Birmingham's new council leaders will have limited freedom
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.
Category : Search result: council finance system
DWP under fire for 'misleading' Carer's Allowance claims
The DWP is facing criticism after a review found systemic failings in Carer's Allowance. Officials accused of downplaying the scale of the problem affecting thousands of families.
Family banned from 1,000 petrol stations in fuel row
A Blackburn family is barred from over 1,000 forecourts after a disputed £20.01 fuel theft claim. They insist they paid cash. Read the full story of the 19-month ban.
Councillors reject 99MW battery site over explosion fears
Plans for a major 99MW battery energy storage system in Staffordshire have been unanimously refused by councillors following nearly 150 objections over fire risks and Green Belt impact. Read the full story.
Dudley Council's £75.9m funding sparks political debate
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.
Expert's Top 10 Tech Gadgets of 2025 Revealed
Consumer tech expert Gareth Butterfield unveils his favourite gadgets of 2025, from groundbreaking solar systems to surprise folding phones and AI-powered gear. Discover the year's top innovations.
Labour Councillor Slams Government Planning Changes
A Birmingham Labour councillor has publicly criticised his own government's proposed planning reforms, calling them a 'disaster about to happen' that will trash vital protections.
Cold Feet Warning as UK Flu Season Arrives
Health experts link poor foot care to a weakened immune system during flu season. Discover seven essential tips to keep feet warm, dry, and healthy this winter.
Birmingham Council gets major funding boost after bankruptcy
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.
Birmingham drivers 'confused' by new one-way system
Motorists in Birmingham city centre report 'standstill' traffic and confusion due to a new one-way layout. Discover the key changes and the council's response.
Major EU driving system delayed until 2026
The EU's new Entry/Exit System for UK drivers is postponed to 2026. Get the latest on the delay, potential Dover gridlock fears, and official plans to minimise disruption.
Council to refund second home tax after legal error
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.
Six-month waits for council answers in Dudley
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.
Bullring's New 'Drive In. Drive Out.' Parking System
Birmingham's Bullring shopping centre has launched a new automated parking system just in time for Christmas. Find out how the 'Drive In. Drive Out.' technology works.
Warning for drivers with stop-start engine buttons
A top mechanic urges UK drivers to disable stop-start systems to prevent costly engine wear. Discover the secret dashboard button and why owners are furious.
Woman on Universal Credit for six years says work not worth it
Erica Crompton explains why claiming benefits leaves her better off than a taxed wage, as the DWP faces a major welfare shake-up under Labour. Read her full story.
Service Your Heating to Save Money This Winter
As winter arrives, ensure your boiler is safe and efficient. A professional service can cut energy bills and prevent costly emergencies. Get a trusted engineer via Checkatrade's £1,000 guarantee.
Obesity benefit claims cost taxpayers £144m
New data reveals over 5,000 people now receive benefits for obesity, costing nearly £144m since 2019. The North West has the highest number of claimants. Discover the regional breakdown and expert analysis.
Car finance scandal: FCA sets final decision deadline
The FCA has issued a crucial update on the car finance scandal, setting a final deadline for complaints. Millions could receive £700 payouts. Read the latest.
Dudley Council row over £8k parish council survey
Labour demands apology after £8,000 survey on Cradley parish council, funded as part of a Tory-Lib Dem budget deal, is overwhelmingly rejected by residents. Read the full story.
Justice Secretary Announces Major Jury Trial Reforms
Justice Secretary David Lammy unveils sweeping reforms to reduce jury trials and introduce 'swift courts' to tackle record Crown Court delays, forecast to hit 100,000 cases. Read the full details.
Dudley's £56m SEND funding crisis explained
Dudley Council faces a £56m SEND funding black hole despite a national budget change. Discover the local crisis and what the future holds for special needs provision.
Dudley's £56m SEND deficit 'bomb' unresolved
Dudley Council awaits answers on a £56m SEND funding deficit despite a new national policy. The financial 'bomb' could still push the authority towards effective bankruptcy. Read the latest.
Jury trial restrictions proposed amid court backlogs
Justice Secretary David Lammy proposes limiting jury trials to tackle England and Wales' 78,000-case backlog. Critics warn this could erode public trust in justice system.
How a rickshaw ride inspired prisoner rehabilitation
Discover how Kirit Thakore's journey from a chaotic rickshaw ride in India to his work with ex-offenders in the East Midlands is changing lives through peer mentoring and his new book.
Solihull Council complaints hit three-year high
Solihull Council sees complaints soar to a three-year peak while making crucial decisions on parish mergers, historic building conversions, and the Mell Square redevelopment. Discover the full story.
Council Tax Band D: £0 Bills Before £2,394 Rise
UK households in council tax band D can get 100% discounts, leading to £0 bills before a 5% rise to £2,394. Learn how to apply for Council Tax Support.
Council tax bills to rise by 5% next year
Millions of UK households face a 5% council tax hike in 2026. Discover expert tips on how to legally reduce your bill and save money with discounts and payment plans.
Met Office warns of 'extensive' snow risk this weekend
The Met Office has issued a weather warning with three potential scenarios for Saturday. Two of them could bring disruptive snow to parts of the UK. Stay updated.
Met Office warns of 'extensive' snow risk this weekend
The Met Office has issued a weather warning for potential 'extensive' snow across parts of the UK this weekend. Discover the three forecast scenarios and their impacts.
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