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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Wales children's care costs soar despite profit ban
Welsh councils reveal children's care costs have doubled after profit elimination policy drove providers away. Authorities face £400m budget shortfall and service cuts.
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 Council Tax Crisis: 10,000+ Face Legal Action
Exclusive investigation reveals thousands of West Midlands households in council tax arrears, with mounting debt crisis hitting vulnerable families hardest. Discover the human impact and support available.
Emergency Cost of Living Packs Sent to UK Households
Vulnerable households nationwide are receiving emergency support packages containing essential items as fuel poverty reaches critical levels this winter.
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