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  • Liverpool Council on Track for Budget Surplus



    Liverpool City Council is on track to end the financial year bang on budget, delivering a healthy surplus and maintaining strong cash in the bank.The Quarter Three Budget Review confirms Council’s financial position remains sound, with a projected Net Cost of Services (NCOS) surplus of $781,000, closely aligned with the original budgeted surplus of $798,000.Council’s operating performance continues to strengthen, with a $2.6 million increase in operating revenue and a $800,000 reduction in expenditure, reflecting disciplined financial management and careful planning.Liverpool Mayor Ned Mannoun said the figures reinforce that Liverpool City Council is a stable, well-run organisation.”When a council finishes on budget, delivers a surplus and maintains strong reserves, it’s a clear sign the organisation is functional,” he said.”This is the hallmark of a council that is focused, responsible and delivering real outcomes for its community.”Council is also continuing to invest in local infrastructure, with a $208.3 million capital works program and more than $100 million already delivered this financial year across roads, drainage, parks and community facilities.By 30 June 2026, Council is projected to hold $433.7 million in cash and investments, while meeting all three key financial covenants relating to loan agreements, well above required benchmarks.Mayor Mannoun said the result shows a council that is doing its job and doing it well and Council’s financial staff should be congratulated for ending the year bang on budget.”We are set to finish the year exactly where we said we would: on budget, despite severe challenges, with a surplus and cash in the bank,” Mayor Mannoun said.”That doesn’t happen by accident. It’s the result of strong leadership, good governance and a team focused on delivering for the community.”Mayor Mannoun said sound financial management underpins everything Council delivers.”Good financial management is not optional, it’s essential,” he said.”It means we can keep investing in the services and infrastructure our community relies on, while staying financially sustainable for the long term.”BACKGROUND – Liverpool City Council Q3 Budget Review 2025–26The financial results reflect careful budgeting, disciplined expenditure and strong governance, aligned with NSW Office of Local Government reporting requirements.Council’s financial management approach supports the continued delivery of essential services, infrastructure investment and long-term sustainability.The Quarter 3 review complies with Section 203 of the Local Government (General) Regulation 2021, ensuring transparency, accountability and regulatory compliance.Financial DetailsLiverpool City Council’s Quarter Three Budget Review (to 31 March 2026) confirms the organisation remains in a strong and stable financial position.Council is projecting a Net Cost of Services (NCOS) surplus of $781,000, closely aligned with the original budgeted surplus of $798,000.The Responsible Accounting Officer has assessed Council’s financial position as satisfactory, with improved results compared to earlier projections.Operating performance remains solid, with: A $2.6 million increase in operating revenueA $0.8 million reduction in operating expenditureTotal operating revenue projected at $289.3 millionTotal operating expenditure projected at $288.5 million

    Council’s capital works program has been revised from $248.7 million to $208.3 million, reflecting updated delivery timelines and project adjustments. Year-to-date capital spend (to 31 March 2026): $100.6 millionContinued investment in key areas including roads, drainage, parks and community infrastructure.

    Council is forecast to hold $433.7 million in cash and investments by 30 June 2026, including: $386.0 million in externally restricted reserves$41.0 million in internally restricted reserves$6.7 million in unrestricted cash

    Council is expected to meet all three key financial covenants relating to loan agreements, demonstrating strong financial sustainability: Debt Service Cover Ratio: 2.10 (benchmark >1.5)Interest Cover Ratio: 6.28 months (benchmark >3 months)Unrestricted Cash Expense Cover Ratio: 3.59 months (benchmark >2 months)

  • Teenage girls missing since Friday are ‘believed to be together’, police say

    Teenage girls missing since Friday are ‘believed to be together’, police say



    Scarlett, 16, and Daisy, 14, both from Everton, have been missing since Friday, with police saying the pair are believed to be together and appealing to the public for help in finding them18:02, 31 May 2026Updated 18:03, 31 May 2026Two teenage girls from Everton are missing(Image: Bedfordshire Police)Two teenage girls from Everton who have been missing since Friday are believed to be together, police have said.Officers looking for Scarlett, 16, and Daisy, 14, have appealed to the public for help. The pair – who police said have links to Digbeth, Coventry, London, Liverpool, Manchester Leamington, Nuneton and Bristol – were last seen shortly after 1am on Friday, Liverpool Echo reports.Bedfordshire Police said: “Can you help us find Scarlett, 16 and Daisy, 14 from Everton? The pair were last seen shortly after 1am on Friday (29 May) and are believed to be together with links to the Digbeth area of Birmingham, Coventry, London, Liverpool, Manchester, Leamington Spa, Nuneton, Bristol, Shropshire, Exeter and Plymouth.”Scarlett is described as white, 5ft 5in tall, with dyed black hair(Image: Bedfordshire Police)Police released descriptions of the two teenage girls. Scarlett is described as white, 5ft 5in tall, with dyed black hair. She was last seen wearing grey joggers and a grey jumper. Daisy is described as white, 5ft 6in tall, with light brown shoulder-length hair. She was last seen wearing pink pyjamas.Daisy is described as white, 5ft 6in tall, with light brown shoulder-length hair(Image: Bedfordshire Police)Anyone with information about their whereabouts is asked to contact the force using its online reporting service or the webchat function. People can also call 101, quoting reference MPC/905/26 for Scarlett and MPC/904/26 for Daisy.

  • PSG interested in Bournemouth’s Eli Junior Kroupi – Get French Football News

    PSG interested in Bournemouth’s Eli Junior Kroupi – Get French Football News



    1After retaining their UEFA Champions League title, Paris Saint-Germain are looking to strengthen this summer and they have turned their focus towards AFC Bournemouth’s Eli Junior Kroupi (19), as per a report from L’Équipe.Following his move from FC Lorient, Kroupi has excelled. In his debut season in the Premier League, he netted 13 league goals, a record for a teenager in their debut season in England’s top flight. Bournemouth have publicly stated that they will not let go of the Frenchman without a fight.However, retaining the France U21 international could prove difficult as interest grows. Arsenal have already been touted as suitors and now PSG have joined the race. Despite winning the UCL, PSG are looking to strengthen during the summer transfer window.Multiple targets have been cited, including Julian Alvarez, Yan Diomande, and Maghnes Akliouche. Kroupi is the latest option to emerge and the Frenchman, under contract with Bournemouth until 2030, has the ambition of playing for an elite European side in the short or medium term. Luis Enrique is a fan of the French forward. Alongside talks to sign Diomande, there are also now talks to sign Kroupi.GFFN | Luke Entwistle

  • Exeter battle past Leicester in huge win in fight for Prem play-off places

    Exeter battle past Leicester in huge win in fight for Prem play-off places



    Inside Sport newsletter: Get an expert guide to the biggest moments shaping the world of sportGet our free Inside Sport newsletterGet our free Inside Sport newsletterOlly Woodburn scored two tries as Exeter pulled off a stunning 35-26 victory in a pulsating contest as Leicester Tigers missed the chance to climb to second in the Gallagher Prem table.The result ensured Bristol fell out of the race for a play-off spot but Leicester, Exeter and Saracens all remain in the mix for the two remaining spots behind Northampton and Bath.Exeter were deserved winners by scoring four tries to three, with Len Ikitau and Andrea Zambonin also touching down while Henry Slade kicked three penalties and three conversions.Leicester’s tries came from George Pearson, Olly Cracknell and Charlie Clare while Orlando Bailey added 11 points with his boot.Hanro Liebenberg led out Tigers for his 150th appearance for the club and his side were soon ahead when Bailey kicked a fourth-minute penalty.But almost immediately from the restart, Immanuel Feyi-Waboso collected a clearance to sail past three defenders before timing his pass perfectly to send Woodburn in under the posts.Exeter gave their play-off hopes a huge boost (Getty)Henry Slade converted and added a straightforward penalty before Tigers replied with an impressive score when Pearson collected a superbly judged cross-field kick from Bailey.Leicester looked to have regained the lead when a break from Bailey saw Adam Radwan cross the line but TMO replays showed the wing had been held up by the combined efforts of Slade and Harvey Skinner.However Tigers were not to be denied and a second penalty from Bailey put them back in front but this was soon nullified by one from Slade.Leicester blew a golden opportunity when Ollie Hassell-Collins failed to collect a poor pass from Pearson with the line at his mercy after strong runs from Jack van Poortvliet and Jamie Blamire had put the defence on the back foot.But the hosts went into the interval 14-13 ahead thanks to another Bailey penalty.Leicester’s hopes of a home semi-final took a blow (Getty)Three minutes after the restart, Exeter scored an excellent second try when a neat off-load from Dafydd Jenkins sent Tom Hooper racing into the opposition 22 and when the ball was recycled, Ikitau out-flanked the cover to score.Leicester changed four forwards in one swoop but it did not pay dividends as Exeter immediately extended their lead when Woodburn took an inside pass from Ikitau for his second try.However Woodburn was then sin-binned for a deliberate knock-on with Tigers capitalising when Cracknell powered over to leave his side trailing by four points going into the final quarter.Woodburn returned from the sin-bin with no further damage done to the scoreboard but on his return Clare finished from close-range to set up a tense finish.A handling error from the home side enabled Exeter to regain the lead when a long pass saw Zambonin evade a weak challenge from Adam Radwan for the bonus-point try with Slade’s last-minute penalty leaving Tigers with no points from the game.PA

  • Met Office issues heavy rain warning for Cambridgeshire

    Met Office issues heavy rain warning for Cambridgeshire



    Heavy rainstorms are forecast to sweep across the UK on Monday (June 1)16:03, 31 May 2026Updated 16:11, 31 May 2026Heavy rain is forecast for Cambridgeshire on Monday (June 1)(Image: Met Office)Cambridgeshire’s heatwave is due to come to an abrupt end, with heavy rain forecast for Monday (June 1). Heavy rain is due to sweep across the UK, with rainstorms forecast throughout the week, bringing an unsettled start to the summer.Met Office weather maps indicate heavy downpours are predicted across most of the UK over a 30-hour period, initially striking Wales and parts of the north-west of England before spreading across the country, where 34 counties are in for a thorough drenching.While the maps display a wave of blue across the UK indicating light showers, yellow markers highlight areas bracing for heavy downpours of 4 to 8mm per hour, while orange denotes even heavier rainfall of 8 to 16mm.From Monday (June 1) at 1pm, rainfall is set to sweep across England, stretching well into Tuesday night at around 7pm, before clearing, affecting the vast majority of the country.The warning comes just days after the UK recorded its hottest-ever May day, with temperatures reaching a scorching 35.1C at Kew Gardens, London, on Tuesday, reports the Mirror.The Met Office’s long-range forecast up until Wednesday (June 3) paints a markedly different picture, with meteorological summer beginning on an unsettled note. Spells of rain on Monday could well be followed by further heavy and thundery showers on Tuesday.”The widespread heatwave will gradually reduce in intensity in the coming days,” with a transition to more unsettled and cooler weather for many, the Met Office said. Chief Forecaster Chris Bulmer said: “We’re now starting to see this spell of very hot weather break down.”While parts of the southeast could still reach highs of 32C on Thursday, many areas will begin to feel fresher conditions moving in through Friday and into the weekend as a weak cold front moves southeast and becomes more established across most of the UK by Saturday. As the heat starts to ease, the weather will also turn more changeable, with some showers and thunderstorms possible.”By the weekend, temperatures should be much closer to average for the time of year with accompanying rainfall for many through the weekend and into the start of next week.”The Met Office has indicated that from Monday onwards, further periods of rain or showers are likely to sweep across the UK, albeit potentially interspersed with brighter spells. Temperatures are expected to be closer to average than they have been in recent days,” it adds.

  • Up to 55 houses could be built in Staffordshire Moorlands village

    Up to 55 houses could be built in Staffordshire Moorlands village


    Up to 55 new homes could be built in a Staffordshire Moorlands village if a planning application is approved.An outline planning application has been submitted to Staffordshire Moorlands District Council to build up to 55 homes on a field north of Breach Road in Brown Edge.The 3.21 hectare site, which is currently used for sheep and horse grazing, lies within the Staffordshire Green Belt.However, the application explains that a formal pre-application enquiry was undertaken with Staffordshire Moorlands District Council which confirmed that “the site could be regarded as a Grey Belt site and the development as proposed would be acceptable in principle”.The application states: “The proposal is for the development of a Grey Belt site.”The site is sustainably located, would meet an unmet need for housing, conform with the ‘Golden Rules’ and would not fundamentally undermine the purposes (taken together) of the remaining Green Belt land across the plan area.”The planning statement added: “It makes efficient use of land by proposing an appropriate housing density and directing development towards land which is not classed as best and most versatile for agricultural purposes.”The development would consist of a mix of house types and sizes ranging from one to four bedrooms including two storey dwellings and a two storey apartment block.

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    Of the homes, 27 would be open market while the remaining 28 would be affordable housing.The planning statement concluded that the development could provide a “significant number of benefits” including the delivery of accessible open space, assisting in meeting unmet housing need and the “provision of up to 55 dwellings in a sustainable location”.Staffordshire Moorlands District Council has yet to make a decision on the proposals.If the application is approved, it is expected that a more detailed application would be submitted before building begins.To view the full application, visit the Staffordshire Moorlands District Council planning website here.

  • Liverpool bar responds after brutal review from man on a stag do

    Liverpool bar responds after brutal review from man on a stag do



    Liverpool bar responds after brutal review from man on a stag do – Liverpool EchoNeed to knowSub Rosa was accused of providing a “terrible” experience but the bar said key details were left outSub Rosa is located in Liverpool city centre(Image: Marc Gartland/Sub Rosa/press handout)An outdoor bar and event space in Liverpool’s Baltic Triangle has responded to a one-star review criticising its customer service. Sub Rosa was accused by an unhappy customer of providing a “terrible” experience, but the owner says the review left out key details – including gimp outfits, eight cans of Stella and what they described as “commandeering” behaviour.Local hospitality head Peter ‘Pedro’ Hunter is one of the owners, who also oversees the Baltic Triangle’s Botanical Garden cocktail bar nearby. He’s the founder of Liverpool Coffee Festival and co-founder of the soon-to-open Ffrens canteen and wine bar.Sub Rosa posted the one-star review to its Instagram story page yesterday (May 27) from a reviewer named Zack L. Zack gave the bar 1/5 for food, service and atmosphere, one star out of five overall and said he wouldn’t return.The reviewer claimed he arrived at the venue with a can of beer from a bike tour and asked a member of staff for the toilet. However, the staff member apparently “snatched” the can from him and marched towards the entrance.Sub Rosa publicly responded to the review, sharing additional alleged details. It claimed the stag do changed into fancy dress in the middle of the venue, with costumes including Union Jack suits and the stag dressed as a gimp.Sub Rosa went on to explain why the team removed the party’s beers. They said the party turned up later “swigging” cans of stella, which were put outside of the venue.Suba Rosa says the stag party is welcome to return if it doesn’t bring booze to the venue or arrive in fancy dress. The response was met with resounding support from the public who joked about the gimp costumes and ridiculousness of the scene.READ THE FULL STORY: A stag do left a one-star review – the bar owner’s response was pure goldFollow liverpoolecho:‌‌At Reach and across our entities we and our partners use information collected through cookies and other identifiers from your device to improve experience on our site, analyse how it is used and to show personalised advertising. You can opt out of the sale or sharing of your data, at any time clicking the “Do Not Sell or Share my Data” button at the bottom of the webpage. Please note that your preferences are browser specific. Use of our website and any of our services represents your acceptance of the use of cookies and consent to the practices described in our Privacy Notice and Terms and Conditions.Accept

  • Appeal to identify owners of jewellery and watches thought to be stolen

    Appeal to identify owners of jewellery and watches thought to be stolen



    The items were discovered inside a vehicle recovered on Washwood Heath Road, Birmingham earlier this monthAuthor: Oliver MorganPublished 2 hours agoLast updated 2 hours agoPolice in Birmingham are appealing for help in identifying the owners of a collection of jewellery and watches believed to be stolen.The items were discovered inside a vehicle recovered on Washwood Heath Road, Birmingham earlier this month. Authorities suspect the vehicle’s connection to several burglaries in Birmingham, Bedfordshire, and Herefordshire. Detective Sergeant James Birtles from the Serious Organised Crime Team emphasised the sentimental value of such possessions. “We understand the sentimental value of these items and want to reunite them with their owners,” DS Birtles said. “If you have recently been the victim of a burglary and recognise the jewellery in the images, then please contact us with verifying information that the items are yours.” People who recognise the items can call 101 or use Live Chat, quoting reference number 2552 of 27th May. Preventing BurglaryDuring the summer months, burglaries tend to increase as criminals go after easily accessible valuables. Police suggest locking away jewellery, gold, and designer goods in either an insurance-approved safe or a Secured By Design safe. Properly positioning the safe is vital; avoid typical locations such as bedrooms and instead bolt it to a wall or floor. For more safety tips, click here. Police also warn against storing cash or gold in bedrooms, especially shoeboxes or wardrobes, as these are prime targets for burglars. Home insurance policies often require proper security measures like keeping doors locked and keys hidden. Anyone observing suspicious behaviour or wanting to report a crime should call 101, and emergencies should always be reported using 999. For more details on crime prevention, visit the West Midlands Police website under Keep burglars out of your property. First for all the latest news from across the UK every hour on Hits Radio on DAB, at hitsradio.co.uk and on the Rayo app.

  • Son Heung-min (Los Angeles FC), the captain of the national soccer team, flew, and strikers Cho Kyu-.. – MK

    Son Heung-min (Los Angeles FC), the captain of the national soccer team, flew, and strikers Cho Kyu-.. – MK



    사진 확대 Son Heung-min scored the first goal in a warm-up match against Trinidad and Tobago and is performing a ceremony. Yonhap News Agency
    Son Heung-min (Los Angeles FC), the captain of the national soccer team, flew, and strikers Cho Kyu-sung (Mit Willan) and Hwang Hee-chan (Wolverhampton) also helped. The South Korean national soccer team, ahead of the 2026 FIFA North-China World Cup finals, won a great victory by setting off a goal firecracker in an exhibition match against Trinidad and Tobago.
    South Korea, led by head coach Hong Myung-bo, beat Trinidad and Tobago 5-0 in the warm-up match at Brigham Young University Southfield in Provo, Utah on the 31st (Korea time). South Korea, which lost in both A matches held in March, was in the mood by winning the warm-up match ahead of the first group match of the North Korea-China World Cup finals on the 12th.
    South Korea is holding a pre-training camp in Salt Lake City, the U.S., which is 1,460 meters above sea level, located on the highlands of Guadalajara, Mexico, where the first and second group games of the World Cup finals will be held. Against Trinidad and Tobago, Hong brought up a three-back defense and a 3-4-2-1 tactic to put Son Heung-min as one-top. On the day, Son Heung-min played 13 times instead of his usual number 7. In order to confuse the analysis of the power of the rival countries in Group A of the North-China U.S. World Cup, which includes South Korea, the national team gave a different number instead of the existing number.
    South Korea, which showed a frustrating attack flow until the middle of the first half, changed its mood with the first goal from Son Heung-min’s toe in the 40th minute of the first half. Son Heung-min, who was rushing to the gate with a low pass from the right side of Kim Moon-hwan (Daejeon), opened the goal by scoring a right-footed shot.
    Son Heung-min, who scored in the A-match for the first time in six months since November last year, scored a penalty three minutes later to complete the multi-goal (2 goals per game). Son Heung-min, who added two goals on the day, scored a total of 56 goals in the A match, which is close to the record of the most goals scored (58 goals) by South Korean players held by former coach Cha Bum-keun.
    In the second half, the strikers, who were replaced, cheered up. Cho Kyu-sung received Lee Dong-kyung’s cross with his head in the 20th minute of the second half, and Hwang Hee-chan sealed the match with a penalty goal in the 30th minute of the second half. Cho Kyu-sung received Seol Young-woo’s pass in the 32nd minute of the second half and scored his second personal goal with a right-footed shot.
    The national team showed off its firepower at a stadium located on the highlands on the day, raising expectations for the finals. In particular, the “water replenishment rest” situation, which was first introduced at this competition, was also well utilized. Water replenishment breaks provide players with water intake and physical recovery time after stopping the game for three minutes each after 22 minutes in the first and second half, excluding halftime. Coach Hong actively communicated with the players during the break during the first half and delivered the game strategy, and the national team, which raised the offensive tempo, finished the first half with two goals.
    Coach Hong said after the game, “The operation went well in the form of the tactics we prepared. Son Heung-min and Cho Kyu-sung’s goals are very welcome to the national team,” he said. Son Heung-min, who recently washed away his goal drought, said, “This victory will help the players find confidence,” but emphasized his composure, saying, “I will prepare for the tournament without getting excited when I win and sinking when I lose.”
    Although South Korea won a great victory in the game, midfielder Bae Joon-ho and defender Cho Yoo-min were replaced by injuries during the second half of the day, and the injury warning was issued ahead of the World Cup finals. South Korea will play its last warm-up match before the World Cup finals against El Salvador on the 4th.
    [Reporter Kim Jihan]

  • Flying Scotsman at Rushcliffe Halt – there’s still time to see it on Sunday 31 May | West Bridgford Wire

    Flying Scotsman at Rushcliffe Halt – there’s still time to see it on Sunday 31 May | West Bridgford Wire



    For those that want to see the iconic Flying Scotsman, it is not too late.It will run on Sunday 31 May.Go to Rushcliffe Halt near East Leake, wardens show you to the free car park. The electronic payment machines weren’t working today so take cash too, it’s just £3 for the charity working to restore the line for visitors and the museum at Rushcliffe Country Park.There are plenty of toilets and refreshments at the station.Flying Scotsman is expected at the station between 09:20 – 09:30, 11:20 – 11:30, 13:20 – 13:30, 15:20 – 15:30 and 17:20 – 17:30.- Advertisement -Flying Scotsman© westbridgfordwire.comFree parking (thanks to British Gypsum Saint Gobain and Rushcliffe Golf Course), light refreshments and just £3 for a platform tickets for those over 12.About half an hour after each timed appearance above during which it stops at the station, it returns pulled by a diesel locomotive and doesn’t stop, but still fun to see it twice.See videos.@westbridgfordwirenews The Flying Scotsman’s final weekend at Rushcliffe – travelling from Nottingham Transport Heritage Museum to Loughborough and back in the reclaimed Great Central Line #flyingscotsman #steam #steamtrains #trains ♬ original sound – West Bridgford Wire News@westbridgfordwirenews The Flying Scotsman at Rushcliffe Halt 30 May 2026 #flyingscotsman #steam #steamtrains #trains #nottingham ♬ original sound – West Bridgford Wire News Flying Scotsman© westbridgfordwire.comFlying Scotsman© westbridgfordwire.comFlying Scotsman© westbridgfordwire.com