Unregistered Children's Homes Charge £30,000 a Week
Ofsted warns of a 'shadow market' in children's care, with nearly 900 investigations launched into unregistered homes charging exorbitant fees. Urgent government action is demanded.
Category : Search result: local government funding crisis
Union Chief: Gov Must Focus on Cost-of-Living in 2026
TUC leader Paul Nowak urges the Government to prioritise living standards in 2026, warning of political consequences. Survey reveals one in five skip meals daily.
Solihull 2025 Planning Appeals: Wins and Losses
A look back at the key planning appeals in Solihull for 2025, where residents challenged council refusals. Discover which decisions were overturned by the government inspector.
Reeves Approves £89m for Lower Thames Crossing Road Project
Chancellor Rachel Reeves commits final £89m public funds for the Lower Thames Crossing, giving the green light for 2026 construction start. The project aims to open in the early 2030s.
Birmingham landlord's Christmas plea to save local pubs
A Birmingham landlord urges locals to support their pub this Christmas as closures hit 'unprecedented rate' and business rates threaten a 15% hike. Protect your local.
UK Palestine Hunger Strikers Hospitalised
Two activists on a prolonged hunger strike for Gaza have been rushed to hospital with severe health deterioration. Read their demands and the government's response.
West Midlands Police faces £40m funding cut
West Midlands Police could lose £41.1m in funding, risking further cuts to officers. Crime Commissioner Simon Foster warns of a 'postcode lottery' and fewer police on streets.
Leasehold reform delay hits 5.2 million UK households
Vital leasehold reforms, including a rent cap, are delayed until 2026, leaving millions in limbo. Discover what this means for homeowners and the political fallout.
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.
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.
Free TV Licence Plan for Benefit Claimants Under Review
Labour's Culture Secretary is reviewing BBC funding, with free TV licences for those on benefits among options. Could a £174.50 fee change ease the burden on poorer households?
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.
Wem Rotary Club gets £3,000 Persimmon Homes grant
Persimmon Homes West Midlands has donated £3,000 to Wem and District Rotary Club via its Community Champions scheme. The funds will support local people through events, youth activities, and tackling isolation.
Planned Solihull Special School Scrapped After Funding Shift
A planned 150-place special school in Shirley, Solihull, has been cancelled after the government redirected £3bn to create specialist places in mainstream schools. Council leader expresses disappointment.
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.
Council to refund second home tax after legal error
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.
Six-month waits for council answers in Dudley
A Dudley councillor reveals residents wait up to six months for help with potholes and home repairs due to staffing issues, not technology. Read the full investigation.
New Child Poverty Strategy Lifts Two-Child Benefit Cap
The UK Government has launched its most significant child poverty plan in years, aiming to lift 550,000 children out of poverty by 2030. Key measures include lifting the two-child benefit cap and tackling temporary accommodation. Read the full details.
£246m for West of England bus service improvements
The government has announced a £246m funding package for bus services across the West of England. Local authorities will decide how to spend the money on new vehicles, infrastructure, and keeping fares low.
£264m funding for faster, cheaper West Midlands buses
A £264.1 million government funding package will transform bus services in Birmingham and the West Midlands, aiming for lower fares and more reliable journeys. Discover how this investment will impact your commute.
Mercedes-Benz £20m UK investment creates 150 jobs
Mercedes-Benz announces a major £20 million investment in the UK, creating 150 high-skilled jobs. The government is contributing £10 million to boost the nation's electric vehicle transition. Read the full details.
Hospice funding crisis leaves 380 beds empty
Hospice UK warns of unsustainable funding as bed closures rise. The government's new palliative care framework offers hope, but immediate financial support is missing from the budget.
Dudley's £8k Parish Council Plan Soundly Rejected
A row erupts in Dudley as a £8,000 consultation for a new Cradley parish council is overwhelmingly rejected by residents. Calls for apologies over 'waste' of taxpayer cash. Full story.
Gloucester Council Seeks £17.5m Government Bailout
Gloucester City Council faces a 'financial black hole' and is applying for up to £17.5m in emergency government loans to avoid effective bankruptcy, with severe cuts to services planned.
Birmingham Council commissioners extended until at least 2028
Government commissioners will oversee Birmingham City Council until at least 2028. The ongoing bins strike and equal pay liabilities are key challenges slowing the council's recovery.
Dudley's £56m SEND funding crisis explained
Dudley Council faces a £56m SEND funding black hole despite a national budget change. Discover the local crisis and what the future holds for special needs provision.
Dudley's £56m SEND deficit 'bomb' unresolved
Dudley Council awaits answers on a £56m SEND funding deficit despite a new national policy. The financial 'bomb' could still push the authority towards effective bankruptcy. Read the latest.
Anger over 'shoot' comment at Darlaston council meeting
A public meeting in Darlaston descends into controversy after a 'shoot' comment is met with laughter. Residents and board members clash over £20 million government funding.
Solihull Council uses AI to tackle £2.7m debt
Facing a £2.7m debt, Solihull Council is investing over £630,000 in an AI programme to generate significant savings, following the lead of other local authorities.
Cradley rejects parish council in £8k survey
Dudley taxpayers foot an £8,000 bill for a feasibility study, with over 80% of Cradley residents voting against a new parish council. Discover the political fallout.
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