logo
#

Latest news with #PaulCunningham

Privately rented property licenses will 'improve living standards'
Privately rented property licenses will 'improve living standards'

BBC News

time28-05-2025

  • General
  • BBC News

Privately rented property licenses will 'improve living standards'

A new licensing scheme covering 5,000 rented properties will improve housing conditions, councillors in a Norfolk town are being Yarmouth Borough Council said a selective licensing scheme, if agreed at a meeting on 3 June, would cover the Nelson, Cobholm and Southtown, and Central and Northgate would replace a previous scheme that covered 1,500 properties, which private-sector landlords criticised as being costly and of little Paul Wells, portfolio holder for licensing, said: '''We know some privately rented properties are in a poor condition and we are determined to try to improve standards.'' The council said it carried out a feasibility study which included data about demographics and the condition of rental accommodation in the said the initial scheme led to considerable improvements and helped the landlords understand their responsibilities and "what good property management looks like".If introduced, the scheme - which would include 60% of the borough's private-rented housing - would not be allowed to make a profit. Running costs would be covered by a proposed licence fee of £784 for landlords. Paul Cunningham, chairman of the Eastern Landlords Association said: "I have brought this to the attention of the MP to say this is a pointless exercise."It is another way of Great Yarmouth Borough Council alienating landlords. Of all the local authorities I work with GYBC is the most difficult to deal with. They are anti-landlord and are the only council in Norfolk to look at selective licensing."The cost will be passed on to tenants and therefore the rents will be increase and more and more landlords will sell."There is already a lack of landlords across the area and country, and this will make housing asylum seekers look more attractive." Mr Wells added: ''Generally, we have responsible landlords, but not everyone has a home that is safe, warm and good quality. This scheme would mean landlords must comply with a number of licence conditions."Bad housing has a detrimental impact on the lives of people and our residents deserve better where there are problems." He added: ''We already have some powers related to housing, but this scheme will allow us to more effectively deal with a range of issues that impact people. "We will be better able to tackle health hazards and overcrowding – which is a real problem for some of our residents.''We would be able to systematically inspect properties to make sure things like gas and electric certification are up to date, rather than simply reacting to complaints as we currently do.''Where necessary, we could refuse to issue a licence and hold people accountable.'' Follow Norfolk news on BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram and X.

Idaho needs independent veteran voices in government
Idaho needs independent veteran voices in government

Yahoo

time19-05-2025

  • Politics
  • Yahoo

Idaho needs independent veteran voices in government

Idaho's future deserves leaders who understand that loyalty belongs to the people, not the party, write guest columnists Paul Cunningham and Patrick Riceci. (Getty Images) Idaho is at a crossroads. Our state's Legislature has become increasingly polarized, with partisanship often drowning out pragmatic problem-solving. It's time for a new approach — one that draws on the leadership, service and integrity of a cadre of independent veterans willing to step into the political arena. These efforts should not be confined to the Legislature but should also include veterans' participation in city council, school board, library district and highway district elections, all of which provide an opportunity for veterans to lead and problem solve in their communities. CONTACT US As a share of the population, Idaho has one of the highest number of veterans in the United States. Those veterans bring something Idaho desperately needs at all levels of government: firsthand experience putting mission above ego, country above faction and teamwork above personal gain. They understand sacrifice, discipline and the importance of making hard choices for the greater good. Imagine what a group of veterans — running as independents, free from the grip of party machines — could do for the people of Idaho, whether that is as a legislator, city council member, county commissioner or highway district commissioner. These candidates would not be beholden to rigid platforms or state or national agendas. Instead, they would focus on local issues: improving access to affordable housing, strengthening education at the local level, supporting the transportation (including walking and biking) needs of local communities, protecting farms and water from urban encroachment and fostering economic opportunity for all Idahoans. Their independence would allow them to work across party lines and rebuild the trust and civility so often missing from our various seats of government, including the Statehouse. We need veterans not just as symbols of service, but as active leaders helping reshape Idaho's political landscape. We call on veterans across the state to consider stepping up — not as Republicans or Democrats, but as principled independents ready to serve again, this time in the helm of government at all levels. Idaho's future deserves leaders who understand that loyalty belongs to the people, not the party. Let's help make that future a reality. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX

Malaysia's First Kimpton Hotel – Kimpton Naluria Kuala Lumpur – Opens Soon At TRX
Malaysia's First Kimpton Hotel – Kimpton Naluria Kuala Lumpur – Opens Soon At TRX

Hype Malaysia

time12-05-2025

  • Business
  • Hype Malaysia

Malaysia's First Kimpton Hotel – Kimpton Naluria Kuala Lumpur – Opens Soon At TRX

Get ready to check in, fam! IHG Hotels & Resorts will debut its luxury lifestyle brand Kimpton in Malaysia with the opening of Kimpton Naluria Kuala Lumpur in Q4 2025. A striking new landmark within the Tun Razak Exchange (TRX), Malaysia's first international financial district and Kuala Lumpur's Central Business District, Kimpton Naluria Kuala Lumpur will bring an artful take on modern luxury to the city, redefining what it means to stay, dine, and gather in style. Designed to be an extension of the city's dynamic energy, the hotel will embody Kimpton's signature approach to heartfelt service, with design-led spaces and experiences centred on its guests. The Kimpton experience is a different way to stay – expect the brand's non-standard signature perks such as: Forgot It, We've Got It! – Forgot to bring a daily essential on the trip? Kimpton has its guests covered with the travel amenities they need, as well as a few that they might not have even considered. Kimpton Kickstart – Jump start mornings with complimentary coffees and teas in the hotel lobby. Kimpton Social – A daily evening hosted social hour of curated drinks, conversation and more. A Name Rooted In Meaning The hotel's name is a reflection of its spirit and philosophy. 'Naluria' [pronounced Naa-loo-ree-aa] derives from two Malay words – 'Naluri', meaning 'instinct', and 'Ria', meaning 'joy'- capturing the essence of following one's instinctive inner voice towards the pursuit of joy and happiness. Just as Kuala Lumpur itself is a convergence of tradition and modernity, Kimpton Naluria Kuala Lumpur will be a sanctuary where guests can embrace both adventure and tranquility in a setting that is effortlessly stylish yet deeply personal. A New Era Of Hospitality At the helm of Kimpton Naluria Kuala Lumpur is Paul Cunningham, a seasoned hospitality leader with over three decades of experience in luxury hotels across Asia. 'We are thrilled to debut IHG's luxury lifestyle brand, Kimpton, in Malaysia, continuing the brand's global expansion,' said Paul Cunningham, General Manager. 'Kimpton Naluria Kuala Lumpur is beyond just an inspirational place to stay – it will be the city's next vibrant social hub, where human hospitality, inspiration, wellness and evocative experiences come together seamlessly. Location-wise, we're surrounded by the perfect blend of commerce and creativity, with retail, dining, and green spaces that invite discovery.' Spanning 26 storeys, the 466-room hotel will house an evocative mix of experiences, from four distinct dining venues – including Four Siblings, a destination rooftop bar & lounge with breathtaking skyline views, while Tuai + Till, the hotel's all-day-dining concept, will transition seamlessly throughout the day, serving an inspired breakfast spread in the morning before transforming into two distinctive dining experiences: Tuai, a cozy Malaysian café, and Till, an elegant Western brasserie. A specialty project in the making will be a retro Italian-American restaurant, soon to be revealed. Five flexible event spaces await intimate soirees or meetings, designed to foster human connection. Bringing Kimpton's Design-Focused Vision To Life Kimpton Naluria Kuala Lumpur's interiors are envisioned in partnership with the award-winning Hassell Studio, blending the vibrancy of the city with the lushness of nature to create an urban haven. Inspired by Malaysia's rich natural landscapes, the hotel's design will weave organic textures, earthy stones, and an abundance of greenery into the fabric of its spaces. Floor-to-ceiling windows will frame sweeping city views, while the interplay of natural light and curated materials will evoke a sense of serenity amidst the buzzing metropolis. For more information and enquiries, visit Kimpton Naluria Kuala Lumpur's website or follow the hotel on Instagram and LinkedIn.

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into the world of global news and events? Download our app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store