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Birmingham sees highest council tax increase in England

The city’s households will pay an additional £43.1 million in council tax this year, the largest rise among all local authorities.

council tax

The rise for this year accounts for 29 per cent of the total council tax increase over the last four years.

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BIRMINGHAM residents will face the highest overall increase in council tax in England for the 2025/26 financial year, according to research by Go.Compare Home Insurance.

The city’s households will pay an additional £43.1 million in council tax this year, the largest rise among all local authorities.


Property Wire reported that Windsor and Maidenhead will see the highest increase per household, with eligible properties paying £169.43 more than in 2024/25.

The rise for this year accounts for 29 per cent of the total council tax increase over the last four years.

Nathan Blackler, home insurance expert at Go.Compare, said: “Council tax is an essential household expense, but for many, these rising costs are putting even more pressure on already stretched budgets. If you’re struggling, it’s worth checking if you qualify for council tax reductions or any support schemes in your area.

“At the same time, looking for savings on other bills, like home insurance, could help offset some of these rising costs. Shopping around for a better deal could make a real difference to your monthly outgoings.”

On average, councils have increased tax rates by 4.9 per cent for 2025/26. Some local authorities facing financial difficulties have raised them further.

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 ISKCON's UK birthplace

The building holds deep spiritual importance as ISKCON's UK birthplace

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ISKCON reclaims historic London birthplace for £1.6 million after 56 years

Highlights

  • ISKCON London acquires 7 Bury Place, its first UK temple site opened in 1969, for £1.6 million at auction.
  • Five-storey building near British Museum co-signed by Beatle George Harrison who helped fund original lease.
  • Site to be transformed into pilgrimage centre commemorating ISKCON's pioneering work in the UK.
ISKCON London has successfully reacquired 7 Bury Place, the original site of its first UK temple, at auction for £1.6 m marking what leaders call a "full-circle moment" for the Krishna consciousness movement in Britain.

The 221 square metre freehold five-storey building near the British Museum, currently let to a dental practice, offices and a therapist, was purchased using ISKCON funds and supporter donations. The organisation had been searching for properties during its expansion when the historically significant site became available.

The building holds deep spiritual importance as ISKCON's UK birthplace. In 1968, founder A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada sent three American couples to establish a base in England. The six devotees initially struggled in London's cold, using a Covent Garden warehouse as a temporary temple.

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