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.
Worcester City Council approves extra funding for the Scala Theatre renovation, citing fire safety and National Insurance costs. The £16.2m project remains on track for its 2026 opening.
Worcester City Council approves converting a house into a children's care home on Woolhope Road, overriding neighbours' concerns about parking and neighbourhood character.
From Worcester's Scala arts hub to the Sixways stadium revamp, discover the major construction projects set to transform Worcestershire in 2026. Explore the key dates and details.
A fox with mange was rescued from Pure Gym in Worcester after a three-day operation. Vale Wildlife Hospital staff finally caught the animal on the gym floor. Read the full story.
Three individuals have been sentenced for their roles in a Redditch drug gang shooting where a bullet struck a child's car seat. Discover the full court outcome and police response.
A woman in her 70s has died after being struck by a van on Worcester Road in Chadbury. A 54-year-old driver is in custody. Read the latest on the investigation.
A woman has died after being struck by a van on Worcester Road. Paramedics provided advanced life support but could not save her. Read the latest details.
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.
Shirebrook Town Council left unable to function after 11 councillors quit. Bolsover District Council appoints temporary members to restore operations. Read the full story.
Birmingham City Council approves the sale of the iconic Alpha Tower to aid its financial recovery. Read the full story and reactions from local councillors.
Dudley Council is set for a £75.9m three-year finance settlement from the Labour government. While Labour MPs hail a 'turning point', the borough's Conservative leader urges caution, saying 'the devil is in the detail'. Read the full story.
The government's lead commissioner warns a 'that'll do' attitude must be broken for Birmingham City Council to recover. Key financial deadlines are set for early 2025.
West Mercia Police are searching for a potentially injured person following a serious collision on the A38 near Wychbold. The crash involved a stolen vehicle and a police car. Contact police with information.
Birmingham City Council secures a massive £651.5m funding increase over five years as part of a new £78bn government settlement targeting deprived areas. Read the full story.
A Worcester woman must tear down a two-storey garden building after neighbours complained. The council refused retrospective planning permission for the 'eyesore'.
Dudley Council reports a 17% drop in emissions, but a councillor warns selling buildings to the private sector risks 'false accounting' on climate progress. Read the full debate.
Birmingham City Council proposes selling the freehold of the Grade II listed Alpha Tower to aid its financial recovery. Key committee vote set for December 16.
A crucial debate on cutting parking charges was delayed after lengthy discussions on pub rates and council flag policy. Council leader brands debate 'bloody nonsense'.
Residents in Worcester's Pearmain Close clash with the council over a historic cedar tree. The council cites its high value, but locals claim roots are damaging property. Read the full story.
A week of drama at Birmingham City Council includes a legal threat over regeneration, ongoing bins strike chaos, and a shark-suited spectator. Get the full update.
Dudley Council faces a 300% rise in adult safeguarding cases, deploys drones against off-road bikes, and sparks a £10k spending row. Explore this week's key developments.
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.
A Dudley councillor reveals residents wait up to six months for help with potholes and home repairs due to staffing issues, not technology. Read the full investigation.
A 150-year-old shoe shop in Worcester is shutting down for good, with the family business stating it is no longer viable. Discover the story behind this high street loss.
A Solihull council tenant has been banned from his property for three months after a court granted a Closure Order due to reports of Class A drug misuse and anti-social behaviour. Report issues confidentially.
The Independent ranks Leicester's festive market 12th in the UK. Discover its dates, stalls, and the West Midlands favourites also on the list.
Jake Morris, 30, has been sentenced to 50 weeks in prison for a violent assault in Worcester. The court heard he punched the victim and pushed her down concrete stairs.