Reform's Kent Council Budget Gap Hits £60m
Kent County Council, run by Reform UK, faces a £60 million budget shortfall next year even with a maximum council tax rise. Leaked documents reveal spending pressures and fears of severe service cuts.
Category : Councils
Millions face potential local election delays until 2027
Up to 63 council areas in England may postpone May 2026 local elections to 2027 amid a government reorganisation of town halls. See the full list of affected areas.
Six Councils Can Raise Tax Over 5% Without Vote
Six London councils can raise council tax by over 5% without a referendum after government funding cuts. The move aims to improve fairness but sparks political row.
Council Tax Could Soar 75% in Wealthier Areas
Labour's new funding formula diverts cash to deprived councils, forcing affluent areas to hike taxes. Wandsworth and Westminster could see bills skyrocket. Is this fair?
Labour's funding shake-up could trigger council tax rises
Economists warn Labour's council funding raid could force tax increases across the UK, with six areas facing unlimited rises from 2027. Discover the impact on your bills.
Community restores felled war memorial Christmas tree
Residents of Shotton Colliery rally to repair and fundraise for their vandalised Christmas tree, a living war memorial, after a shocking chainsaw attack. Discover the heartwarming story of community spirit.
Council Tax to Rise as New Funding Formula Shifts Cash
A new three-year funding settlement for English councils uses a 'Fair Funding' formula to direct more cash to deprived areas. Find out if your council tax bill will increase and which local authorities are affected.
New funding deal boosts deprived councils, cuts affluent ones
Manchester, Bradford and outer London boroughs gain spending power in a new three-year settlement aimed at 'left-behind places', while affluent southern councils face cuts. Will it restore pride?
Council funding formula shifts cash to 'deprived' areas
A new 'fairer' funding system for England will divert central cash to the most deprived areas, pressuring councils in London and the South East. Five London boroughs will see council tax caps removed.
Major Council Tax Change Announced for England
English councils get a £78bn funding boost with a 23% spending power rise. Council tax rises capped at 3%, with extra for social care. Find out what it means for you.
Bristol to Place Van Dweller Sites in Wealthy Neighbourhoods
Bristol's Green-led council plans 250 temporary pitches for vehicle dwellers in affluent areas, aiming for equity. The move follows controversy over vans on the Downs. Read the full story.
Council Denies Parking Fines After Bondi Attack
Waverley Council has been forced to publicly deny false claims it issued parking fines following the Bondi Beach terror attack. The council confirms the area remains an active crime scene.
Reform UK's turbulent first seven months in local power
After taking control of 10 councils, Reform UK's 'anti-woke' agenda faces the reality of local government in Lancashire. Helen Pidd reports on care home closures and rising complaints.
Five Labour councillors defect to Greens in London
Sir Keir Starmer's Labour Party suffers a significant setback as five councillors in Brent, London, join the Green Party ahead of crucial local elections. Read the full analysis.
Scottish councillors set for £26k 'golden goodbyes'
Controversial severance payments for outgoing Scottish councillors could cost taxpayers £10m per election. Critics slam the move as 'preposterous' amid record-high council tax.
Unauthorised Traveller Camp Sparks Fury in Birmingham Park
Residents in Birmingham are outraged as an unauthorised traveller encampment with over ten caravans remains in Perry Barr Park for over two weeks, with locals claiming the council has 'done nothing'. Read the full story.
Detroit reflects on Mayor Mike Duggan's legacy
As Mayor Mike Duggan's final term ends, Detroit assesses his transformative tenure, marked by population growth, reduced blight, and economic recovery. Discover the city's journey from bankruptcy.
London councils spend £500m on private firms in 2024
A new report exposes London councils' 'sustained reliance' on consultancy and outsourcing firms, with spending exceeding half a billion pounds last year. Discover the impact of austerity and the call to rebuild public services.
US Politician Names Gun 'Tiffany' After Rock Attack
A Forest Park councilwoman reveals she now carries a 9mm handgun named 'Tiffany' for protection following alleged attacks and a cover-up claim. Read the explosive details.
£3.1m illegal tobacco seized in north London raids
Barnet Trading Standards officers have seized over £3 million worth of illegal tobacco, cigarettes, and vapes in a major crackdown across north London. Read about the raids and arrests.
Dinosaur Dumps Rubbish in Southend Wheelie Bin Row
A fly-tipper in a purple T-Rex costume was caught on camera dumping bin bags in Southend, avoiding a £400 fine. The bizarre incident highlights local fury over a controversial new wheelie bin system.
Swindon Council pays £138k after own vans clamped
Swindon Borough Council has paid £138,000 in fines after its own highway maintenance vans were clamped outside its offices. Deputy leader calls it 'not our finest hour'. Read the full story.
Wrong cherry tree felled in Kew due to contractor error
A healthy, mature cherry tree in Kew was mistakenly chopped down after contractors confused streets with the same name. The firm has apologised and sourced a replacement. Read the full story.
Council removes Aboriginal flags, restricts ceremonies
A New South Wales council has voted to remove Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander flags from chambers and require approval for Welcome to Country ceremonies. The controversial decision has sparked debate over civic neutrality and recognition.
Leicester's paan spitting epidemic stains streets, sparks fury
Leicester residents are fed up as streets are stained red-brown by paan spit. Despite £150 fines and signs, the issue is 'out of control', causing disgust and health concerns.
£70 Food Vouchers Issued Before Christmas in Wakefield
Wakefield Council is distributing £70 supermarket vouchers to low-income households receiving council tax support. Find out if you're eligible and learn about similar schemes across the UK.
Chicago Proposes $1.25 Package Fee in Budget Battle
Chicago lawmakers propose a $1.25 delivery fee and doubled rubbish charges to tackle a $1.15bn deficit, clashing with the mayor over migrant spending. Discover the budget battle details.
Armed Police at Belfast City Hall After Palestine Flag Vote
Armed police were stationed at Belfast City Hall after councillors voted to raise the Palestinian flag, sparking unionist anger and legal threats. Read the latest on this divisive issue.
£450k for Pooh as town protests asylum seeker camp
Wealden District Council faces backlash for spending £450,000 on Winnie-the-Pooh's centenary while residents demand CCTV restoration. Thousands protest nearby asylum seeker plans. Read the full story.
Birmingham bin collections suspended amid strike
Bin collections in Birmingham are suspended as agency workers join the strike. Rubbish piles up amid allegations of bullying and threats from council management. Read the latest.
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