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.
Category : Search result: local government IT failure
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.
Condensation inside double glazing is a critical warning sign
Experts warn condensation between window panes signals failed seals, letting heat escape and raising bills. Discover the one fix and repair options before winter.
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.
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.
New Fair Funding Model for Kent Councils Announced
Kent communities welcome a new council funding model based on current need, ending the outdated system that left areas like Dover and Deal struggling. Discover how this change will impact local services.
Solihull Parish Merger Plan Advances to Second Phase
Plans to merge Balsall and Berkswell Parish Councils are progressing to a second consultation. Despite 80% of respondents backing the move, concerns remain over low public engagement and the proposed number of councillors.
Birmingham greengrocer fights closure after 55 years
John Ward, 76, says his Stirchley greengrocer J&H Ward beats supermarkets on price and quality. He warns the community must support him now or the shop will close for good.
Most common MOT failure reason revealed
Lighting and signalling issues are the most common reason for MOT failure. Learn simple weekly checks to ensure your car passes its annual roadworthiness exam.
Council pays £325k consultants for 'super council' plans
Worcestershire County Council paid PwC £325,000 to devise 'One Worcestershire' unitary authority plans. The controversial cost was revealed during a scrutiny panel meeting.
Labour's 10% Council Tax Hike Plan Revealed
Millions of UK households face council tax hikes of up to 10% as Labour considers removing the referendum requirement. Discover how this affects you.
Solihull Council Tax Support Changes Proposed
Solihull Council proposes changes to its council tax support scheme, with 470 vulnerable claimants facing an average £6 weekly reduction. Have your say in the consultation.
Solihull councillor conduct reminder as complaints drop
Solihull councillors receive a conduct reminder after public complaints, though grievances have fallen for the third consecutive year. Read the latest report details.
Blue Islands ceases operations, stranding passengers
Channel Islands carrier Blue Islands suspends all flights, leaving thousands stranded. Second UK regional airline to collapse in three weeks. Find out about refunds and alternative travel options.
MOT Failure Rates: The Best and Worst Cars Revealed
New data reveals the cars most and least likely to fail their MOT test. Discover which models top the list and how to avoid a costly failure with a new online tool.
Silent Kidney Disease a Top 10 Cause of Death
Chronic kidney disease is a silent killer affecting 1 million in the UK. Learn the symptoms and why early detection is crucial for prevention.
Over 3 million MOT fails due to tyre faults
Shocking data reveals over 3 million UK drivers failed MOT tests due to tyre issues. Learn how to check your DOT code and avoid costly failures.
Budget Blow: The Stealth Council Tax Hike
Exclusive investigation reveals how millions of households face significant council tax hikes due to a stealth government policy change, with Birmingham residents among the hardest hit.
West Midlands' 7 Market Towns Need Christmas Visitors
Discover seven picturesque West Midlands market towns where local businesses are counting on festive visitors to survive the crucial Christmas trading period.
Council's £11.5m children's services overspend crisis
Walsall Council reveals staggering £11.5m overspend on children's services, forcing cuts to other vital services as financial pressures mount.
Birmingham Council Sells 1,000 Assets in Bankruptcy Crisis
Exclusive investigation reveals the staggering scale of Birmingham City Council's asset disposal programme, with everything from community centres to office equipment being sold off to tackle the authority's financial crisis.
Zog Energy collapses affecting 15,300 customers
Zog Energy becomes latest casualty of UK energy crisis as regulator Ofgem scrambles to find new supplier for thousands of households left in limbo.
Mum died weeks after hospital sent her home with paracetamol
A grieving daughter demands answers after her 55-year-old mother died from sepsis weeks after being sent home from hospital with mere painkillers, despite showing clear signs of serious infection.
Ex-Council Boss Faces 7-Year Public Office Ban
Ex-Birmingham City Council leader Tahir Ali could be barred from public office for seven years following a standards investigation into taxi licence misconduct during his tenure.
Birmingham Council Faces Pressure for Financial Crisis Inquiry
Calls intensify for an independent investigation into Birmingham City Council's financial collapse as opposition leaders demand transparency and accountability.
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