Midlands councils among 27 seeking election delays
At least 27 local authorities, including Redditch and Rugby, have requested to postpone May's elections due to a major local government restructuring. Read the latest.
At least 27 local authorities, including Redditch and Rugby, have requested to postpone May's elections due to a major local government restructuring. Read the latest.
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.
Poundland confirms nine new store closures across England, part of a major restructuring that has seen over 100 shops shut since June 2025. See the full list of affected locations and dates.
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.
High street fashion giant River Island is permanently shutting at least 27 stores this month as part of a major restructuring plan. The closures, including a Birmingham location, aim to secure the brand's future.
River Island begins closing 33 UK stores this week, including its Sutton Coldfield branch. The High Court-approved plan aims to save over 140 shops and thousands of jobs. Full list of closures inside.
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.
Fashion retailer River Island is closing nine more branches by January 18, including in Sutton Coldfield. This follows a major plan to reduce its estate from 250 to 122 shops.
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.
Poundland begins 2026 with 12 store closures this January, part of a plan to shut over 100 shops. Full list of locations and dates inside.
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.
Fashion retailer River Island is shutting 33 high street stores across the UK in January as part of a court-approved restructuring plan. See the full list of closures.
Global recruitment specialist Visuna reports early signs of market recovery following a strategic restructure. The employee-owned firm saw turnover rise to £109.5m despite profit dips. Read the full analysis.
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.
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.
Major UK fast food chain Leon shuts seven locations and cuts 200 jobs after entering administration. CEO blames high taxes and market challenges. Read the full story.
High street fashion chain River Island will close 33 UK stores by end of January 2026 as part of a court-approved restructuring plan. See the full list of affected locations.
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.
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.
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 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.