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 authority placements
Ryanair Appeals €256m Italian Fine Over 'Bizarre' Ruling
Ryanair vows immediate appeal against a €256m fine from Italy's competition watchdog, calling the ruling 'legally unsound' and a threat to low fares. Read the full story.
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.
Hays Travel acquisitions paused by competition watchdog
The Competition and Markets Authority has ordered Sunderland's Hays Travel to pause integrating Polka Dot and Millington Travel. Read the full details of the investigation.
CMA warns drivers paying too much for fuel
The UK's competition watchdog says drivers are likely overpaying for fuel due to high retailer margins. A new 'fuel finder' scheme aims to boost transparency and competition.
CMA warns of 'weak' competition in UK fuel market
The UK competition watchdog finds fuel retailers' profit margins remain 'persistently high', with weak competition keeping pump prices up. New fuel finder scheme aims to empower motorists.
CMA: Fuel margins 'unexplained', competition weak
A new CMA report warns UK petrol and diesel drivers face persistently high fuel margins that cannot be explained by operating costs. Find out what this means for pump prices.
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.
CMA Investigates ABF's Hovis Takeover
The UK's competition watchdog has launched a formal investigation into Associated British Foods' purchase of Hovis. The outcome could reshape the British bread market. Read the full details.
FCA investigates WHSmith after major accounting error
The Financial Conduct Authority has opened an investigation into WHSmith following a significant accounting failure in its North American arm that wiped £600m from its value. Read the latest.
WH Smith recovers bonuses after £50m accounting error
WH Smith launches clawback of executive bonuses as the FCA investigates a £50m profit overstatement in its US arm. The retailer pledges governance reforms.
West Midlands transport staff strike over pay dispute
Bus station workers and customer service staff in the West Midlands walk out for a second time, rejecting a 3.2% pay offer. UNISON warns of disruption to transport and projects.
Edgbaston's historic stands demolished for £46m redevelopment
Demolition starts on Edgbaston's Raglan and Priory Stands, paving the way for a new £46m stand and Radisson RED hotel ahead of the 2027 Ashes. The project will boost jobs and the local economy.
Labour's Two-Year Plan for UK Crypto Regulation
The UK government announces a two-year timeline to bring crypto firms under FCA regulation, aiming to boost innovation and consumer protection. Read the full details.
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.
Bus franchising threatens Liverpool matchday travel business
Tony Mullane fears his £2 taxi-bus service for Liverpool FC fans could be squeezed out as the city region moves to a publicly controlled bus network. Read his story and the Combined Authority's response.
Young benefit claimants warned over new DWP rules
Young Universal Credit claimants risk losing payments if they refuse job offers under strict new DWP rules. The scheme targets 900,000 people to cut the welfare bill. 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.
DWP's new anti-fraud powers to save £1.5bn
The DWP unveils a major crackdown on benefit fraud with new data powers to prevent overpayments and recover billions. Discover the new 'no hiding place' measures.
Sandwell Council's Week: Key Decisions Revealed
From a controversial 24/7 casino approval to a rejected 'battery farm' HMO and a UK-first robotic pharmacy. Get the full update on Sandwell Council's major decisions this week.
FCA Probes WHSmith Over £600m Accounting Blunder
The Financial Conduct Authority is investigating WHSmith after a £50m accounting error wiped £600m from its market value. Read the latest on the executive fallout.
Calls to Continue West Midlands Business Growth Scheme
A West Midlands programme has helped 2,000 SMEs secure £4.2m. Businesses urge its continuation as funding ends in March 2026. Read more and see how to attend the final summit.
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.
Child abuse survivor gets £250k compensation for trauma
Chloe Brinn, 28, receives £250k compensation after childhood sexual abuse led to psychosis and inability to work. Read her powerful story of survival and justice.
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.
Call for probe into West Midlands bus use decline
Solihull councillor demands investigation into why people avoid buses despite regular services. West Midlands Mayor agrees to research boosting public transport patronage.
20,000 Youth Training Pledges in West Midlands
West Midlands Mayor launches Youth Plan to create 20,000 training opportunities, tackling youth unemployment rates double the national average in some areas.
New £120,000 protection for UK bank accounts
UK bank deposit protection soars to £120,000 from December 1st. Discover how this 41% increase safeguards your savings and boosts financial confidence.
West Midlands Tram Fare Increase Approved for 2025
West Midlands Metro tram fares are set to increase in the new year. The hike, approved by transport bosses, aims to ensure the network's long-term financial sustainability.
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