Toby Paine, Portsmouth City Council Journalist Profile

Articles

Portsmouth could get more funding under council cash shake-up

19 hours ago | portsmouth.co.uk | Toby Paine

Portsmouth City Council could receive a greater share of government cash under new plans to reform the way councils are funded. On June 20, the Labour government announced changes to what it described as the “outdated” and “complex” council funding system, promising a shift to a more “place-based” approach that directs money to areas with the greatest need.
Drugs and alcohol deaths in Portsmouth double the national average

1 day ago | hellorayo.co.uk | Toby Paine |Maria Greenwood

A reports found improvements are being made in treatmentAuthor: Toby Paine, Local Democracy Reporter and Maria Greenwood Published 2 hours agoPortsmouth City Council has reviewed drug use in the city, noting improvements in treatment but ongoing concerns on deaths being double the national average. At a recent health and wellbeing board meeting, councillors and other key groups looked at the annual report from the Combating Drugs Partnership.
Kent Road residents push back on an extended bus route

1 day ago | portsmouth.co.uk | Toby Paine

Kent Road residents in Southsea have petitioned Portsmouth City Council over what they call a dangerous and disruptive bus route. The number 18 bus, operated by Stagecoach, was recently extended to Clarence Pier and now passes along Kent Road every 20 minutes in both directions. Locals argue the road is too narrow for the service, with cars regularly forced to mount the pavement to pass – putting pedestrians at risk.
High court quashes planning consent for Hayling Island wedding venue

2 days ago | portsmouth.co.uk | Toby Paine

A community group has won a legal battle against Havant Borough Council over plans for a wedding and events venue in the protected woodland of Tournerbury Woods, Hayling Island. The group, Save Tournerbury Woods (STW), launched a Judicial Review challenging the council’s 2023 decision to grant planning permission for the venue, which sits within a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and the Chichester Harbour Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB).
Clean air zone to stay in place as city nears pollution goal

2 days ago | portsmouth.co.uk | Toby Paine

Portsmouth councillors have remained upbeat about progress on air quality, despite the Clean Air Zone needing to remain in place for several more years. Portsmouth councillors have remained upbeat about progress on air quality, despite the Clean Air Zone needing to remain in place for several more years. At a cabinet meeting this week, councillors discussed a new report showing the city is making steady progress in tackling nitrogen dioxide (NO₂).
15-month delay in HMO register sparks criticism from MP

3 days ago | portsmouth.co.uk | Toby Paine

Portsmouth North MP Amanda Martin has criticised Portsmouth City Council for failing to maintain an up-to-date public register of Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs). Local authorities are legally required to keep a current list of licensed HMOs to ensure transparency and help residents stay informed about housing changes. Portsmouth’s online register, however, is now over 15 months out of date.
Portsmouth council backs use of public buildings for street art festival

3 days ago | portsmouth.co.uk | Toby Paine

Portsmouth City Council has agreed to let artists use walls on public buildings across the city for this year’s Street Art Festival, taking place on September 13 and 14. The decision was made at a Cabinet meeting, where councillors supported a plan to prepare 15 new sites for murals. The list includes locations like Buckland Park, the bridge supports on Anglesey Road, and the side of the Wildwood restaurant in Port Solent.
UK city to form friendship with West Bank town

3 days ago | ca.news.yahoo.com | Toby Paine |Curtis Lancaster

The council hopes it will balance its sister city relationship with Haifa in Israel [Getty Images]A UK council has agreed to form a friendship link with a town in the in the occupied West Bank. Portsmouth City Council chose to build the bond with Birzeit, north of the Palestinians' administrative capital in the region, Ramallah. The decision was made as a way to balance its sister city relationship with Haifa, Israel, which has been in place since 1963.
UK city to form friendship with West Bank town

3 days ago | aol.com | Toby Paine |Curtis Lancaster

A UK council has agreed to form a friendship link with a town in the in the occupied West Bank. Portsmouth City Council chose to build the bond with Birzeit, north of the Palestinians' administrative capital in the region, Ramallah. The decision was made as a way to balance its sister city relationship with Haifa, Israel, which has been in place since 1963.
Portsmouth to move forward with friendship link to Palestinian town

4 days ago | portsmouth.co.uk | Toby Paine

Portsmouth City Council has agreed to go ahead with plans to form a friendship link with Birzeit, a town in the West Bank, Palestine. The plan follows a decision made in December 2023, when the council said it would look into building ties with a Palestinian location. This was seen as a way to balance Portsmouth’s sister city relationship with Haifa, Israel, which has been in place since 1963.