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.
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.
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.
Former soldier Dan Vaughan, who struggled after leaving the army, is rebuilding his life thanks to a veteran-specific HMO scheme in Solihull. Discover how the project offers housing and support.
Vulnerable Blackpool residents can apply for up to £300 in energy bill support. The scheme, funded by the DWP, runs until 31 March 2026. Find out if you qualify and how to apply.
Joanne Lewis, 57, gives up her Christmas to answer calls on Marie Curie's free support line, offering vital emotional support to those facing death and bereavement during the festive season.
Bereavement counsellor Sharon Jenkins from Marie Curie offers practical guidance for managing grief during the festive season, including creating a 'Plan B' and establishing new traditions.
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.
Thousands on Universal Credit and DWP benefits are entitled to a range of Christmas support payments and discounts worth up to £8,297. Discover the key funds available this festive season.
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.
RAF veteran Barrie Griffiths urges Hertfordshire residents to post messages of support for veterans this Christmas via Help for Heroes. Small gestures can combat loneliness.
Redrow South Midlands' Community Fund has awarded £2,600 to three Cambridgeshire organisations, supporting youth sports and adult disability services. Discover how the donations are making a difference.
Struggling families in Leicestershire can claim up to £170 in free supermarket vouchers via the DWP's Household Support Fund. Find out if you're eligible and how to apply.
The DWP's Household Support Fund will pause on 19th December, with payments not restarting until 5th January 2026. Leicestershire residents are urged to check eligibility for food and fuel vouchers.
Barchester Healthcare launches a national campaign with 12 practical tips to support vulnerable people this festive season, highlighting the vital work of carers.
Ramsdale Park Golf Centre celebrates a year of community fundraising, donating £32,000 to Emmanuel House and Cystic Fibrosis support. Discover how members made a difference.
Eligible Cambridgeshire households can apply for a £110 lump sum in supermarket vouchers via the Household Support Fund. Learn the eligibility criteria and how to claim.
UK households can claim special cost of living payments up to £140 in December via the Household Support Fund. Eligibility and amounts vary by local council. Find out if you qualify.
Struggling UK households begin receiving £100 payments via the Household Support Fund. Find out if you're eligible and how to apply for this vital help with energy and food bills.
Low-income households can apply for emergency payments of up to £200 via the Household Support Fund. Apply now to your local council for help with food and energy bills.
Low-income households can apply for emergency cost-of-living payments from councils. Grants of up to £200 can help with food and energy bills. Apply now for pre-Christmas support.
Over 13 million people have reached State Pension age and may qualify for DWP support. Pension Credit provides £4,300 on average to 1.4 million low-income pensioners. Check your eligibility now.
Warwick District Council must repay double council tax charged on second homes after admitting it 'acted outside the law'. A procedural mistake forces a costly U-turn.
Low-income state pensioners in Cheshire West and Chester are eligible for a £100 payment from the Household Support Fund. A bank verification check is required for applications.
Nottingham Council reopens its Household Support Fund, offering 10,000 £100 supermarket vouchers via a random draw. Apply between 1-7 December for vital winter support.
Labour demands apology after £8,000 survey on Cradley parish council, funded as part of a Tory-Lib Dem budget deal, is overwhelmingly rejected by residents. Read the full story.
Sue Ryder invites Leeds to a 'Celebrate a Life' event on Dec 7. Find a supportive space for grief during Grief Awareness Week. Dedicate, reflect, and connect.
The NHS marks Grief Awareness Week, urging the public to be kind and seek support. Discover the symptoms of grief and where to find help during this difficult season.
Struggling UK households can apply for a £150 payment from the Household Support Fund from 9am on Monday 8 December. Find out if you're eligible and how to claim.
Greenwich Council launches new Household Support Grant with £250 payments for vulnerable residents this Christmas. Find out if you qualify for the financial support.
Wakefield Council is distributing £70 supermarket vouchers to pensioners and £50 to families via the Household Support Fund to ease the festive financial burden. Learn who is eligible and how to avoid scams.