Birmingham Council Proposes 4.99% Tax Rise in Budget
Birmingham City Council has advanced plans for a 4.99% council tax increase for 2026/27, marking a step in its recovery from effective bankruptcy declared in 2023.
Category : Politics
MP Forces Disclosure on Mandelson-Epstein Scandal
Brentwood MP Alex Burghart details the six-hour debate that compelled the government to release documents on Peter Mandelson's appointment and his Epstein ties.
£500k MOD Funding for Armed Forces Day Events
The Ministry of Defence is offering up to £500,000 in matched funding for community Armed Forces Day events this June, with grants of up to £10,000 available for organisers nationwide.
Winter Fuel Payment Deadline: Claim by March 31
The DWP warns pensioners of a crucial March 31, 2026 deadline to manually claim Winter Fuel Payments. Those not receiving State Pension automatically must apply to secure up to £300 for heating costs.
Seven Councils Allowed Above-Average Council Tax Rises
Seven English councils have been granted special permission to raise council tax beyond the standard 5% limit, with some allowed increases up to 9%, as part of a new three-year funding settlement.
Royal Mail: 127 Postcodes Face Major Delivery Delays
Royal Mail has issued a warning as 127 postcodes across the UK face significant delivery delays due to high levels of staff sickness, with targeted support being deployed.
Druids Heath Regeneration Delayed After Legal Challenge
A Birmingham councillor calls for transparency after the High Court quashes planning permission for the Druids Heath regeneration scheme, citing concerns over affordable housing.
Birmingham's 'Rat Tax' to Increase Again
Birmingham City Council plans to raise its pest control charge for rats to £27.60, a 4.55% hike, as part of broader fee increases amid an ongoing bins strike.
Seven Councils Allowed Above 5% Council Tax Rises
Seven local authorities have received special permission to increase council tax beyond the standard 5% cap, with some allowed rises up to 9% to address financial pressures.
Birmingham's 'Rat Tax' Set to Rise Again
Birmingham City Council proposes increasing its controversial pest control charge for rats to £27.60, part of wider service fee hikes as the authority navigates post-bankruptcy financial challenges.
New Dog Law: £1,000 Fines for Livestock Disturbance
A major update to dog control laws in England and Wales takes effect on March 18, 2026, introducing stricter penalties for owners whose dogs alarm livestock.
Chelmsford WASPI Women Demand Justice Over Pension Age
MP Marie Goldman meets Chelmsford women affected by state pension age changes, hearing powerful stories of financial hardship and campaigning for compensation.
Olton Children's Home Plan Rejected Again
Solihull Council has refused a second application for a children's care home in Olton following significant local opposition and a 60-signature petition against the proposal.
Burnham's £3bn Budget for Manchester Growth
Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham is set to approve a £3 billion budget, focusing on transport, housing, and culture to ensure economic benefits reach all boroughs.
Warrington Council's £275m Property Liability Revealed
Warrington Borough Council discloses a £275 million potential liability in its commercial property portfolio as part of a revised £130 million budget gap, with finance chief admitting 'we borrowed too much'.
Birmingham Labour Councillors Quit Local Elections
Two senior Birmingham City Council Labour members, Jamie Tennant and Jayne Francis, have withdrawn from the 2026 local elections for personal reasons, impacting the party's majority.
Council Monitoring Flag Row Tensions in Birmingham
Birmingham City Council says it is monitoring the situation after national flags were raised and removed in Moseley and Stirchley, causing community divisions and police involvement.
Birmingham Council Leader Backs Starmer as PM Faces Pressure
Birmingham City Council leader John Cotton publicly supports Prime Minister Keir Starmer, emphasising Labour's focus on improving lives rather than leadership changes during council recovery.
Mid Sussex Adopts New Street Trading Rules
Mid Sussex District Council has designated all streets as consent streets from April 2026, with specific prohibited locations. Traders must obtain council consent.
Gibfield Park: 500 Homes & Country Park Plans
Plans for Gibfield Park near Atherton include 500 homes, 45,500 sqm of employment space, a new trunk road, and a 29-hectare country park, as part of the NorthFold growth corridor strategy.
Plymstock Service Station Licence Variation Application
Motor Fuel Limited seeks Plymouth City Council approval to vary the premises licence for Plymstock Pomphlett Road Service Station, allowing extensions and condition changes.
DWP Permanent Secretary Peter Schofield Announces Departure
The Department for Work and Pensions confirms permanent secretary Peter Schofield will step down this summer after eight years leading the department overseeing 24 million benefits claimants.
Solihull Town Centre Plans Approved Amid Opposition
Solihull Council has unanimously approved ambitious multi-million pound plans to transform Mell Square, despite vocal opposition from residents and former councillors concerned about parking and heritage.
Birmingham Council Proposes New Service Charge Rises
Birmingham residents face fresh price hikes for council services including leisure, parking, and pest control as the authority presents its budget plans for the coming financial year.
Dudley Council Accused of Railroading Rent Increases
Dudley Council faces criticism for holding a crucial scrutiny meeting on proposed 4.8% rent increases behind closed doors, sparking transparency concerns.
Birmingham Council's Budget Balanced After Bankruptcy
Birmingham City Council's cabinet will discuss a balanced budget for 2026-27, marking recovery from 2023 bankruptcy with a 24% per head spending increase due to new government funding formulas.
Starmer's Communications Chief Quits in Second Blow
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer faces another resignation as his director of communications steps down, following the departure of his chief of staff within 24 hours.
Solihull Approves Mell Square Redevelopment as Holbeche Place
Solihull Council has granted approval for the major redevelopment of Mell Square, now named Holbeche Place, featuring up to 1,600 homes, retail, and public spaces.
New EV Mileage Tax Announced by Rachel Reeves
Chancellor Rachel Reeves confirms a new pay-per-mile tax for electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles, set to begin in April 2028, sparking debate over fairness and cost-of-living impacts.
Birmingham Shopping Centre Demolition for 2,000 Homes
A major regeneration scheme in Birmingham city centre proposes demolishing Martineau Place shopping centre to build up to 2,000 homes, offices, and retail spaces over ten years.
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