AI Learns UK Slang to Improve Council Phone Services
Researchers are training artificial intelligence to understand regional slang like 'chuck' and 'nowt' so automated council phone lines can comprehend local callers effectively.
Category : Councils
Maximum Council Tax Hikes Fund 20mph Speed Zones
Gloucestershire and Hertfordshire County Councils propose 4.99% council tax rises, the maximum allowed without a referendum, to fund millions for new 20mph speed limit zones.
Council Chief Quits Over £3,000 House of the Dragon Fraud Attempt
A disgraced council chief in Wales was forced to resign after trying to divert £3,000 in filming fees from HBO's House of the Dragon into his personal bank account, admitting fraud and receiving a three-year ban from public office.
Council Tax: 82% of English Councils Plan Maximum Rises
New analysis reveals 125 top-tier councils in England are proposing or confirming council tax rises of at least 4.99% for 2026/27, with Reform UK-led councils showing varied approaches.
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Council Tax: Fewer Maximum Hikes, But Most Areas Face Sharp Rises
Analysis reveals fewer English councils are imposing the maximum 4.99% council tax rise this year, but over 80% still plan sharp increases. Reform UK-led councils show varied approaches amid financial pressures.
Council Accused of Destroying Bird Habitat with Weed Killer
Litchfield Council faces criticism after spraying glyphosate on grass claimed to be a breeding ground for partridge pigeons, a vulnerable species, sparking a dispute over weed identification.
Politico Launches in Canberra, Expanding Global Media Footprint
Politico has officially launched its Australian edition in Canberra, marking a significant expansion into the Asia-Pacific region. The move aims to cover local politics and policy with a global perspective.
Matt Brittin Tipped as Frontrunner for BBC Director General
Former Google executive Matt Brittin is now the prime candidate to become the BBC's next director general, following the withdrawal of other leading contenders from the race.
Council Reorganisation Plans Fail to Deliver Savings
A new report reveals that proposed council shake-up plans are flawed and unlikely to achieve the promised financial savings, raising concerns about local government efficiency.
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Fast Internet Cables Fitted at Andrew's Sandringham Residence
Engineers have installed high-speed internet cables outside Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor's Norfolk home, enabling streaming services. This follows a month-long outage and comes as security teams patrol the area after his recent arrest.
Police and Councils Advise on Driveway Blocking Solutions
Homeowners frustrated by vehicles blocking their driveways now have specific advice from police and councils on legal steps and peaceful resolution methods.
Sydney Councillor's Indigenous Ward Renaming Sparks Debate
Independent Cumberland councillor Ahmed Ouf proposes renaming council wards with Indigenous names, sparking controversy over costs and cultural recognition ahead of a crucial council vote.
SEND Transport Costs Hit £435 Million for Ten Councils
New figures reveal ten councils spent £435 million transporting children with special educational needs last year, with one authority's costs surging by nearly 700%.
Councils Defy Supreme Court Ruling on Biological Sex
A new report reveals that 159 of 317 English councils are failing to comply with the Supreme Court's 'crystal clear' ruling on biological sex, with many maintaining unlawful trans-inclusive policies.
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David Begnaud Starts Media Firm, Stays at CBS News
CBS News contributor David Begnaud launches independent media company Do Good Crew on beehiiv, maintaining his network job. Industry veterans discuss the blend of legacy and independent journalism.
Nurse Ordered to Cut Wisteria Over Unfounded Rat Allegations
An Oxford research nurse was compelled to trim her cherished wisteria on a Grade II listed home after Wiltshire Council insisted it aided rats, despite contradictory evidence from pest experts.
Newsround Presenters Explain Nintendo Switch Controller Mystery
BBC Newsround presenters have finally addressed the long-standing mystery of why they hold Nintendo Switch controllers during broadcasts, revealing their vital role in controlling the autocue script.
Charity Cab Service Banned by Council Despite Raising Funds
A Kent pub landlord's not-for-profit taxi service, which raised hundreds for motor neurone disease, has been halted by Ashford Borough Council due to licensing requirements, sparking criticism.
Councillor Refuses to Resign Over Dog Handling Incident
Salisbury City Council leader Samuel Charleston faces public fury after being filmed lifting his dog by the scruff of its neck at a children's park, but he refuses to step down, calling the reaction 'disproportionate'.
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Businessman Fined £3,000 for Lamppost Flag Display
A Scarborough businessman who used his company's cherry picker to hang Union Jack flags on lampposts has been ordered to pay nearly £3,000 by the council for unauthorised displays.
Scottish Councils Write Off £100m Tax Debt as Bills Rise
Scotland's councils are preparing to cancel nearly £100 million in council tax arrears while planning further bill increases, sparking criticism of unfairness toward compliant taxpayers.
Apple's Pivotal 2026: Redefining the Tech Giant's Future
As Apple prepares to launch its first major products of 2026, the company faces a critical juncture. With executive departures, AI challenges, and political entanglements, this year could determine Apple's trajectory for the next decade.
Martin Lewis: Millions Missing Out on Council Tax Discounts
Money Saving Expert Martin Lewis warns that over two million households are failing to claim council tax discounts, potentially losing thousands of pounds annually due to lack of applications.
Birmingham Council Wins Injunction to Ban Bin Strike Protests
Birmingham City Council has obtained a High Court injunction prohibiting protests at waste depots as the bin strike approaches its first anniversary, with potential imprisonment for violators.
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Cosla Condemns Toxic Online Abuse Against Councillors in Budget Season
Scotland's council umbrella body Cosla has issued a stark warning about escalating toxic online behaviour and abuse directed at councillors as they finalise annual budgets and council tax decisions.
Council Tax Reduction: 5 Factors for 100% Discount Eligibility
Residents across England, Scotland, and Wales could qualify for a Council Tax Reduction of up to 100%. Discover the five key eligibility factors, including income, household composition, and property bands.
Cat Litter in Food Bins Causes Refused Waste Collections
A binman's TikTok warning reveals that cat litter in food waste bins leads to refused collections due to contamination risks and health hazards.
Council Defends Parking Ticket for Broken-Down Bus
Ashford Borough Council insists a traffic warden was correct to issue a penalty notice to an Arriva bus that broke down at a bus stop in Tenterden, Kent, saying the driver left it unattended.
India Joins US-Led Pax Silica for Secure Tech Supply Chains
India has formally joined the US-led Pax Silica initiative, strengthening technology cooperation among allies and marking a reset in bilateral ties after trade tensions.
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Reporter Confronts Council Over Punchbag with His Face
A Wiltshire journalist was shocked to find his face on a punchbag at the town hall, prompting an investigation and raising concerns about journalist safety.
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