Pension rule costing families £720 a year
Millions of UK families miss out on a 25% pension top-up during parental leave. Experts urge action to close the 'Parenthood Pension Gap'. Check your eligibility now.
Category : Search result: council funding gap
Paid Armed Forces Gap Year Scheme to Launch in 2026
Teenagers will be offered paid gap years with the UK armed forces from 2026, as part of a new 'whole of society' defence strategy. Discover how the scheme works and who can apply.
Blackpool £300 Energy Bill Support Scheme Open
Vulnerable Blackpool residents can apply for up to £300 in energy bill support. The scheme, funded by the DWP, runs until 31 March 2026. Find out if you qualify and how to apply.
HMRC uses AI to target tax evasion and fraud
HMRC is turning to artificial intelligence to tackle a £700m tax gap and improve compliance. The technology will identify risks faster but human caseworkers will make final decisions. Read the latest.
West Midlands Police faces £41m cuts, officer losses
West Midlands Police could lose £41.1m in funding by 2026, risking 520 officers and neighbourhood policing. Commissioner warns of a 'postcode lottery' and urges government action.
West Midlands Police faces £40m funding cut
West Midlands Police could lose £41.1m in funding, risking further cuts to officers. Crime Commissioner Simon Foster warns of a 'postcode lottery' and fewer police on streets.
Birmingham's 2026 leaders face strict financial controls
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.
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.
Alison Hammond's romance with younger boyfriend
This Morning's Alison Hammond opens up about her relationship with David Putman, 22 years her junior, and reveals if marriage is on the cards. Discover the full story here.
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.
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.
Planned Solihull Special School Scrapped After Funding Shift
A planned 150-place special school in Shirley, Solihull, has been cancelled after the government redirected £3bn to create specialist places in mainstream schools. Council leader expresses disappointment.
Grimsargh School Wins £25k for Playground Revamp
Grimsargh St Michael’s C of E Primary School receives a £25,000 parish council grant to kickstart a £100,000 playground transformation, aiming for a more inclusive, nature-rich space for local children.
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.
15% Drop in Staffordshire Pothole Repairs Under Reform
Staffordshire County Council filled 15.1% fewer potholes this year. Opposition blames Reform UK's roadworks ban, while the council promises long-term improvements.
£246m for West of England bus service improvements
The government has announced a £246m funding package for bus services across the West of England. Local authorities will decide how to spend the money on new vehicles, infrastructure, and keeping fares low.
£264m funding for faster, cheaper West Midlands buses
A £264.1 million government funding package will transform bus services in Birmingham and the West Midlands, aiming for lower fares and more reliable journeys. Discover how this investment will impact your commute.
Heath Bookshop Literature & Music Festival Back for 2026
The biannual Heath Bookshop Literature and Music Festival returns to Kings Heath, Birmingham, 15-19 April 2026. Featuring Max Porter, Mike Joyce, and new commissions. Book tickets now!
Hospice funding crisis leaves 380 beds empty
Hospice UK warns of unsustainable funding as bed closures rise. The government's new palliative care framework offers hope, but immediate financial support is missing from the budget.
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.
Gloucester Council Seeks £17.5m Government Bailout
Gloucester City Council faces a 'financial black hole' and is applying for up to £17.5m in emergency government loans to avoid effective bankruptcy, with severe cuts to services planned.
New £70 Cost of Living Vouchers Land Tomorrow
New £70 supermarket vouchers from the Household Support Fund will be automatically issued to eligible households in Wakefield from December 3rd. Find out if you qualify.
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.
Anger over 'shoot' comment at Darlaston council meeting
A public meeting in Darlaston descends into controversy after a 'shoot' comment is met with laughter. Residents and board members clash over £20 million government funding.
Women's Health Symptoms Often Dismissed by Doctors
Dr Amir Khan reveals women face medical gaslighting as symptoms are frequently dismissed. Learn about the gender health gap and how to advocate for proper care.
Solihull Council uses AI to tackle £2.7m debt
Facing a £2.7m debt, Solihull Council is investing over £630,000 in an AI programme to generate significant savings, following the lead of other local authorities.
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.
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