38 councils to double council tax on second homes
Up to 12,300 second-home owners face a 100% council tax surcharge as 38 more English councils activate new powers from April. See the full list of affected areas.
Up to 12,300 second-home owners face a 100% council tax surcharge as 38 more English councils activate new powers from April. See the full list of affected areas.
Up to 400,000 UK homes may be in the wrong council tax band due to flawed 1991 valuations. Check your band now and challenge it to potentially claim thousands in backdated refunds.
A captivating collection of historical images from Macclesfield, Bosley, and Poynton showcases local pubs, libraries, and community events from the 1910s to 1970s. Explore Cheshire's heritage.
Dean Valley Primary School pupils ran a festive Jingle Bell Jog to raise money for East Cheshire Hospice. The school community rallies around the vital local charity as it prepares for its annual Christmas tree collection.
North West construction companies joined forces to assemble festive gift packs for families supported by Cheshire charity MyCWA, bringing hope during the holidays.
Future Birmingham council leaders elected in 2026 will lack full autonomy, bound by a government-imposed action plan to ensure financial stability. Discover the binding roadmap for recovery.
Government commissioners will oversee Birmingham City Council after the 2026 elections, restricting new leaders' autonomy with a strict action plan. Discover the roadmap for recovery.
Reform Studio on Newcastle's Quayside is the first business backed by the new £35m North East Elevate Fund. The wellness centre will offer reformer pilates, yoga, and sound healing, creating jobs and boosting the local economy.
The UK faces a major snow event with up to six inches forecast for five counties. A Beast from the East could bring -11C lows around January 3. Read the full forecast.
A developer has resubmitted plans for an 8-bed HMO in Smethwick, ignoring nearly 100 objections and a council rejection over parking and overcrowding fears. Read the full story.
Step back in time with enchanting archive photos of Macclesfield in the 1950s, featuring deep snow, a snow plough in action, and a surprising emergency plane landing that became the talk of the town.
Tracey Mertens was doused in petrol and set alight on church steps in 1994. With her dying breaths, she gave police a description of her attackers, who remain at large. A £30,000 reward is still active.
East Cheshire Hospice reveals how donations to its Christmas @Home appeal fund vital end-of-life care. From £25 for emotional support to £595 for overnight nursing, see how you can help.
Two East Cheshire Hospice employees, Laura Lamptey and Charlotte Bains, are training to trek the Great Wall of China in November 2026 to raise vital funds. Discover their inspiring reasons and how to support them.
Little Actors Theatre Company secures a Cheshire West grant to launch free performing arts workshops for 11-18 year olds at Neston Town Hall from spring 2026. Book now!
Adults with learning disabilities enjoyed a magical afternoon as the Chequer Mead Theatre's Cinderella cast visited Duckyls Farm. The festive event featured songs, carols, and pantomime sparkle.
New weather maps warn of a potential 'Beast from the East' hitting the UK on Christmas Day, bringing snow to Scotland, northern England, and Wales. Read the latest forecast details.
The UK faces a severe Christmas freeze as forecasts worsen, with snow predicted for December 25 and a potential 'Beast from the East' weather event. Get the latest Met Office updates.
A series of festive events in Cambridgeshire, including a Christmas market and a cathedral fayre, have collectively raised nearly £6,000 for East Anglia's Children's Hospices (EACH). The funds will support vital care for children and families.
Warwick District Council must repay double council tax charged on second homes after admitting it 'acted outside the law'. A procedural mistake forces a costly U-turn.
Two Midlands mothers share their journey from isolation to optimism after completing a work academy with East Midlands Railway. Discover how sector-based programmes are creating pathways to jobs.
East Bristol Bakery has ceased trading and entered liquidation, citing a severe rat infestation, plummeting trade, and soaring costs. The sudden closure affects all locations.
The Sunshine Fund's free Santa Grotto Bus is back in Newcastle city centre, visiting SEND schools and offering festive joy. Donations to the charity's Big Give campaign are doubled, funding life-changing equipment for North East children.
Investment groups NVM and eComplete back a £31m management buyout of Durham-based scent company Noted Aromas, marking a major step for the direct-to-consumer brand's international expansion plans.
North East IT firm Aspire Technology Solutions secures fresh investment, valuing the business at around £200m. Funding from LDC and Federated Hermes to fuel expansion and a £100m revenue target by 2030.
Ed Sheeran donates personal items like trainers and mugs for an eBay auction raising vital funds for East Anglia's Children's Hospices. The 7-day sale starts December 7.
Jet2 has withdrawn flights to Costa de Almeria and Split from its East Midlands Airport summer 2026 schedule. Affected customers are being offered full refunds.
Low-income state pensioners in Cheshire West and Chester are eligible for a £100 payment from the Household Support Fund. A bank verification check is required for applications.
Discover Ellesmere, North Shropshire's 'best-kept secret' for unique Christmas shopping in a historic lakeside setting. Explore independent shops, cosy cafes, and festive lights, just 45 minutes from Cheshire Oaks.
The Independent ranks Leicester's festive market 12th in the UK. Discover its dates, stalls, and the West Midlands favourites also on the list.