38 councils to double council tax on second homes
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.
Category : Search result: council response
Drivers back defibrillators in all new cars in England
New polling shows majority support for equipping all new cars with defibrillators, a move campaigners say could turn vehicles into 'mini ambulances' and save thousands of lives.
Birmingham leader on 'grown up' talks not 'megaphone war'
Birmingham City Council leader John Cotton explains his 'practical' approach to tackling child poverty, defending his relationship with government ministers. Read his full Q&A.
400,000 homes in wrong council tax band
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.
Scala Theatre renovation costs rise by £590,000
Worcester City Council approves extra funding for the Scala Theatre renovation, citing fire safety and National Insurance costs. The £16.2m project remains on track for its 2026 opening.
Dudley's most popular 2025 petition debated by council
A petition on housing asylum seekers in Dudley, gaining over 3,000 signatures, triggered a full council debate. Discover the other local issues that mobilised residents in 2025.
Derby Council hires security for flag removal after threats
Derby City Council has spent £1,400 on security guards to protect workers removing England and Union flags following 'threatening behaviour'. Full details on the council's U-turn and costs revealed.
Staffordshire Council to save £2.67m in efficiency review
Staffordshire County Council's Reform UK-led efficiency review identifies £2.67 million in savings, impacting mobile libraries, voluntary sector contracts, and concessionary fares. Details of the financial strategy to be published in January.
Birmingham bin strike chaos: Queues, JCBs and police calls
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.
New Council Tax surcharge rules for £2m+ homes explained
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.
Police Save Man Found Unconscious in Car in Nottingham
Quick-thinking Nottinghamshire Police officers performed CPR on a man in his 30s found slumped in his car on Woodhouse Way. Read how their decisive actions saved a life.
Walsall Manor Hospital to hold emergency drills on 7 dates
Walsall Healthcare NHS Trust announces seven dates for emergency response exercises at Walsall Manor Hospital. Public informed to avoid unnecessary concern over specialist vehicles.
Warwickshire Council Leader Defies Vote on School Transport
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's Harborne Day Centre to become food store
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 Council Sells Alpha Tower Amid Bankruptcy
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.
Birmingham's 2026 leaders face strict financial controls
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.
Calls to reverse Dudley's grit bin policy
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.
Birmingham's new council leaders will have limited freedom
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.
Birmingham's Longest Council Home Wait Times Revealed
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.
Birmingham housing wait hits 250 weeks in Quinton
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.
Council 'Paralysed' After Mass Resignations
Shirebrook Town Council left unable to function after 11 councillors quit. Bolsover District Council appoints temporary members to restore operations. Read the full story.
Birmingham City Council approves Alpha Tower sale
Birmingham City Council approves the sale of the iconic Alpha Tower to aid its financial recovery. Read the full story and reactions from local councillors.
Dudley Council's £75.9m funding sparks political debate
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.
Council fixers may stay in Birmingham until 2028
The government's lead commissioner warns a 'that'll do' attitude must be broken for Birmingham City Council to recover. Key financial deadlines are set for early 2025.
Birmingham Council gets major funding boost after bankruptcy
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.
Dudley's carbon cut warning over 'false accounting'
Dudley Council reports a 17% drop in emissions, but a councillor warns selling buildings to the private sector risks 'false accounting' on climate progress. Read the full debate.
Birmingham Council plans sale of iconic Alpha Tower
Birmingham City Council proposes selling the freehold of the Grade II listed Alpha Tower to aid its financial recovery. Key committee vote set for December 16.
Dudley parking debate halted by flags and pubs row
A crucial debate on cutting parking charges was delayed after lengthy discussions on pub rates and council flag policy. Council leader brands debate 'bloody nonsense'.
Birmingham Council: Legal Challenge, Bins Strike & Shark Suit
A week of drama at Birmingham City Council includes a legal threat over regeneration, ongoing bins strike chaos, and a shark-suited spectator. Get the full update.
Fire Service Call-Outs Jump 22% Amid Climate Change
Staffordshire firefighters attended over 1,000 extra emergencies this summer as wildfires surged. The chief fire officer warns climate change is now a year-round operational reality. Read the full report.
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