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.
Category : Councils
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.
Birmingham bin strike escalates as agency workers walk out
All bin collections in Birmingham suspended after agency staff join the ongoing strike. Unite union claims bullying and blacklisting threats, while the council denies allegations. Find out the latest.
£30k a year spent cleaning paan stains in Wembley
Brent Council launches a zero-tolerance crackdown on paan spitting, costing £30,000 annually in cleaning and posing serious health risks. Offenders face £100 fines.
Portland's 'Tree' Lighting Sparks Christmas Fury
Portland faces backlash after calling Christmas tree 'the tree' and featuring Palestinian protest at lighting ceremony. Critics slam woke agenda as homelessness crisis deepens.
Dublin Council Pulls Herzog Park Renaming Vote
A controversial plan to rename Herzog Park in Dublin has been withdrawn after criticism from the Taoiseach and Israeli officials. Discover the full story behind this diplomatic row.
Monks Accused of Turning Harrison's Manor into Theme Park
Bhaktivedanta Manor, gifted by George Harrison, faces local fury over expansion plans critics call a commercial 'spiritual theme park'. Discover the planning row.
Golden Balls Gladiator statue returns to Wigan
The controversial 20ft golden Roman gladiator statue is back in Wigan after residents campaigned for its return. Read the full story of its comeback.
Councils Rename Streets Linked to Prince Andrew
UK councils are undertaking complex administrative processes to rename streets honouring Prince Andrew, as residents report embarrassment. Discover the challenges and costs involved.
Sydney beach dog ban sparks resident fury
Woollahra Council's controversial ban on dogs at Kutti Beach from late 2025 has triggered backlash from furious locals and a Love Island star. Discover the full story.
Pirate ship in garden sparks council planning row
A pensioner's massive DIY pirate ship, a neighbourhood Halloween favourite, faces a council investigation after a complaint. Steve Coombs says the attraction brings joy, but officials insist it needs planning permission.
Council Tax to Rise 5%: How to Cut Costs
Millions face a 5% council tax hike next year, adding £114 to typical bills. Discover actionable ways to reduce your payments and challenge your band.
Council cancels contract over Union flag display
A parish council terminates a £9,000 contract with a tree surgeon who erected hundreds of Union flags and St George's crosses on lampposts, citing political neutrality.
Crackdown on Profit-Driven Litter Enforcement
Ministers ban private firms from keeping 50-100% of litter fines in England. New statutory guidance aims to end 'for-profit' enforcement injustice. Read the latest.
Parents sue council over son's lagoon drowning
The parents of a four-year-old boy who drowned in a Melbourne lagoon are suing the local council and water authority, alleging inadequate fencing caused the tragedy.
Moray Council orders removal of 2ft hedge on safety grounds
A homeowner in Moray is defying council orders to remove his 2ft tall beech hedge, planted for protection, which officials claim poses a safety risk to road users. Discover the full story behind this local dispute.
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