Midland Councils Ask to Delay May Local Elections
Redditch and Rugby are among 16 authorities requesting to postpone May's local elections due to a major government reorganisation. Critics claim Labour is 'running scared'.
Redditch and Rugby are among 16 authorities requesting to postpone May's local elections due to a major government reorganisation. Critics claim Labour is 'running scared'.
Dudley 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.
Households in the UK could see their council tax bills reduced to zero if a resident has a severe mental impairment and receives certain DWP benefits. Find out if you qualify.
Bridgend Athletic RFC celebrates as four junior teams reach District Cup Finals in April. Discover how the club's youth development is building a bright future for rugby.
Persimmon Homes West Wales has donated £1,000 to Ystradgynlais RFC via its Community Champions scheme, supporting the historic club's youth development and community role.
A man and woman from Rugby have pleaded not guilty to five new charges relating to the death of 13-month-old Isabella Stasiak. Their trial is set for October 2026.
A Coventry councillor will urge the authority to explore a four-day week for staff to boost morale and save money. The motion will be debated next week.
A Rugby Borough Council panel will decide whether to ask the government to cancel May's local elections, citing a £160k saving and upcoming council reorganisation. Read the full story.
Solihull Council has significantly reduced its workforce by 158 posts, saving £2m via a paid-resignation scheme. Agency worker costs also fell by over 36%. Read the full financial scrutiny report.
Martin Lewis highlights the Severe Mental Impairment council tax discount, which can cut bills to zero for eligible households. Learn if you qualify and how to claim.
Millions of UK households will get a two-month council tax break in 2026 ahead of new property bands. Find out if you're eligible and how the new high-value surcharge will work.
A beloved Rugby café, Treacles At Mosaic, has shut its doors for good. Owners Michelle and Tony Edkin thanked their 'family' of customers, blaming rising business costs as the deciding factor for the closure.
New data reveals the shortest and longest council house waiting times across Birmingham wards, with Holyhead at 30 weeks and Quinton at 250 weeks. Discover the full list and council advice.
Lloyds data reveals the UK's top property towns for 2025, with Plymouth leading and two West Midlands locations making the list. Discover the full ranking and price growth.
Up to 12,300 second-home owners face a 100% council tax surcharge as 38 more English councils activate new powers from April. See the full list of affected areas.
Players from Cardiff Rugby and Cardiff City FC spread festive magic at Tŷ Hafan Children's Hospice in Sully, meeting families and drawing the Christmas raffle. Discover how the clubs support this vital charity.
Five men face charges after a large-scale disorder involving knives erupted at a Rugby pub on Boxing Day night. Police are appealing for witnesses and video footage.
Up to 400,000 UK homes may be in the wrong council tax band due to flawed 1991 valuations. Check your band now and challenge it to potentially claim thousands in backdated refunds.
Councillor Jerry Roodhouse uses his personal cancer journey to champion a new health partnership for Rugby, aiming for local, compassionate care. The motion won unanimous support.
As Birmingham's 2025 bin strike dragged on, mobile waste centres were swamped. We revisit the chaos, fly-tipping and the community efforts that followed. Read the full story.
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.
Warwickshire's Reform UK leader vows to ignore council vote demanding he withdraw a letter to government seeking powers to cut school transport costs. Opposition unites against the move.
Birmingham City Council approves sale of former Harborne Day Centre site for a new food store, part of property sales to tackle financial crisis. Read the full story.
Birmingham City Council approves the sale of the Grade II listed Alpha Tower to aid its financial recovery. The move follows the council's effective bankruptcy declaration in 2023. Read the full story.
Future Birmingham council leaders elected in 2026 will lack full autonomy, bound by a government-imposed action plan to ensure financial stability. Discover the binding roadmap for recovery.
Campaigners demand Dudley Council reinstates 500 removed grit bins, warning the cost-cutting move risks safety on icy hills. Read the full story and see the petition.
Government commissioners will oversee Birmingham City Council after the 2026 elections, restricting new leaders' autonomy with a strict action plan. Discover the roadmap for recovery.
New data shows Birmingham residents face waits up to 250 weeks for social housing. Discover the worst-hit areas and how the council's system works.
New data reveals 16 Birmingham areas are 'red zones' for council housing waits, with Quinton's 250-week lead. Discover the full list and official advice for applicants.
Shirebrook Town Council left unable to function after 11 councillors quit. Bolsover District Council appoints temporary members to restore operations. Read the full story.