Wandsworth Council confirms a minimal 2% council tax increase for 2026/27, keeping it the lowest in the UK. Despite special permission to raise rates above the national cap, the borough continues its freeze policy, with average Band D households paying £1
Reform UK's showcase council in Kent has passed its first budget with a 3.99% council tax increase, drawing criticism for exposing the authority to over £410m in financial risks and cuts to vulnerable services.
Lewisham residents face a 4.99% council tax increase for 2026/27, with Band D households paying £2,237. The hike comes alongside £30 million in budget cuts, including reductions to children's services and adult social care.
Islington residents face a 4.99% council tax increase, with Band D paying £96 more annually. The North London borough cites tripled homelessness spending and rising service demands as key drivers.
Hammersmith and Fulham Council introduces a new Public Spaces Protection Order targeting professional begging groups, face coverings, and anti-social gatherings with £100 fines.
Tewkesbury residents may be fined for leaving bins out, as local society cites property devaluation, unsightliness, and accessibility issues in historic area.
Wandsworth Council plans to freeze its core council tax share and implement a minimal 2% adult social care increase, keeping bills the lowest nationally despite special powers to raise rates higher.
Croydon residents face another maximum council tax increase of 4.99% as the borough grapples with historic £1.4bn debt and soaring service demands, despite recent government funding changes.
A groundbreaking study reveals nearly half of England's council areas have youth work 'black holes' with minimal services despite high deprivation and antisocial behavior, highlighting severe inequalities and funding cuts since 2010.
Youth centers in Knowsley, Merseyside, including The Boyzee at Halewood Youth in Community Centre, are battling severe funding shortages despite serving communities for nearly six decades. Research reveals the borough has the most youth work 'black holes'
Labour-run Southwark Council has spent over £6,000 on takeaways and food deliveries since 2022, with opposition calling it 'frankly insulting' during a cost of living crisis.
Rotherham Council offers £500 grants for Union Jack and St George flags, accused of appeasing far-right groups in a town with history of racial conflict and asylum protests.
Waltham Forest Council requires a £19 million government loan to balance its budget, with 72% of spending on social care and housing. Council tax will rise 4.99% as the borough faces an £80% housing demand surge.
Hounslow Council confirms no frontline service cuts despite maximum 4.99% council tax increase, with £125m investment in new social homes and budget clarifications on housing and domestic violence support.
Bromley Council proposes a 4.99% council tax increase, adding £97.58 to average bills, while warning of £30m annual losses from government funding changes by 2028/29.
Richmond residents face a council tax increase of up to 4.99% from April 2026, with Band D households paying nearly £2,500 annually due to government funding reductions.
Sutton Council plans a 4.99% council tax increase and £13.3 million in cuts, blaming government funding reforms and rising demand for services.
Brent Council has temporarily closed St Raphael's Community Centre in Stonebridge due to fire safety concerns, sparking criticism from residents over lack of notice and transparency.
A High Court has ruled Hounslow Council acted unlawfully by leaving an orphaned child in squalid conditions to avoid financial responsibilities of making him 'looked after'.
Lambeth Council launches a pilot scheme to auction shops empty over a year in Brixton, West Norwood, and Clapham, aiming to revitalise high streets and boost local economy.
Birmingham City Council declares it's 'no longer bankrupt' after asset sales and cuts, but residents report increased social isolation and crime due to closed services.
Following Reform UK's breakthrough in May 2025 local elections, taking control of 10 councils including Kent, residents discuss changes to services, council tax, and governance.
Four men fined £1,876 after filming themselves fly-tipping in Harrow and posting it online with mocking captions. Council enforcement officers quickly identified and prosecuted them.
Reform UK has announced plans for a significant council tax increase in Worcestershire, potentially the largest in England, sparking debate over local funding and public services.
Luton residents express concerns over crime and unemployment while council leaders defend a £1.7bn regeneration project aiming to transform the Bedfordshire town over 20-30 years.
The Metropolitan Police will close public front counters at Wimbledon and Mitcham police stations from February 28, forcing residents to travel outside the borough for face-to-face services.
Sue Farthing's pet rooster Colonel faces seizure after noise complaints in Aldeby village, highlighting tensions between rural traditions and council regulations.
In Newton Aycliffe, County Durham, a high street owned by billionaire brothers lies in decay, with boarded-up shops and closed banks, raising questions about ownership and community prosperity ahead of the election.
The Angel Pub in Roehampton could have its licence revoked following a police raid that found drugs, but locals have launched a petition to save the community hub.
Hammersmith and Fulham Council is set to require planning permission for small HMOs, joining other London boroughs in addressing concerns about rental properties.