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Birmingham Council Budget Collapses as Labour Loses Control

Birmingham Council Budget Fails in Dramatic Meeting

Birmingham City Council's Labour leadership failed to pass its annual budget, forcing adjournment and emergency negotiations ahead of a legal deadline, revealing deep internal divisions and political uncertainty.

Sandwell Council Approves 4.99% Tax Rise, Average Bill Up £111 Annually

Sandwell Council Tax Rise Adds £111 to Average Bill

Sandwell Council has approved a 4.99% council tax increase for 2026/27, raising the average Band D bill by £111. The budget includes investments in roads, parks, CCTV, and recycling centers, alongside £8m in cuts and savings.

Fourth Solihull Tory Councillor Defects to Reform UK Ahead of Elections

Fourth Solihull Tory Councillor Joins Reform UK

Councillor Prish Sharma has left the ruling Conservative group on Solihull Council to join Reform UK, becoming the fourth defector. The move comes ahead of crucial local elections and budget meetings.

Reeves' £150 Energy Pledge Undermined by Rising Network Costs

Reeves' £150 Energy Pledge Hit by Network Costs

Chancellor Rachel Reeves' promised £150 energy saving has been partially eroded by rising infrastructure costs, despite a 7% drop in the Ofgem price cap. The actual reduction falls short of initial targets.

Jewellery Quarter Redevelopment Decision Deferred Over Character Concerns

Jewellery Quarter Scheme Delayed Amid Character Fears

Plans for 269 apartments in Birmingham's Jewellery Quarter have been deferred after a councillor warned the development could 'chip away' at the area's historic character. The scheme proposes retaining a Grade II listed building.

DWP Warns Millions of Claimants of New Bank Account Check Powers

DWP's New Bank Account Check Powers for Benefit Fraud

The DWP has issued a warning to millions of claimants about its three main powers for bank account checks under new fraud laws. A consultation on strict rules ends February 27, with £45 billion overpaid since the pandemic.

Rachel Reeves Issues Warning to Pensioners Earning Over £35,000

Pensioners Over £35,000 Face Winter Fuel Payment Clawback

Chancellor Rachel Reeves has announced new financial rules affecting state pensioners with incomes exceeding £35,000. These individuals will see deductions from their payments as HMRC recovers Winter Fuel Payments they no longer qualify for.

Chancellor Rachel Reeves Confirms £117 Energy Bill Cut for All UK Households

Rachel Reeves Confirms £117 Energy Bill Cut for UK Households

Millions of UK households will see energy bills fall by £117 on average from April 1, as Chancellor Rachel Reeves confirms the new Energy Price Cap. The reduction, though lower than initial targets, offers relief amid the ongoing cost of living crisis.

Edenbridge Operator Licence Bid: Public Representations Open Until March 12

Edenbridge Operator Licence Bid: Public Input Sought

Benjamin Taylor seeks a goods vehicle operator's licence for Gaywood Farm in Edenbridge, proposing two vehicles. Residents can submit written representations to the Traffic Commissioner by March 12, 2026, if concerned about traffic, parking, or noise impa

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