Meridian Council

Southampton Council workers have accepted a deal to end the long running dispute over pay cuts imposed by the City Council.

The workers have held a series of strikes since the dispute started back in February 2011.

Under the new deal workers will see their pay restored in stages and those made redundant as a result of the 2011 / 12 Council budget will receive a one off compensation payment..

In return for the settlement, UNISON and Unite will withdraw all legal action against the Council and call off ongoing industrial action.

A council in the South is telling prospective adoptive parents they must be willing to take on three children. The local authority has closed its waiting list to those only willing to adopt one or two children who need a new home.

Officials say the only other circumstance in which they'll consider new applicants is if they can prove they can offer a home to a child with complex special needs. Our Social Affairs Correspondent Christine Alsford reports.

A senior official at Kent County Council has been sentenced to seven years in prison for defrauding two million pounds from various local authorities. Ross Knowles from Allington in Maidstone was a high ranking manager at the authority. He was responsible for buying bulk gas and electricity.

A senior Kent County Council employee has been found guilty of defrauding millions of pounds out of local authorities across the country.

Ross Knowles, from Maidstone, diverted funds into his private bank account.

He'll be sentenced next month.

Brighton Council will decide today whether to help save the annual Pride event. Two proposals have been put forward to run the annual parade and party - after the event ran into financial difficulties earlier this year.

The Leader of Basildon Council was confronted by Dale Farm protesters as he attended an awards ceremony last night.

Mr Ball was nominated for the title of Council Leader of the Year in recognition of his role in the eviction of travellers from Dale Farm.

He lost out to Sir Richard Leese of Manchester City Council in awards held at Westminster City Council by the Local Government Information Unit.

Mr Ball was confronted by Dale Farm protesters as he went to leave the venue.

Essex County Council's David Finch won the award for Outstanding Contribution to Financial Performance.