Category : Council Budget


Birmingham Budget Row: 'Smoke and Mirrors' Claim

Birmingham's Labour council unveils its 2026/27 budget, claiming to have closed a £300m gap and shed its 'bankrupt' tag, but opposition councillors dismiss it as deceptive amid ongoing service cuts and tax hikes.

Birmingham Council Tax Rise: 5% Increase Proposed

Birmingham City Council has advanced plans for a 4.99% council tax increase for 2026/27, potentially raising Band D bills by over £116. The Labour-run authority claims it has closed a £300 million budget gap.

New EV Mileage Tax Announced by Rachel Reeves

Chancellor Rachel Reeves confirms a new pay-per-mile tax for electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles, set to begin in April 2028, sparking debate over fairness and cost-of-living impacts.

New £200 Crisis Fund for Households Announced

The Government has confirmed a new £200 Crisis and Resilience Fund to replace the Household Support Fund from April, offering cash payments for essentials like food and energy bills.

£147 Bill Hike for Households from April

Millions of households will see water and council tax bills increase by £147 annually from April, though energy bill reductions and benefit rises may offset some costs.

Council Tax Break: February Bills Reduced to £0

Most households in England will see council tax bills drop to £0 in February 2026, part of a two-month payment break. This comes ahead of major reforms introducing new bands for high-value properties from 2028.

Councils Hand Out £300 Household Support Fund

Local authorities across England are distributing payments of up to £300 to eligible households through the government's Household Support Fund scheme, with a deadline of March 31, 2026.

Page 1 of 8