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Westminster City Council overpaid staff nearly £480,000 over five years due to a payroll rule affecting employees who leave after the payroll cut-off date. The council has recovered most of the funds but is still awaiting £99,000. The housing department accounted for the highest overpayment at £91,000.
A British boy, 14, must remain in a Ghana boarding school until he completes his GCSEs, according to a High Court ruling. His parents sent him to Ghana due to behavioral concerns, despite his claims of feeling isolated and wanting to return to the UK. The court emphasized the need for a roadmap to ensure his safe return after his studies.
An 11-year-old boy, Jaiden Shehata, died after being struck by a train while walking to school, reportedly distracted by a video on his mobile phone. The incident occurred at a level crossing near Kenley, south London, which lacks warning lights or barriers. Investigators recommend enhanced safety measures and targeted education for young users to prevent future accidents.
Vanessa Williams switched on the Christmas lights on Oxford Street, marking the start of London's festive season. The event took place in partnership with Great Ormond Street Hospital Charity. This celebration highlights the city's festive spirit and community engagement.
The Blackwall and Silvertown tunnels closed due to smoke from an industrial fire in Greenwich, affecting northbound traffic. Around 70 firefighters are on-site as the London Fire Brigade warns of a prolonged incident and advises drivers to seek alternative routes. The cause of the fire remains unknown.
Former police officer David Carrick faces trial for multiple sexual offences, including the repeated molestation of a girl in the late 1980s and the rape of a woman between 2014 and 2019. He has denied all charges but has a history as a convicted sex offender, with previous admissions of sexual violence against numerous women. The case highlights a pattern of predatory behavior over several decades.
London's emergency services have responded to wildfires and floods at a cost exceeding £11 million since 2018. With 808 wildfires recorded, the London Fire Brigade has incurred over £5.4 million in expenses, while flooding has cost £5.8 million. Officials emphasize the urgent need for increased investment in climate resilience.
Vehicle owners in London are facing financial losses totaling over £1 million after their cars were trapped in an automated car park for 28 months due to a mechanical failure. Despite retrieving their vehicles in April, no compensation has been paid, leaving many, like Mark Lucas, burdened with significant debts. Multiple parties involved deny responsibility, citing ongoing investigations and delays.
Only 15% of 999 calls to the Metropolitan Police were genuine emergencies last year, prompting officials to urge the public to reserve the emergency number for life-threatening situations. The force noted that calls about spiders, non-returning dogs, and delivery issues consumed valuable call handler time. They recommend using 101 for non-emergency matters.
The RMT trade union secured a three-year pay deal for Tube workers that includes a 3.4% increase starting in April 2025 and a consistent Boxing Day payment of £400. This agreement ends the threat of further strikes following significant disruptions in September.