Returning to a live format for the first time in three years, the Local Government Association's annual conference kicks off today in Harrogate as the association marks its first 25 years.The conference will feature a mixture of plenary sessions, workshops and fringe events. Speakers include Secretary of State for Levelling Up Michael Gove, Education Secretary Nadhim Zahawi, former athlete Kriss Akabusi MBE, Liberal Democrat leader Ed Davey and crossbench peer Baroness Lola Young of Hornsey OBE.

Polling stations for both by-elections will be open from 7am to 10pm, with the results expected between 4am and 6am on Friday.

The government has announced a law change to remove restrictions on employing temporary workers during industrial action.
Under current laws employment businesses are restricted from supplying temporary agency workers to fill duties by employees who are taking part in strikes.
The news comes as rail strikes resumed after talks between unions and rail bosses broke down on Wednesday.
The changes, which will apply across all sectors, are set to come into force over the coming weeks and will apply across England, Scotland and Wales, subject to parliamentary approval.

Following a cabinet decision, Portsmouth City Council will bring its waste management services in house from March 2024
Portsmouth’s existing contract with BIFFA began in October 2011. The original eight year deal contained a two-year extension clause activated by the council, who have subsequently extended the deal to March 2024.
Following the decision to bring the service in house, the council will work with BIFFA to make sure that all staff who are dedicated to the Portsmouth City Council contract at the time of transfer become council employees.

Braintree District Council has appointed Dan Gascoyne as its new chief executive.
Gascoyne, who has a BSc in Environmental Studies, joins from Colchester Borough Council, where he is currently deputy chief executive and leads Colchester's Corporate, Customer and Environmental services team. He will take over the role in September from Braintree's existing chief executive Andy Wright, who announced his plans for retirement earlier this year.