Worcester empty homes face council tax premium
Worcester City Council plans to charge extra council tax on 200 properties empty for over a year. The move aims to bring homes back into use and generate revenue.
Worcester City Council plans to charge extra council tax on 200 properties empty for over a year. The move aims to bring homes back into use and generate revenue.
Cash-strapped Birmingham City Council is selling the former Birchfield Community Day Nursery in Handsworth at auction on December 10. Guide price is over £300,000 for the 17,513 sq ft site.
Plans to convert the landmark Round House in Wednesbury into a children's home go before Sandwell Council's planning committee on November 26. The unique property features a windmill, tennis court and pool.
Worcestershire County Council paid PwC £325,000 to devise 'One Worcestershire' unitary authority plans. The controversial cost was revealed during a scrutiny panel meeting.
Millions of UK households face council tax hikes of up to 10% as Labour considers removing the referendum requirement. Discover how this affects you.
Sandwell Council approves 24-hour casino operation on Bearwood Road despite police warnings of increased crime and public health concerns about significant harm to community.
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.
Sandwell Council prevented a £750,000 right-to-buy scam as tenants rushed to beat a discount deadline. Discover how the council protected public funds and housing stock.
New figures reveal 3.7 million people receive Council Tax Reduction, but many more eligible households are missing out on vital savings. Age UK explains eligibility and how to claim.
West Midlands Police and environmental health object to Liam's Lounge in Oldbury extending hours to 2.30am, citing noise concerns for residents. Read the full story.
Thousands of disabled Universal Credit claimants in Somerset face council tax bills of up to £1,000 after a local scheme change. Discover the impact and council's response.
John's Booze in West Bromwich has had its licence revoked after being caught selling alcohol to a child and stocking illicit items including Viagra and oversized vapes. Discover the full story.
Millions in England receive Council Tax Reduction, but many eligible households are missing out. Discover if you qualify and how to claim support worth hundreds of pounds.
Frustrated Bearwood residents claim DPD vans are taking over their street overnight, leaving permit holders without parking spaces. Sandwell Council responds.
Warwickshire County Council sees staff sickness levels stabilise, but stress and mental health remain the primary driver, accounting for over 16,800 lost days annually.
Birmingham City Council will completely refurbish a widower's mould-ridden council house after his 'inhumane' living conditions were exposed. 67-year-old John Marshall will be moved to temporary accommodation during the works.
Residents on Imran Way in Oldbury report feeling unsafe due to persistent anti-social behaviour including drug use and fireworks. Read more on the community's plea for action.
Sandwell Council and police seized seven untaxed vehicles and issued 18 fines in a major operation targeting abandoned cars causing disruption in Smethwick streets.
Discover the full schedule for Sandwell's 2025 Christmas lights switch-ons. Free family events start in Friar Park this week with live entertainment and festive fun across the borough.
Police release CCTV image after a bus driver was threatened, abused and spat at in Great Bridge. Incident occurred on September 13. Contact Sandwell Police with information.
Discover exactly how your council tax is spent, from social care to bin collections, and understand the key reasons behind rising bills across UK local authorities.
Birmingham City Council rates its industrial relations as 'green' despite ongoing bins strike. Opposition leader brands the assessment 'delusional' in heated council clash.
Sandwell Council plans to install permanent zebra crossings at five schools to solve long-term lollipop patrol vacancies and improve road safety. Find out how this change will benefit the community.
Dudley Council faces union pressure over CCTV recordings capturing staff conversations. UNISON demands answers as investigation continues into data breach allegations.
Birmingham Council's ruling Labour group loses a dramatic vote following defections and the bins strike crisis. Union claims leadership has 'lost grip on power'. Read the full analysis.
Birmingham's bin strike enters its eighth month as union demands council restart negotiations. Thousands of households show support while workers face redundancy.
An empty former British Legion club in Smethwick has been approved for conversion into a nursery for 80 children, creating new childcare and employment opportunities.
Sandwell Council clamps and removes 23 untaxed vehicles near Midland Metropolitan University Hospital. Report abandoned vehicles online to help clean up your area.
Thousands of Birmingham residents are facing surprise council tax bills following a major change to council tax support. Discover who's affected and what you need to do.
Sandwell Council faces mounting criticism as new data reveals a critical shortage of housing developments in the borough, with local leaders blaming planning delays and bureaucratic hurdles for the growing crisis.