A critical audit report reveals Wirral Council faces a £63m impairment loss on two new office buildings, with one sitting empty. The report also criticises other major projects including Birkenhead Market redevelopment plans.
Walsall Council's cabinet has approved a maximum 4.99% council tax increase alongside £32.83 million in service cuts for the 2026/27 budget, now awaiting full council vote.
Finance officials announced the West Midlands Combined Authority has successfully closed a projected £120 million revenue deficit for 2026/27 without implementing a mayoral precept on council tax or cutting transport budgets.
Dudley Council's financial turnaround has led to unexpected extra spending on recycling, parking, street cleaning, school safety, and civic events in its new budget.
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Solihull councillors clash over potential council tax increases, with a 4.99% rise this year and warnings of up to 9.99% hikes in 2027/28 and 2028/29. The Conservative-led council faces budget challenges amid national funding reforms.
Tamworth Borough Council proposes hiking Assembly Rooms wedding hire fees by up to 220%, while reducing 3G pitch costs for community groups. The changes aim to align with market rates and generate revenue.
Chancellor Rachel Reeves' decision to freeze tax bands could drag more households into higher tax brackets as wages rise, impacting those earning around £35,000 and above.
Several West Midlands councils, including Shropshire and Worcestershire, have received government approval to raise council tax by up to 9%, potentially impacting residents in towns like Bromsgrove and Telford.
Birmingham's Labour council unveils its 2026/27 budget, claiming to have closed a £300m gap and shed its 'bankrupt' tag, but opposition councillors dismiss it as deceptive amid ongoing service cuts and tax hikes.
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Birmingham City Council has advanced plans for a 4.99% council tax increase for 2026/27, potentially raising Band D bills by over £116. The Labour-run authority claims it has closed a £300 million budget gap.
Rochdale Borough Council plans a 2% council tax discount for households in 2026/27, offering average £41 savings while protecting social services funding.
Birmingham City Council plans a 4.99% council tax increase for 2026/27, marking another hike as it recovers from financial crisis, with Band D bills rising over £116.
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.
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.
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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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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The Government has confirmed a new £200 Crisis and Resilience Fund to replace the Household Support Fund from April, offering cash payments for essentials like food and energy bills.
The TV Licence fee is confirmed to increase to £180 from April 2026, with deadlines for paying the current rate and details on free licences for eligible pensioners.
Chancellor Rachel Reeves announces £150 energy bill reduction for millions of UK households starting April, with additional support through expanded Warm Home Discount scheme.
Walsall Council leaders are set to approve a 4.99% council tax increase alongside £32.83m in savings, with Band D households facing £2,627.48 annually.
Chancellor Rachel Reeves announces new Crisis and Resilience Fund offering £200 emergency payments to all households struggling with essentials like food and energy bills.
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Birmingham City Council announces a proposed 5% council tax increase for residents while the bins strike continues to disrupt recycling services across the city.
Birmingham City Council announces a 5% council tax increase proposal for 2026/27, despite ongoing bin strikes leaving households without regular waste collections across the city.
Birmingham City Council unveils its first budget since emerging from bankruptcy, featuring a 4.99% council tax rise and £130 million investment in local services.
Millions of households will see water and council tax bills increase by £147 annually from April, though energy bill reductions and benefit rises may offset some costs.
Most households in England will see council tax bills drop to £0 in February 2026, part of a two-month payment break. This comes ahead of major reforms introducing new bands for high-value properties from 2028.
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Local authorities across England are distributing payments of up to £300 to eligible households through the government's Household Support Fund scheme, with a deadline of March 31, 2026.
