Save Weekly Bin Collections in Birmingham Urged
Campaigners call on new Birmingham City Council leaders to protect weekly bin collections from potential cuts to save money and maintain services.
Category : Council Budget
BoE Holds Rates at 3.75%, Cuts Off Until Winter
The Bank of England holds its base rate at 3.75% as inflation stays at 2.8%, with experts predicting no rate cuts until winter. Mortgage cuts may continue.
Dudley Council Cuts £40m Borrowing Amid Financial Strain
Dudley Council reduced its long-term borrowing by over £40m in 2024/25 as reserves dropped to critical levels. Audited accounts show spending cuts and a governance delay over a leisure centre sale.
Rachel Reeves Confirms 55p Per Mile Tax Relief
Chancellor Rachel Reeves has announced an increase in mileage allowance for work-related car travel from 45p to 55p per mile, backdated to April 2026.
HMRC Confirms Inheritance Tax Changes Costing £34,000
HMRC has confirmed new inheritance tax rules for pensions, effective from April 2027, impacting 10,500 estates with an average additional liability of £34,000.
Winter Fuel Payment Rules: Some Pensioners Must Repay
Winter Fuel Payments for 2026: all pensioners get £200/£300 initially, but those with incomes over £35,000 must repay via monthly state pension deductions.
John Healey Resigns as Defence Secretary Over Funding
John Healey has resigned as Defence Secretary, accusing PM Keir Starmer of failing to provide adequate funding for the Defence Investment Plan, citing rising threats and insufficient resources.
UK Bank Holidays Rise from Eight to Nine for Thousands
Thousands of UK households will enjoy an extra bank holiday on June 15, marking Scotland's World Cup participation, increasing the annual count from eight to nine.
HS2 Station Site Opens for Homes and Jobs by 2030
Solihull Council confirms land around HS2 Interchange Station will be available from 2030, enabling thousands of homes and jobs at Arden Cross development.
Dudley Council Debates Cuts to Holiday Food Scheme
Dudley Council will discuss a 2.4% cut to the Holiday Activities and Food Programme funding, reducing it from £1.27m to £1.24m for 2026/27, affecting low-income families.
HMRC Tax-Free Allowance for State Pensioners from 2027
From 2027, state pensioners relying solely on DWP benefits will be shielded from tax under a new HMRC personal allowance, as confirmed by Chancellor Rachel Reeves.
DWP State Pension Change Proposed for Under-40s
A new report urges the Labour government to allow under-40s to access a year's state pension early, providing £12,548 to help with home buying or debt reduction.
Met Office Heatwave: Exact Start Date for 30C Heat
The Met Office has issued a heatwave update, forecasting much warmer temperatures from June 13. Temperatures could reach 30C, with a chance of hitting heatwave criteria again.
240,000 in court over £490m unpaid council tax in West Midlands
Nearly 240,000 people were summoned to court in the West Midlands for unpaid council tax, with £490m owed. GMB union calls for reform and more central government funding.
Final Round of Tameside Pride in Place Impact Fund Open
Tameside's £1.5m Pride in Place Impact Fund final round opens until July 2026 for community projects improving spaces, parks, and high streets.
Colmore Row Pavement Restoration Underway After Public Outcry
Luxury paving stones on Birmingham's Colmore Row are being restored after National Grid works left tarmac patches, following campaigner pressure and media intervention.
DWP Urged Not to Introduce 'Perverse' Change for Pensioners
A Birmingham pensioner writes to The Telegraph opposing scrapping the Triple Lock, arguing state pension is low while welfare waste is high. Age UK urges retention.
WW2 Bomb Found in Coventry Triggers Evacuations
A World War II bomb discovered in Coventry led to evacuations and road closures. Bomb disposal experts handled the device safely.
Councillor demands probe after former college fire
A Birmingham councillor has called for an investigation after a fire 'devastated' the former Hunters Hill College site, raising concerns about neglect and financial mismanagement.
Solihull Children's Services Intervention Ends After Improvements
The government's intervention in Solihull Council's children's services has ended following major improvements since the murder of Arthur Labinjo-Hughes.
Manchester City Centre Expansion: Economic Boost Ahead
Manchester plans to expand its city centre, aiming to become the UK's most significant economic hub outside London, with new housing, jobs, and green spaces.
July Bank Holiday Confirmed for Northern Ireland After Scottish Bonus
Northern Ireland will enjoy a July bank holiday on 13 July, weeks after Scotland's bonus day for the 2026 World Cup. Upcoming holidays include summer bank holiday and Christmas.
DWP Confirms £100-£300 Winter Fuel Payments for Millions
DWP confirms Winter Fuel Payments of £100 to £300 for retirees. Most receive automatically; opt-out available. Income over £35,000 means repayment.
Sandwell Reform Leader: Substantial Savings Found
New Sandwell Council leader Cllr Ray Nock says 'substantial savings' have been identified as Reform seeks to deliver election promises including weekly bin collections, free parking, and a council tax freeze.
DWP £200 Payments for Pensioners Born After 1946
The DWP confirms £200 Winter Fuel Payments for state pensioners born after 1946, with payments starting in November. Over-80s receive £300, but income limits apply.
New council tax rule lets pensioners delay payments until death
The Labour government's new High Value Council Tax Surcharge on properties worth £2m+ includes a deferral scheme for low-income homeowners, allowing delays until sale or death.
Tributes to 'true Swansea statesman' Robert Francis-Davies
Politicians in Swansea have paid tribute to long-serving councillor Robert Francis-Davies, describing him as an oracle, mentor, and friend with a mischievous side.
UK Households Face £7,500 'Death Tax' Under Labour Plan
UK households brace for a 'death tax' as Labour's mansion tax targets properties over £2 million, with deferred payments potentially exceeding £115,000.
Pay-Per-Mile Tax for EVs Faces Criticism Over Net Zero Goals
Rachel Reeves' pay-per-mile tax for electric vehicles could deter drivers from switching, slowing net zero ambitions, experts warn.
HMRC Inheritance Tax Rule Change 'Nightmare' for Families
A Labour government inheritance tax rule change from April 2027 could increase bills by £34,000 on average, causing chaos for grieving families as pensions become part of estates.
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