£68m funding boost for Essex bus services
Essex County Council has secured over £68 million in government funding to improve bus reliability, connections, and accessibility across the county. Discover the plans.
Essex County Council has secured over £68 million in government funding to improve bus reliability, connections, and accessibility across the county. Discover the plans.
Walsall Council's spending power is set to rise by 28.5% over three years under a new government funding settlement. Leader Mike Bird welcomes the 'good news' but warns of ongoing challenges.
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.
Eligible Surrey households can claim £300 e-vouchers for nine major supermarkets from January 1. Learn how to apply for this Government-funded cost-of-living support.
Councils in England get a £78bn funding boost with a 3% council tax rise cap. Find out what the new multi-year settlement means for your local services.
A multi-million pound government funding package will add 23 ambulances to the West Midlands fleet, including eight fully electric vehicles by March 2026. Discover how this boosts emergency response.
The Welsh Government is contributing £22m to upgrade Cardiff Central station, a non-devolved asset, to unlock £117.8m in UK funding. The project aims to handle 20 million passengers by 2035.
Chancellor Rachel Reeves commits final £89m public funds for the Lower Thames Crossing, giving the green light for 2026 construction start. The project aims to open in the early 2030s.
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.
Shirebrook Town Council left unable to function after 11 councillors quit. Bolsover District Council appoints temporary members to restore operations. Read the full story.
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.
Sixteen victims of the 2017 Manchester Arena bombing have been awarded nearly £20 million in damages. The settlements follow a public inquiry that found serious security failings. Read the full story.
Labour's Culture Secretary is reviewing BBC funding, with free TV licences for those on benefits among options. Could a £174.50 fee change ease the burden on poorer households?
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.
Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy launches a decade review of the BBC's funding, considering adverts and subscription tiers. Have your say in the public consultation.
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 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.
Millions of UK households face a new TV Licence hike in 2026, pushing the annual cost above £180. The rise, linked to inflation, could see more people cancelling. Read the full details.
Staffordshire County Council filled 15.1% fewer potholes this year. Opposition blames Reform UK's roadworks ban, while the council promises long-term improvements.
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!
Mercedes-Benz announces a major £20 million investment in the UK, creating 150 high-skilled jobs. The government is contributing £10 million to boost the nation's electric vehicle transition. Read the full details.
The Department for Education has broken its silence on a controversial £50m free school in Walsall, defending its process after criticism from MP Valerie Vaz. Read the full story.
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.
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.
Government commissioners will oversee Birmingham City Council until at least 2028. The ongoing bins strike and equal pay liabilities are key challenges slowing the council's recovery.