Dudley finance boss blasts MPs over 'gaslighting' budget row
Dudley Council's finance chief launches a blistering attack on Labour MPs, dismissing claims of a £76m funding boost as 'financial gaslighting'. Read the full budget clash details.
Category : Council Budget
Petition Calls for Major Increase to Tax-Free Allowances
A public petition urges HMRC to raise the personal tax allowance to £15,597 and the higher-rate threshold to £62,379 to combat 'stealth tax' fiscal drag. The government must respond if it reaches 10,000 signatures.
Reform UK Proposes 3.99% Council Tax Rise in Kent
Kent County Council, led by Reform UK, proposes a 3.99% council tax increase for 2026/27, breaking election pledges. Dover and Deal households face paying £67 more annually.
Plymouth Council Seeks £25.7m to Plug £17m Budget Shortfall
Plymouth City Council is petitioning the Government for £25.7m in extra funding to cover soaring social care costs, as it faces a £17m budget shortfall. Read the full story.
DWP change to cost households £12,266 a year by 2031
DWP forecasts reveal welfare spending will cost the average UK household £12,266 per year by 2031, a £2,300 rise from 2023. Find out what's driving the increase.
Birmingham Council sells £250m of property in crisis
Birmingham City Council has sold over 1,000 properties and plots of land, raising £250m to tackle its financial woes. Discover the full scale of the asset sales and what it means for the city's future.
New £150 Cost-of-Living Payment Rules Confirmed
Chancellor Rachel Reeves has extended the Warm Home Discount scheme. All Universal Credit households now qualify for a £150 energy bill boost this winter. Find out if you're eligible.
Six Councils Can Raise Tax Over 5% Without Referendum
Six affluent London and South East authorities can increase council tax by more than 5% for two years without a local vote. Residents face steep hikes as funding shifts to deprived areas.
Reform-led Council Proposes 3.99% Council Tax Increase
Staffordshire County Council, led by Reform UK, proposes a 3.99% council tax rise for 2026/27, below the 4.99% cap. Plan includes £21.5m savings and £5.5m investment in children's services.
Welsh Government must find savings to tackle living costs
With a £27bn budget, the next Welsh Government could free up over £1bn annually through smarter spending on procurement and tech to directly help families with energy and childcare bills.
Dudley Council to hike fees for pest control and cremation
Dudley Council proposes fee increases for services like pest control and cremation to add £2.5m to its budget. Key votes set for January and February 2026.
Walsall Council welcomes major three-year funding settlement
Walsall Council's spending power is set to rise by 28.5% over three years under a new government funding settlement. Leader Mike Bird welcomes the 'good news' but warns of ongoing challenges.
Child Benefit tax trap to hit 35,000 more families
A tax threshold freeze will see 35,000 more families paying the High Income Child Benefit Charge by 2029, experts warn. Learn how this HMRC rule could affect your household budget.
New £525 Cost of Living payments open for applications
Hard-up families in Surrey can apply for combined support of up to £525 from Monday. Two separate council schemes offer cash and vouchers on a first-come, first-served basis.
Tax Freeze to Cost UK Households £500 a Year by 2030
Analysis reveals UK workers on £50k will be £500 worse off annually by decade's end due to extended tax threshold freeze. Discover the full impact of fiscal drag.
£200 Cost-of-Living Payments Open for Applications
Hard-up households across the UK can apply for emergency cash grants from their local council, even if not on benefits. Find out how to access the Household Support Fund.
Council Tax Break: Two-Month Holiday for UK Homes in 2026
Millions of UK households will get a two-month council tax break in 2026 ahead of new property bands. Find out if you're eligible and how the new high-value surcharge will work.
New £300 Cost of Living Payments Announced for UK
Eligible households in Bournemouth, Christchurch, and Poole can apply for new £300 support grants. The final application window closes on 30 January 2026. Act now to secure vital help.
350,000 families could get extra DWP handouts
New analysis reveals nearly 350,000 foreign-born families could receive increased welfare payments following Labour's Autumn Budget, sparking political controversy. Discover the key figures and reactions.
UK households to lose £15,000 spending power by 2029
UK households face a real-terms loss exceeding £15,000 in spending power by 2029 due to frozen tax thresholds and policy measures, hitting 'HENRY' earners hardest. Read the full analysis.
Seven Ways UK Households Pay More Tax in 2026
Chancellor Rachel Reeves's tax changes for 2026 will impact millions. From frozen thresholds to new levies, discover the seven key ways your finances will be affected. Read the full analysis.
Tax threshold freeze to cost workers £505, says think tank
A think tank warns a freeze on income tax bands until 2031 will leave a £50k earner £505 worse off, while benefits rise. Discover the full analysis of this 'stealth tax'.
Harborne Day Centre site sold for new food store
Birmingham City Council approves sale of closed Harborne Day Centre to a national retailer for a new supermarket, sparking debate over cuts to vital adult services. Read the full story.
Stealth taxes 'hammering' workers, says think tank
Analysis reveals workers face real-term income cuts due to frozen tax thresholds, while pensioners see gains. The Treasury defends its 'fair and necessary' budget decisions.
Birmingham Council's 2026 Challenges: Strikes & Finances
Birmingham City Council faces a critical year with ongoing strikes and financial fragility. Commissioners see progress but warn of major risks ahead. Read the full analysis.
Reeves' 2026 Tax Warning for Earners Over £35,000
Chancellor Rachel Reeves faces criticism over frozen tax bands, a 'stealth tax' pulling thousands into higher rates. Learn how it impacts wages and pensions.
Birmingham Council's Four Major Risks Amid Recovery
Government commissioners warn of four critical risks, including the bins strike and equal pay liability, facing Birmingham City Council despite 'positive' steps. Read the latest on the authority's fragile financial future.
Major Council Tax Overhaul Announced for England
Councils in England get a £78bn funding boost with a 3% council tax rise cap. Find out what the new multi-year settlement means for your local services.
Workers on £52k hardest hit by new HMRC tax rules
Workers earning £52,000 will be worst affected by new tax changes, including a salary sacrifice cap and frozen thresholds. Discover how the 'triple whammy' impacts you.
Millions face 'invisible pay cut' from Budget rules
Professionals earning £45k-£55k face a stealth tax hit from pension cap and frozen thresholds. Discover how the Autumn Budget impacts your pay and career plans.
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