Reform UK Proposes 3.99% Council Tax Rise in Kent
Kent County Council, led by Reform UK, proposes a 3.99% council tax increase for 2026/27, breaking election pledges. Dover and Deal households face paying £67 more annually.
Category : Search result: United Reform Church
Lost West Midlands village with a dark past near Birmingham
Explore the haunting history of Wolfhampcote, a 'lost' medieval village near Birmingham. Discover its speculated demise from the Black Death and the church that stands as its last witness.
Historic Brentwood Church Undergoes Major Refurbishment
The 300-year-old former United Reform Church on Coptfold Road is being restored by Immanuel Church Brentwood. The listed building will reopen as a community hub in late spring.
Rapid Relief Team delivers 240 meals to Poynton Community Larder
Volunteers from the Rapid Relief Team have delivered 20 food boxes to Poynton Community Larder, providing vital support as food insecurity affects one in six UK households. Discover how local charities are making a difference.
Conwy musician awarded BEM for youth, charity and music work
Chris Roberts, a church musician and former councillor in Conwy, receives the British Empire Medal for his five decades of dedication to young people, charity, and music, including founding the Conwy Classical Music Festival.
Blackburn Diocese Launches 100th Year Celebrations
The Church of England in Lancashire kicks off its centenary year with a huge launch involving thousands online and in parishes. Bishop Philip North leads celebrations under the theme 'All for Jesus'.
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.
DWP urged to scrap state pension for high-income retirees
A new petition calls for the DWP to end state pension payments for retirees with incomes over £50,000, aiming to fund student tuition fees. Over 10,000 signatures needed for a government response.
DWP announces major PIP changes from April 2026
The DWP will extend PIP award review periods from April, aiming to clear the Work Capability Assessment backlog and save £1.9bn. Find out how this affects claimants.
Serbian Orthodox Christmas celebrated at Birmingham church
Serbian Orthodox Christians in Birmingham gathered at the UK's first purpose-built Serbian church, Lazarica, to celebrate Christmas on January 7. See stunning images and learn the history of this Bournville treasure.
PIP review periods extended as face-to-face assessments rise
The DWP is extending time between PIP reviews for many claimants but increasing face-to-face assessments. The reforms aim to save £1.9bn by 2030/31.
New Digital Era for Amber Collective After Gallery Closure
Amber Film and Photography Collective unveils a new digital and community-focused model after the permanent closure of Newcastle's iconic Side Gallery. Discover the future plans and the new wellness hub now on the Quayside.
Grade II Listed Sheffield Church for Auction at £125k
A landmark former Methodist church in Sheffield's Woodhouse area is set for auction on January 28 with a guide price of £125,000. Discover this unique development opportunity.
Petition calls for council tax exemption for all pensioners
A new parliamentary petition demands the Labour government and local councils exempt all state pensioners from council tax to ease financial pressures. Over 4,000 have signed.
Universal Credit health element cut for new claimants
The DWP confirms a near 50% cut to the Universal Credit health top-up for new claimants from April 2026, sparking criticism from MPs and disability groups. Read the full details.
Reform UK's Impact on 2026 Dudley Council Vote
Dudley Council's 2026 elections could see a major shift as Reform UK surges. With 24 wards up for grabs, local political dynamics are set for a dramatic change. Read the full analysis.
350,000 families could get extra DWP handouts
New analysis reveals nearly 350,000 foreign-born families could receive increased welfare payments following Labour's Autumn Budget, sparking political controversy. Discover the key figures and reactions.
Birmingham's 12 Oldest Buildings in 2026
Explore Birmingham's ancient history through 12 of its oldest surviving structures, from a 12th-century church to a 1368 pub. Discover the city's heritage beyond the Industrial Revolution.
New £1,000 pension rule for UK savers announced
The government introduces a new £1,000 rule to consolidate small pension pots. Learn how this reform aims to boost retirement savings for millions.
Drivers face 'significant' law change on jury trials
Motoring experts warn Labour's plan to scrap jury trials for some driving offences is a 'significant change' that could disproportionately impact professional drivers. Learn the risks.
Reform UK ends Conservative control of Worcestershire Council
Reform UK seized minority control of Worcestershire County Council in 2025, ending two decades of Conservative rule. Discover the key events, financial crises, and political defections that reshaped the Midlands.
Farnham Christmas market raises £9,501 for hospice
A festive market at St Thomas on the Bourne Church in Farnham has raised a magnificent £9,501.74 for the Phyllis Tuckwell hospice charity. The funds will support vital palliative care for local families.
Judges Widening PIP Eligibility, Report Warns
A new report reveals judges are widening PIP eligibility, costing billions. The DWP faces calls for reform as claims surge. Read the latest on the welfare system overhaul.
King Charles attends Sandringham church with royals
King Charles III smiled and waved at well-wishers after the Sunday service at St Mary Magdalene Church in Sandringham, joined by other members of the Royal Family. Read the full story.
Family tribute to David Darke after fatal Appleby Magna pub assault
The family of David Darke, 66, pay emotional tribute after he died from injuries sustained in an assault outside The Crown pub in Appleby Magna. Police have re-arrested a 36-year-old man on suspicion of murder.
Reform UK Pledges to Prosecute Civil Servants
Reform UK announces plans to create a new criminal offence for civil servants who 'dishonestly' grant asylum to sex offenders, with potential jail time. Read the full story.
MPs urge new Archbishop to stop £100m slavery payments
A cross-party group of 27 MPs and peers warns the Church of England's £100m slavery reparations plan sets a 'worrying precedent'. Read their full appeal to the incoming Archbishop.
Staffordshire Council to save £2.67m in efficiency review
Staffordshire County Council's Reform UK-led efficiency review identifies £2.67 million in savings, impacting mobile libraries, voluntary sector contracts, and concessionary fares. Details of the financial strategy to be published in January.
Means-Tested State Pension Call for UK from Australian
An Australian with a means-tested pension urges the DWP to adopt the model. Times specialist says the unpopular idea persists because it addresses fiscal pressures.
New Council Tax surcharge rules for £2m+ homes explained
The Valuation Office clarifies how the new High Value Council Tax Surcharge will work for properties over £2 million from 2028. Learn about the targeted valuations and how it aims to create a fairer system.
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