£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.
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.
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.
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.
Solihull Council warns residents of potential council tax increases above 4.99% in future years to address substantial funding shortfalls, despite avoiding hikes this year.
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RecommendedTamworth Borough Council proposes a 2.99% council tax rise and 4.8% rent increase from April, alongside funding changes and savings measures.
Official figures reveal a £39bn public sector pensions bill for taxpayers this year, with costs rising 26% since 2023-24. Think tanks warn the situation is unsustainable.
Chancellor Rachel Reeves confirms the Warm Home Discount scheme will continue for five years, providing £150 energy bill relief to low-income households.
The West of England Combined Authority proposes a 9% budget increase to £416m for 2026-27, with £7m for pothole repairs, £11m for housing, and support for cultural projects like Fashion Museum Bath.
East Riding of Yorkshire Council announces one-off £250 payments for working households not on DWP benefits or Universal Credit who face financial hardship.
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RecommendedDozens of councils plan to increase council tax by up to 4.99% while reducing bin collections, road repairs, and other services due to an £11bn funding shortfall.
The Department for Work and Pensions is distributing funds through local councils to provide financial support to vulnerable households facing rising living costs.
Halton Council plans to leave its iconic Municipal Building in Widnes after a review found it has double the office space needed. The move aims to save millions from a £10m property bill.
An extra £2 million has been approved to complete the transformation of Isaac Maddox House into a modern enterprise centre, bringing jobs to a key area of Worcester.
Hereford & Worcester Fire and Rescue Service faces another £1.2m shortfall, forcing the chief to warn that frontline services may soon be impacted. Read the full funding crisis details.
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RecommendedCouncil leader Karen Grinsell insists Solihull will meet its legal duty to set a balanced budget despite a forecast £2.7m deficit. Opposition raises concerns over service cuts.
Chancellor Rachel Reeves confirms a new Crisis and Resilience Fund will launch in April, offering financial support to households struggling with living costs. Learn how to apply.
The ongoing bin strike in Birmingham could cost the council £19 million by March, equating to £42,000 daily. Read the latest on the financial impact and deadlocked talks.
UK households face higher bills as 11 tax changes take effect in 2026, from alcohol duty to council tax hikes. Discover the key dates and costs.
Londoners face a £20 council tax increase to fund a major police crackdown on phone theft gangs. Mayor Sadiq Khan says the rise is a 'difficult decision' for safety. Read the full list of affected boroughs.
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RecommendedDudley Council's finance chief launches a blistering attack on Labour MPs, dismissing claims of a £76m funding boost as 'financial gaslighting'. Read the full budget clash details.
A public petition urges HMRC to raise the personal tax allowance to £15,597 and the higher-rate threshold to £62,379 to combat 'stealth tax' fiscal drag. The government must respond if it reaches 10,000 signatures.
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.
Plymouth City Council is petitioning the Government for £25.7m in extra funding to cover soaring social care costs, as it faces a £17m budget shortfall. Read the full story.
DWP forecasts reveal welfare spending will cost the average UK household £12,266 per year by 2031, a £2,300 rise from 2023. Find out what's driving the increase.
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RecommendedBirmingham City Council has sold over 1,000 properties and plots of land, raising £250m to tackle its financial woes. Discover the full scale of the asset sales and what it means for the city's future.
Chancellor Rachel Reeves has extended the Warm Home Discount scheme. All Universal Credit households now qualify for a £150 energy bill boost this winter. Find out if you're eligible.
Six affluent London and South East authorities can increase council tax by more than 5% for two years without a local vote. Residents face steep hikes as funding shifts to deprived areas.
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.
With a £27bn budget, the next Welsh Government could free up over £1bn annually through smarter spending on procurement and tech to directly help families with energy and childcare bills.
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RecommendedDudley Council proposes fee increases for services like pest control and cremation to add £2.5m to its budget. Key votes set for January and February 2026.