Local councils nationwide are preparing to reveal the bad news to residents about this year’s council tax rises.

So, why are our rates rocketing, how much more can we expect to pay - and which authorities are impose the biggest hikes?

The London Standard’s chief political correspondent Rachael Burford discusses local government finances and policy for the year ahead.

In part two, as millions of Britons reach the halfway mark for Dry January, we look at the benefits and challenges of quitting alcohol for a month.

We’re joined by Dr Richard Piper, chief executive of the London charity Alcohol Change UK, and The London Standard culture and lifestyle writer Vicky Jessop, who’s now on her third booze-free new year.

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