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.
Category : Council Budget
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.
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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.
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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'.
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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.
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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.
3.3m hit by pension tax change from 2029
Chancellor Rachel Reeves confirms a £2,000 cap on salary sacrifice pension contributions, affecting 3.3 million workers. Experts warn it could reduce savings. Read the full analysis.
Middle earners up to £52k hit hardest by budget changes
Analysis reveals workers earning up to £52,000 will be worst affected by a 'triple whammy' of tax and policy changes from the Autumn Budget. Discover the key impacts.
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Staffordshire Council to save £2.67m in efficiency review
Staffordshire County Council's Reform UK-led efficiency review identifies £2.67 million in savings, impacting mobile libraries, voluntary sector contracts, and concessionary fares. Details of the financial strategy to be published in January.
E-bikes face ban as council issues operators final warning
Islington Council issues a final warning to e-bike hire firms Lime and Forest over dangerous parking and noise. Could shared e-bikes be banned? Read the latest.
Birmingham Council Sells Alpha Tower Amid Bankruptcy
Birmingham City Council approves the sale of the Grade II listed Alpha Tower to aid its financial recovery. The move follows the council's effective bankruptcy declaration in 2023. Read the full story.
Tax receipts jump £41.8bn after Reeves' Budget
HMRC data reveals a £41.8bn rise in tax receipts to £579bn, driven by threshold freezes. Read the full analysis of the Chancellor's fiscal impact.
Senedd Backs £116m Business Rates Relief Scheme
The Senedd has unanimously approved a £116m transitional relief scheme to phase in tax increases for 25,000 Welsh businesses after the 2026 revaluation. Learn how this support will work.
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UK government borrowing tops £11.7bn in November
UK public sector borrowing reached £11.7bn last month, surpassing economist forecasts despite a surge in tax revenues. Discover the fiscal challenges facing the Chancellor.
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