Scottish households face a wave of new municipal taxes as SNP ministers grant councils unprecedented powers to raise revenue through tourist taxes, workplace parking levies, and other local charges.
From forgotten Italian islands to hidden Scottish glens, Guardian readers reveal their favourite off-the-beaten-track European gems for the perfect crowd-free getaway.
Exclusive investigation reveals how UK councils are implementing Britain's most expensive parking fees, claiming it prevents 'spot-stealing' by non-residents while generating millions in revenue.
A Kent couple returned from holiday to find their home illegally boarded up by the council in a case of mistaken identity, leaving them temporarily homeless and fighting for compensation.
A local council meeting descended into chaos after a Reform UK councillor was called a 'fascist pig', forcing the chairman to suspend proceedings amid unprecedented scenes.
Kent County Council faces financial meltdown, proposing unprecedented council tax hikes and sweeping service cuts to avoid effective bankruptcy. Local residents brace for impact as authority warns of 'difficult decisions' ahead.
A newly Reform-led council in Basildon faces immediate turmoil as opposition parties vow to block all initiatives, raising concerns about local governance paralysis.
Exclusive investigation reveals how Reform UK's controversial 'DOGE-style' austerity measures backfired, leaving Kent residents facing years of increased council tax bills amid financial turmoil.
Hidden in Spain's Basque Country lies Europe's most spectacular garden city that tourism hasn't discovered yet - and it's a paradise for nature lovers seeking authentic Spanish charm.
Former Prime Minister Andrej Babis battles for political survival as Czech voters head to the polls in a crucial election that could reshape Central European politics and determine the country's future direction.
Discover the continent's most captivating urban escapes as Guardian readers share their favourite under-the-radar European cities for 2025, from Marseille's vibrant markets to Helsinki's design scene.
A Reform UK-led council in Nottinghamshire has reversed its decision to bar local journalists from meetings following widespread criticism and accusations of undermining democracy.
Outrage in regional Victoria as South Gippsland Council spends £20,000 on a single public toilet that remains locked and unusable, sparking fury among local residents and businesses.
Haringey Council's flagship housing regeneration scheme faces mounting opposition as local residents and political figures voice concerns over the £2bn development plan.
Outraged residents in Medway face penalties for parking on their own driveways as council enforces controversial new parking rules. Homeowners speak out against what they call 'unfair targeting'.
A furious homeowner reveals how his local council charged him £20,000 in a bitter boundary dispute over a 16ft hedge, exposing what critics call a 'cash cow' system that profits from neighbour wars.
A budget traveller reveals the ultimate hack to exploring 24 European countries for under £2,000, challenging the expensive Interrail pass with a game-changing bus strategy.
Forget summer crowds! Our expert guide reveals the best European destinations for a perfect October escape, from sun-drenched Greek islands to culturally rich cities with ideal weather and fewer tourists.
Money Saving Expert Martin Lewis explains how millions of UK households are missing out on substantial council tax refunds due to simple errors in their property banding.
A retired couple in Westminster are forbidden from decorating their flower pots after the council branded them a fire risk, sparking a debate about council overreach and common sense.
A Missouri widower's tribute to his late wife, a vibrant sunflower garden, is under threat of destruction by local council officials citing zoning violations, sparking a community outcry.
Discover how poet Karl Knights is challenging perceptions and amplifying the voices of council estate residents through a powerful nationwide poetry tour, funded by the Arts Council.
Relive the incredible story of how Europe's Ryder Cup team, led by Bernard Gallacher, used the Concorde to race across the Atlantic and pull off a stunning underdog victory against the USA at Oak Hill in 1995.
Shropshire Council faces financial collapse after investing millions in a relief road project that was never built, with leader revealing devastating impact on local services.
Money Saving Expert Martin Lewis issues urgent warning to millions of UK households who may be overpaying on council tax and could be owed a refund. Check if you're due cash back now.
Households across Middle England are bracing for council tax increases of up to £250 as cash-strapped local authorities seek to plug funding gaps. Discover which regions are hardest hit and why.
A North Shore mother, Natasha Jansen, speaks out after receiving a shocking £60 fine for using a disabled parking space while her leg was immobilised in a full cast, exposing a critical flaw in council enforcement systems.
A 72-year-old man's life is turned upside down after a deep pothole in Westminster leaves him with a shattered ankle. Despite the severity of his injuries, the local council has shockingly rejected his compensation claim, sparking outrage over the state o
Furious parents in Bristol mount a legal challenge against the council, accusing it of 'catastrophic failure' in school admissions that leaves children without places and families in turmoil.
Outraged beach hut owners in Bournemouth declare war on the local council over plans to sell the land beneath their huts for £450,000, just months after imposing crippling rent increases. The bitter dispute highlights a growing conflict over coastal prope