Category : Local Councils


Harold Hill Chip Shop Closes After 74 Years for Regeneration

Fish'n'Chick'n in Harold Hill, run by three generations of the Lipscombe family since 1952, will close on March 13 due to a Havering Council regeneration scheme that will demolish the building to make way for 481 new homes and community facilities.

Hackney Council's £200M Budget for Housing & Streets

Hackney Council's 2026/27 budget allocates over £200 million for housing maintenance and £13.6 million for street repairs, funded by a 4.99% council tax rise. The budget meeting saw a Labour councillor defect to the Greens, highlighting political tensions

Westminster Council Freezes Tax Using Reserves in Election Row

Westminster City Council has voted to freeze its share of council tax for 2026/27, using £19.7m from reserves to balance the budget. The move sparks accusations of political opportunism from the Conservative opposition, as a 2% rise in the social care pre

Southwark Council Tax Rise Approved Amid £80M Funding Gap

Southwark Council has passed a 4.99% council tax increase for 2026/27, adding £69 annually for Band D households. The Labour-run council faces an £80 million funding gap over three years, with opposition parties accusing them of failing residents.

Greenwich Play Centre Staff Cuts Proceed Despite Opposition

Greenwich Council will remove staffed provision at two Adventure Play Centres despite community opposition and political challenges. The council plans to invest £2.1m in remaining sites while converting others into unsupervised playgrounds.

Council Tax Increases: Search Your Local Authority Table

Council tax will rise across England, Scotland, and Wales from April 2026, with many areas facing steep hikes. Analysis reveals 82% of English authorities plan increases of at least 4.99%, while some councils in Scotland and Wales see even higher rates.

Ridley Road Market Traders Threatened with Eviction

Over a dozen vendors at Ridley Road Market's indoor section have received eviction notices, citing a Met crackdown on antisocial behaviour, which the police dispute. This marks the second major threat to the historic market in a decade.

West London Council Approves Budget with Tax Increases

Hammersmith and Fulham Council has passed a balanced budget for 2026/27 featuring a 4.99% council tax increase, despite significant government funding cuts and opposition attacks on fee hikes and housing conditions.

Page 6 of 20
Pickt mobile sticky banner — logo, tagline and CTA button