Reform-led Council Proposes 3.99% Council Tax Increase
Staffordshire County Council, led by Reform UK, proposes a 3.99% council tax rise for 2026/27, below the 4.99% cap. Plan includes £21.5m savings and £5.5m investment in children's services.
Category : Search result: StokeonTrent council rent increase
Rugby Council may ask to cancel May 2026 elections
A Rugby Borough Council panel will decide whether to ask the government to cancel May's local elections, citing a £160k saving and upcoming council reorganisation. Read the full story.
Solihull Council reduces staff by 158 in cost-cutting drive
Solihull Council has significantly reduced its workforce by 158 posts, saving £2m via a paid-resignation scheme. Agency worker costs also fell by over 36%. Read the full financial scrutiny report.
7 UK household bills set to rise in 2026
Seven major household bills are increasing for Brits in 2026, including council tax, energy, and broadband. Discover the full list and how it impacts your finances.
Stoke-on-Trent council rent hike of 4.8% proposed
Stoke-on-Trent City Council plans a 4.8% rent increase from April 2026, adding £4.29 weekly for tenants. Read the full details and impact on housing services.
New £7.4m affordable housing scheme for Wednesbury
A £7.4m development of 34 affordable homes is underway in Wednesbury, tackling an urgent need in the Black Country. The project will create jobs and apprenticeships.
WMP Could Lose 80 Officers in 2026 Funding Crisis
West Midlands Police may lose up to 80 officers in 2026 due to a £41m government funding shortfall. Commissioner Simon Foster calls it 'unacceptable' and warns of a blow to community safety. Read the full story.
Martin Lewis reveals how to slash council tax to £0
Martin Lewis highlights the Severe Mental Impairment council tax discount, which can cut bills to zero for eligible households. Learn if you qualify and how to claim.
Council Tax Break: Two-Month Holiday for UK Homes in 2026
Millions of UK households will get a two-month council tax break in 2026 ahead of new property bands. Find out if you're eligible and how the new high-value surcharge will work.
Tax-Free Allowance Hits £16,320 with Rent a Room
UK households can now earn up to £7,500 tax-free from renting a spare room, potentially raising their Personal Allowance to £16,320. Learn the rules and how to benefit.
HMRC Tax-Free Allowance Hiked to £20,070 for Some
HMRC increases the tax-free personal allowance for some households to £20,070. Learn how the Rent a Room scheme lets you earn £7,500 tax-free from lodgers.
Tax-Free Allowance to Hit £27,070 with Three Hacks
HMRC is set to increase your effective Personal Allowance to £27,070. Discover three legitimate 'hacks' including Rent a Room and Tax-Free Childcare that could save you thousands.
Seven Ways UK Households Pay More Tax in 2026
Chancellor Rachel Reeves's tax changes for 2026 will impact millions. From frozen thresholds to new levies, discover the seven key ways your finances will be affected. Read the full analysis.
Birmingham Council House Wait Times: Holyhead Fastest
New data reveals the shortest and longest council house waiting times across Birmingham wards, with Holyhead at 30 weeks and Quinton at 250 weeks. Discover the full list and council advice.
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.
400,000 homes in wrong council tax band
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.
NatWest doubles social rent loan fund to £1bn
NatWest expands its ringfenced social rent loan fund to £1bn, aiming to accelerate the building of affordable homes and save housing associations up to £50m. Read the full announcement.
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.
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.
Bilston market traders offered two months' free rent
Bilston market traders will pay no rent for two months as a multi-million-pound regeneration scheme faces major delays and cost increases. Read the full story.
Leasehold reform delay hits 5.2 million UK households
Vital leasehold reforms, including a rent cap, are delayed until 2026, leaving millions in limbo. Discover what this means for homeowners and the political fallout.
Universal Credit deductions for bills explained
The DWP can take money from your Universal Credit for rent, utility debts, and court fines. Learn what bills are covered and what payments are protected.
UK Tax-Free Income Boost: Rent a Room for £7,500
Discover how HMRC's Rent a Room Scheme lets UK households earn up to £7,500 tax-free annually, potentially raising your total tax-free allowance to £20,070. Learn the rules and see if you qualify.
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.
65 New Affordable Homes for Northfield, Birmingham
Birmingham City Council signs deal for 65 affordable homes on Long Nuke Road, including social rent and shared ownership. New sports facilities also planned. Read more.
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.
65 Affordable Homes Approved for Birmingham Development
Birmingham City Council partners with Keon Homes and Bromford to build 65 high-quality affordable homes in Northfield, including social rent and shared ownership properties. Read more about this key housing initiative.
2026 Rent Rises Forecast After Autumn Budget Tax Hike
Tenants face higher rents in 2026 as new property income taxes threaten rental supply, Nationwide warns. Experts say landlords will pass on costs. Read the full analysis.
State pension weekly increase for pre-1953 retirees
Pensioners born before 1953 will receive a £8.45 weekly state pension increase from April 2026 due to the triple lock. Discover the financial impact.
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