with endometriosis, planning to collect the responses and share them in a letter to health ministers in England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland “to highlight the reality of navigating care – and call on those in power to end the battle.”

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