Merton Council Tax Rise: 4% Hike, Lower Than Neighbors
Merton Council plans a 4% council tax increase for 2026/27, citing government funding changes. Band D bills to rise by £64 yearly, with cuts and savings over £7.2 million.
Category : Local Councils
Bristol Bench Facing Wall Sparks Urban Seating Debate
Bristol council defends a new bench installed facing a brick wall, promising future shade from a planned tree. This sparks a broader discussion about poorly placed benches in cities like York, where many overlook unlovely views or turn away from scenic vi
North London Men Fined £1,160 for Blue Badge Fraud
Two men from Enfield and Palmers Green have been fined a combined £1,160 for Blue Badge fraud after using stolen and cancelled badges in Lodge Drive Car Park.
McDonald's Loses Court Appeal Over Late Opening Hours
A West London McDonald's has failed in its court appeal against Hammersmith and Fulham Council's decision to deny extended operating hours, with magistrates ruling the refusal was 'proportionate and necessary'.
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Wandsworth Freezes Council Tax Again, Remains UK's Lowest
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 Kent Council Budget Sparks 'Extreme Risk' Warnings
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 Council Tax Rises 4.99% as Budget Cuts Loom
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 Council Tax Rises 4.99% as Homelessness Costs Soar
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.
West London Borough Fines Professional Begging Groups
Hammersmith and Fulham Council introduces a new Public Spaces Protection Order targeting professional begging groups, face coverings, and anti-social gatherings with £100 fines.
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Fines for Bins Left Out Over House Price Worries
Tewkesbury residents may be fined for leaving bins out, as local society cites property devaluation, unsightliness, and accessibility issues in historic area.
Wandsworth Sets Lowest UK Council Tax for Fourth Year
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 Council Tax to Rise 4.99% as Debt Burden Hits £1.4bn
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.
Youth Service 'Black Holes' in Half of England's Councils
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.
Knowsley Youth Services Struggle with Funding Crisis
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'
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Council Defends £6,000 Takeaway Spending Amid Criticism
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 Flag Grants Called 'Flag Terror' Amid Tensions
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 Seeks £19m Bailout, 72% Spend on Care
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: No Cuts, Max Tax Hike, £125m Homes
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 Tax Hike: £100 Increase Amid Funding Crisis
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.
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Richmond Council Tax Hike: Full Breakdown by Band
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 to Raise Council Tax by 4.99%
Sutton Council plans a 4.99% council tax increase and £13.3 million in cuts, blaming government funding reforms and rising demand for services.
North London Community Centre Closed Over Fire Safety
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.
Council Failed Orphan to Save Money, Court Rules
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'.
London Council to Auction Empty Shops in High Street Revival
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.
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Birmingham's Recovery: Residents Question Human Cost
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.
Reform UK Councils: Residents Share Experiences After Wins
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.
Fly-tippers caught after Instagram boasting
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 Proposes Major Council Tax Rise in Worcestershire
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's £1.7bn Regeneration Faces 'Worst Place' Reputation
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.
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Wimbledon and Mitcham Police Station Front Counters to Close
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.
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