Pensioner faces £16k council tax bill after Labour changes
A London pensioner could pay £16,000 a year in council and mansion taxes after Labour's funding reforms. Discover the impact on homeowners and the six boroughs affected.
A London pensioner could pay £16,000 a year in council and mansion taxes after Labour's funding reforms. Discover the impact on homeowners and the six boroughs affected.
Birmingham City Council is distributing £200 hardship grants this month to residents struggling with food and energy bills. Funded by the DWP, here's who is eligible and how to apply.
FOMO Connect 2025, a community arts programme for the UK's Malayali diaspora, concluded in Derby. Explore how music, storytelling, and food fostered connection and cultural identity.
A plan for a permanent 'green stage' on Bournville Green has been submitted, aiming to boost arts and community events. The £63k project is led by a local consortium.
Discover why Cannon Hill Park in Moseley is hailed as Birmingham's most compelling green space for a refreshing New Year's Day walk. Explore 80 acres of gardens and 120 acres of woodland.
Southport Contemporary Arts launches its 2026 Under The Bed Sale on Jan 7. Discover unique, affordable artworks from local artists. Don't miss this annual bargain hunting event in Southport.
Discover the budget, ticket prices, and key details for London's iconic 2025/2026 New Year's Eve fireworks display. Find out who funds the event and how to watch.
Jonathan Scott's festive organ performance packed Rochdale Town Hall. The event, streamed online, celebrated a historic Binns organ. Plus, local arts previews for 2026.
Birmingham households are urged to check bank accounts for £200 hardship grants from the council's fund. Applications are open until March. Find out if you're eligible.
Birmingham City Council confirms new parking fees for three major parks from 2026, sparking political backlash. Find out the costs and the opposition's pledge.
From Ebor Studio's youth project for 16-21 year olds to The Curtain Theatre's latest play, discover the vibrant arts and culture events happening in Rochdale. Find out dates and how to get involved.
The Rochdale Pioneers Museum, birthplace of the co-operative movement, is named one of Historic England's 100 most important UK heritage sites. Discover its story and local creative projects.
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.
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.
Manchester's Royal Exchange stages a splash-hit revival of Singin' in the Rain. Plus, a powerful photography exhibition on KFOR's 25th anniversary opens in Rochdale and a local writer's inspiring journey.
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.
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!
The UK Government has launched its most significant child poverty plan in years, aiming to lift 550,000 children out of poverty by 2030. Key measures include lifting the two-child benefit cap and tackling temporary accommodation. Read the full details.
A massive £264.1 million government funding injection aims to revolutionise bus services in the West Midlands, promising faster, cheaper, and more reliable travel. Read the full details.
Birmingham installs its first new average speed cameras on the A45 Coventry Road to enforce a 30mph limit, funded by Clean Air Zone surplus. The council's goal is safety, not fines.
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.
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.
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 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.
Birmingham Museums Trust launches urgent £2m public appeal. Half its costs are unfunded, putting the city's world-class cultural heritage at a 'critical crossroads'. Your help is needed.
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.
Birmingham Museums Trust launches a vital £2 million public fundraising campaign to save the city's cultural heritage. Your support is needed to keep our museums open.
Celebrate Rochdale's vibrant arts scene by nominating local heroes for the Rochdale Culture Awards 2026. Submit your entries before December 19 deadline.
Chancellor Rachel Reeves unveils major Budget reforms on taxes, benefits, and NHS funding. Discover the full list of changes affecting your finances and public services.
Chancellor Rachel Reeves delivers Autumn Budget with tax changes, NHS funding and economic reforms. Full breakdown of all major announcements affecting UK households.