Inadequate tree maintenance by local authorities is a critical issue. We focus on the tragic, preventable death of Chris Hall in 2020, killed by a decayed tree limb in Wilmslow. The responsible council, Cheshire East, was fined £500,000 for failing to have a formal maintenance strategy. Currently, regular tree inspection is voluntary, creating a legislative gap that puts the public at risk. We explore the campaign for Chris's Law, which seeks to mandate that councils register and regularly in...
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Inadequate tree maintenance by local authorities is a critical issue. We focus on the tragic, preventable death of Chris Hall in 2020, killed by a decayed tree limb in Wilmslow. The responsible council, Cheshire East, was fined £500,000 for failing to have a formal maintenance strategy. Currently, regular tree inspection is voluntary, creating a legislative gap that puts the public at risk. We explore the campaign for Chris's Law, which seeks to mandate that councils register and regularly in...
Fixing Britain's Railways: The Plan for Simpler, Fairer Fares
The Bench Report
6 minutes
1 month ago
Fixing Britain's Railways: The Plan for Simpler, Fairer Fares
Ever felt confused or ripped off buying a train ticket? You're not alone. This episode explores why the UK's rail fare system, with 50 million different fares, is so complex and untrustworthy. We'll look at the government's plan to fix it, including new pay-as-you-go systems and flexible ticket trials on lines like LNER. We also cover the major challenges ahead, from the railway's poor financial state to staff shortages, and what "simplification" really means for your wallet. Key Takeaways Th...
The Bench Report
Inadequate tree maintenance by local authorities is a critical issue. We focus on the tragic, preventable death of Chris Hall in 2020, killed by a decayed tree limb in Wilmslow. The responsible council, Cheshire East, was fined £500,000 for failing to have a formal maintenance strategy. Currently, regular tree inspection is voluntary, creating a legislative gap that puts the public at risk. We explore the campaign for Chris's Law, which seeks to mandate that councils register and regularly in...
